After years of waiting for JYP Entertainment to debut their team from 2021’s LOUD survival series, KickFlip were one of my most anticipated new acts of 2025. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to connect with their music so far. I was hoping the songs would grow on me with time, but if anything the opposite has happened. There’s a very fine line between rambunctious/fun/cheeky and cloying. For me, songs like Mama Said lean further toward the latter. Fortunately, follow-up track Knock Knock points a new way forward.
I’ve long had a love-and-hate relationship with JYP’s musical output. The agency seems to favor highly repetitive, nursey rhyme hooks — especially when it comes to boy groups. At its best, Knock Knock has a groovy sound reminiscent of EXO’s classic Growl. I like the tight vocal harmonies that buttress the song’s hook and wish they were framed around more engaging melodies. While I don’t particularly like the chorus, the way it’s delivered is captivating and fresh. Given different material, it’s clear KickFlip could (and hopefully will) be a formidable rookie group.
So rather than spend too much time dissecting Knock Knock, I prefer to think of the song as a roadmap for future endeavors. I hope the group eases away from gimmicks and explores the more soulful aspects of their vocal line. This song works best in service to its groove, especially when the vocals forge their own rhythm.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
7.75