Whenever a group I enjoy states they’ll be releasing a song that “sounds nothing like anything we’ve done before,” I get nervous. Yes, I want groups to push outside the box and experiment with new sounds, but in K-pop “nothing like we’ve ever done before” tends to mean attempting some (bad) global trend an agency thinks they can hitch their fortunes to. Thus far, RIIZE haven’t had a consistent sound but have managed to make just about every genre work. So, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about new single Fame.
However, reports of Fame being “rage hip-hop” tempered my expectations before I even heard the song. There are few genres I outright hate, and this is one of them. Fame augments its expected trap beats and shouty, autotuned vocals with plenty of guitar. The song certainly has texture and is far more dynamic than its genre trappings might suggest. Still, I can’t help but imagine how much better it would sound without the tinny percussion. Give me the exact same song with clearer vocals and a more satisfying beat and you’ve got a potential winner. Just ask IDID, who showcased an addictive hip-hop groove last week.
As is stands, Fame feels more like a curiosity than a natural extension of RIIZE’s winning streak. It has elements of their (and SM’s) potential sprinkled throughout, but every time I hope the track will soar it’s pulled back by its leaden production. The melodies are often constrained in the same way, tracing familiar, repetitive phrasing even as the guys sing with full abandon. It’s as if they’re trying to rescue the song at every turn. This contrast is a bit compelling, but most just frustrating.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
