The title of EVNNE’s new single practically begs for a snarky review. The quotes write themselves, but the truth is K-pop songs are rarely hot messes anymore. The industry has become too streamlined and safe for things like that to happen. This Hot Mess also feels safe with current trends in mind, but it’s still a reasonably fun time.
EVNNE’s last Korean single took an anthemic pop/rock approach, forgoing the heavy dance floor drive of earlier work. Hot Mess continues to indulge in guitars but takes a quirkier approach, melding its power pop riffs to a chanted hook and general sense of rambunctious energy. This is a well-worn boy group template and can be a lot of fun if given the right song. Hot Mess is definitely fun but the song is a bit repetitive for my taste. Despite its excitement, the chorus spins its wheels without hitting any notable peaks. And at under two-and-a-half minutes, the song isn’t given space to develop beyond its novelty.
On the plus side, I’ll always be up for this style of bright energy in K-pop. I like the percolating percussion underlining the track and there are a few promising guitar riffs buried at the start of verse two before the track pulls back. This is a nice direction for EVNNE and makes for an enjoyable addition to their discography. However, it doesn’t push their music forward in any way.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8