2024 is bounding out of the gate with debuts. ALL(H)OURS is the latest in a string of new groups, each competing for their own sliver of the market. It’s been a mixed bag so far, with Waker being my favorite of the bunch this month.
As I often say, the guys of ALL(H)OURS seem to have a ton of potential. K-pop just doesn’t debut groups unless they’re polished. That’s a given at this point. And with a stronger song, their cacophonous rock-meets-hip-hop sound could also be fun. However, Gotcha (으랏차차) feels too familiar and derivative for its own good. I’m sure what to write about it that I haven’t written thousands of times. In another world, the producers would have been able to take this turbo-charged energy and focus it into a series of tight hooks to create something as stirring and immortal as Rising Sun. Instead, the guys spend most of their time shouting and growling around a series of lackluster showpieces that feel like boilerplate boy group fare. It’s not bad… just unnecessary.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5