DXMON are making their first comeback since the withdrawal of member Jo (the guy who used to sport the spiky red hair). I wasn’t a huge fan of their debut, but follow-up Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls stood as a late-spring highlight. I’d love to hear them go further down that melodic route, but new single Zip Zip Zip (찍찍찍) swerves in the opposite direction.
Zip Zip Zip is the latest work from prolific producer Dem Jointz. For me, his misses far outweigh his (admittedly great) highlights, but that’s a matter of taste. I’ve never loved this harsh, angular NCT sound. It’s a decent match for DXMON, but I can’t find many redeeming qualities in Zip Zip Zip. The song is the latest in an endless supply of “I’m the best” swaggy hype tracks and tips even further into the disjointed, experimental side of NCT’s sonic oeuvre. The song constantly upends itself, switching gears in a jarring arrangement. And somewhere along the way, Zip Zip Zip forgets to include a compelling hook.
Above all else, this song just doesn’t sound pleasant to my ears. I find almost every bit of it grating, from the tinny percussion to the sharp vocal delivery. Without a stellar chorus to grab hold of, the song sounds like five guys shouting at me for three minutes. I can think of many more enjoyable ways to spend my time.
Hooks
6
Production
6
Longevity
7
Bias
6
RATING
6.25