Earlier this month, JYP Entertainment rookies KickFlip pre-released the anthemic pop/rock track Band-Aid, showcasing a sonic upgrade that fits them so well. That soundscape continues with new title track My First Love Song (처음 불러보는 노래), which underpins its rock energy with a consistently bounding beat.
There’s a brightness to this song that helps it stand out among the many rock-themed tracks we’ve heard this year. I love its blend of guitar and synth. This texture reminds me of a youth drama and manages to be simultaneously angsty and celebratory. And though My First Love Song‘s runtime is short, it doesn’t slouch for a moment. We’re at full intensity from the moment the instrumental kicks in. This goes a long way toward selling the song’s concept as it feels like a clumsy, unrehearsed confession.
While My First Love Song‘s slight frame can be an asset, it’s also what prevents the track from climbing further up the ranks. Give me a longer bridge or (even better) a dynamic coda and you’ve suddenly transformed a great song into something legendary. Of course, sonic real estate is very limited in today’s streaming age, so we’re lucky to get a bridge at all. On the whole, this is an undeniable bright spot in a very underwhelming month and yet another example of KickFlip’s continued growth. I wish they had debuted with a song this strong!
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
