Though I had waited years for KickFlip’s debut, the resulting music left me mostly cold. It’s clear that JYP Entertainment wants to give them a youthful, rebellious concept, but the songs felt like they could have been delivered by any other boy group of this generation and the hooks often grated when I wanted them to soar.
New single Freeze isn’t miles away from that debut material, but by adding a dose of rock bombast the track is able to anchor its more tiresome elements with a triumphant chorus. Honestly, every part of the song that doesn’t feature electric guitar could use a rewrite. The verses are plonky and underwhelming and the tempo-shifting “freeze” breakdowns should have been jettisoned entirely. But when the guys lock in to the track’s pop/rock chorus, Freeze becomes an energetic burst of summer singalong bliss. I know K-pop prides itself on blending genres and upending expectations, but sometimes a straightforward banger is the way to go and KickFlip fit this sound very well.
This contrast leaves me in an odd place with Freeze. I find myself sitting through a bunch of musical nonsense with the knowledge that there’s a great rush of adrenaline waiting around every corner. Many songs this year are more nonsense than “great rush,” so I guess I should be thankful for baby steps in the right direction. If KickFlip can build upon the strongest moments of Freeze for future comebacks, their third time might just be the charm.
Hooks
9
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8.25