Ask any connoisseur of K-Pop. Many of the most beloved groovy hits have come from bands under one powerhouse, to the point where you can recognise singers’ vocal approaches that they passed down to their juniors. That familiar soulful feel of R&B tunes from boybands like EXO and NCT is hard to miss. Of course, the freshest boys on the block bring their own delightful flavour to the fever: possessing little nuggets of influence from their seniors, sure–but unequivocally doing their own thing. RIIZE is a sextet overflowing with talent, cultivated over years of experience for some, and they’re just buzzing to show you what they can do.
After the first few singles, listeners were unsure just how RIIZE was going to solidify their sound – though we were still there for the ride nonetheless. “Get A Guitar” was a funky little self-introduction,was self-explanatory, and got all the other idols dancing.
But we’ve cracked the code. We’ve got RIIZE all figured out. Their sound isn’t some trend-hopping experimental loudness that a lot of their industry mates indulge in. Neither is it absolute groove; was enough of an indicator of their other sides. No, what RIIZE is really all about – what their vibe and music encapsulates – is very simply feel-good. Even when they’re locked in with a minor key, it’s fiery dance fuel. And when they get the chance to throw together a happy tune, they go all in.
With the release of their first mini album RIIZING, we celebrate all that makes us feel good. Been missing Its brothers here to satisfy your yearnings with more bass (as you might have guessed) and criminally-good levels of funk. The boys flaunt slick moves in matching white tees and black leather trousers in a heaven for guitar lovers in the song’s official music video. And if you somehow still weren’t sure that they’re all about guitars, Wonbin opens with a pun: ‘My baby like to string me on’.
The 8-track run features their previously released hits Talk Saxy, Love 119 and Siren. Even when we hop right from the innocent K-Drama OST-worthy love anthem One Kiss to Talk Saxy, everything fits together like magic. In Love 119, the boys chant cheesily: ‘Stolen my heart, that girl’s a killer / Love so good, feels like a thriller’. The ghost of 90’s boyband heartthrobs was summoned in the recording studio to make this sweet little song.
Honestly pulls back on the instruments to give more love to their stellar voices, while the rest take you on an upbeat joyride. If there’s any music out there that can put you in an airy mood zooming to euphoria, it’s whatever “Impossible” has got going on. You’ll absolutely believe the boys when they sing: ‘Got me flyin’ in my dreams right now’.
RIIZING is out now. RIIZE can be found on Instagram here and on all streaming platforms.
