In the lead-up to their first Korean mini album, NCT Wish have already delivered the SHINee-esque pre-release Dunk Shot. Now, they’ve given us another taste of what’s to come with the lighter pop of 3 Minutes (3분까진 필요 없어). I’m assuming this isn’t the title track since the album doesn’t arrive until next week, but I’m certainly not one to complain about more promoted music.
By now, it’s clear that NCT Wish are targeting a similar market to early NCT Dream, offering bright jolts of bubblegum pop with just enough edge to tie them into the NCT brand. 3 Minutes sounds the most Dream-like yet, pulsing along retro synth stabs and sweet melodies that might have sounded like a nursery rhyme in different context. The group’s youthful voices compliment this sugary sound, making the concept feel authentic to them.
The song’s production throws in a few band elements for good measure, adding rock percussion that helps anchor the otherwise buoyant instrumental. The arrangement is more complex than it lets on, even if 3 Minutes is built upon a relatively simple series of hooks that repeat often. The track is more ‘quirky side quest’ than ‘epic journey,’ and that approach will likely fit in well on the album. Now I’m even more curious to hear how their title track will sound.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
9
Bias
8
RATING
8.25