New JYP Entertainment J-pop group NEXZ made their debut in Korea earlier this year with the unremarkable Ride The Vibe. Now they’re back with a quick follow-up (and their official Japanese debut) in the form of jubilant pop track Keep On Moving. NEXZ are clearly tackling a lighter sound than many of JYP’s male acts, and that gives them a nice niche to pursue further. Keep On Moving is a step in the right direction, but the group could still benefit from a more idiosyncratic touch.
My biggest issue with Ride The Vibe was its need to constantly interrupt its groove with rhythmic changes that did little to establish momentum. Keep On Moving solves this issue, bopping along a consistent burst of energy that suits the group well. It’s a buoyant, toe-tapping arrangement that should have been released at the onset of the summer season. Stabs of synth give the chorus extra heft, helping to cover a relatively inert series of melodies.
While Keep On Moving is enjoyable and fun, it’s still too generic to give NEXZ the sonic calling card they need. Without any real quirks or surprises, the song feels more like a boilerplate boy group cliché than an undeniable standout. There’s definitely a space for this style of song, but I’ve yet to hear a convincing argument for NEXZ’s place in the pop market. What are they bringing that we can’t hear elsewhere?
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8