Mandatory military enlistment can often be a big hurdle in a male idol’s career, but WOODZ has seen his popularity skyrocket during the time he was serving. I can’t remember such a huge enlistment-era glow-up happening before, and WOODZ seems eager to capitalize on the surge. Ahead of a new album, he’s released new song Smashing Concrete only days after being discharged.
This is also pretty unheard of, and a testament to WOODZ’s focus. He’s clearly passionate about his career as a musician and we’re all lucky for that. And rather than re-emerge with a sentimental “for the fans” ballad, he’s come out rocking hard. In fact, Smashing Concrete goes harder than just about anything in his discography so far. This is a daring choice, especially as his current breakthrough track Drowning is far more plaintive in comparison.
Smashing Concrete borrows heavily from the rock music of the 90’s — a genre and sound that used to be incredibly popular in Korea before the idol industry took hold. This song is raw and powerful, though lacks a bit when it comes to melodic hooks. The instrumental shreds with hulking power, driven by a pummeling riff and aggressive percussion. WOODZ’s vocals are filtered throughout, almost as if he’s singing in a different space than the band. Much of the song is comprised of what I’d call “melodic shouting,” which can be fun but also exhausting. I would have loved to hear a contrasting moment of clarity that cuts through the distorted texture, but I don’t think Smashing Concrete wants to be that kind of song. I admire what it’s doing, but I doubt I’ll return to it.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
