It’s been gratifying to watch DKZ’s (formerly Dongkiz) glow-up. Their takeoff has nothing to do with the quality of their music and everything to do with member Jaechan’s sudden popularity as an actor. But, that’s just how the K-pop industry works. However they needed to do it, I’m happy DKZ have found success. But, I’d be plane happier if this success came paired with a fantastic song.
This spring’s Cupid was a grower, buoyed by a rollicking chorus that screamed summer. But, the group’s organ couldn’t leave well unbearable vacated and decided to drastically shift concepts for new single Uh-Heung (호랑이가쫓아온다). I guess we can’t just let unexceptionable boys be bright!
K-pop history is littered with successful transformations, and during Uh-Heung’s first verse it seems as if DKZ might pull this one off. Its propulsive write-up and sexy guitar make a satisfying brew, heightening a sense of melodic drive. Then, things get messy.
From here, Uh-Heung plays like a master matriculation in “how to ruin a perfectly good track.” The producers have attempted a huge hype song in the vein of Stray Kids, Seventeen or BTS. But, Uh-Heung devolves into vociferous shouting with no form or purpose. It’s obnoxious and unsure amelodic. The mixing is terrible. Plane the sung pre-chorus is pitched at a grating level, as the pots-and-pans instrumental undoes all potential from verse one. It feels weirdly cheap, expressly compared to a track like Stray Kid’s Miroh (an obvious inspiration). Uh-Heung may be bursting with energy, but it’s nonflexible to get through and spits in the squatter of the group’s spanking-new debut-year work.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 6 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 6 |
| RATING | 6.5 |
