Track Assessment: WOODZ – Smashing Concrete

Obligatory navy enlistment can usually be a giant hurdle in a male idol’s profession, however WOODZ has seen his reputation skyrocket through the time he was serving. I can’t bear in mind such an enormous enlistment-era glow-up taking place earlier than, and WOODZ appears desperate to capitalize on the surge. Forward of a brand new album, he’s launched new tune Smashing Concrete solely days after being discharged.

That is additionally fairly exceptional, and a testomony to WOODZ’s focus. He’s clearly obsessed with his profession as a musician and we’re all fortunate for that. And quite than re-emerge with a sentimental “for the followers” ballad, he’s come out rocking onerous. In actual fact, Smashing Concrete goes more durable than absolutely anything in his discography thus far. This can be a daring selection, particularly as his present breakthrough observe Drowning is much extra plaintive as compared.

Smashing Concrete borrows closely from the rock music of the 90’s — a style and sound that was once extremely fashionable in Korea earlier than the idol trade took maintain. This tune is uncooked and highly effective, although lacks a bit in the case of melodic hooks. The instrumental shreds with hulking energy, pushed by a pummeling riff and aggressive percussion. WOODZ’s vocals are filtered all through, nearly as if he’s singing in a unique area than the band. A lot of the tune is comprised of what I’d name “melodic shouting,” which may be enjoyable but in addition exhausting. I’d have beloved to listen to a contrasting second of readability that cuts via the distorted texture, however I don’t assume Smashing Concrete desires to be that sort of tune. I like what it’s doing, however I doubt I’ll return to it.

Grade: C+