[Review] Backtalk – EVNNE

The next review is for EVNNE’s Backtalk, their first release after Yoo Seungeon and Ji Yunseo left the group and the group reformed as a quintet. After releasing How Do I Do and the Love Anecdote(s) mini-album last year, EVNNE entered negotiations to continue as a group (as they are a project group of Boy Planet trainees who just missed the final ZEROBASEONE lineup). The five remaining members signed with Jellyfish Entertainment to continue EVNNE as a permanent group, while Yoo Seungeon and Ji Yunseo returned to YH Entertainment, the home of TEMPEST, YENA, and the upcoming group AND2BLE (which Yoo Seungeon will be a part of with other former ZEROBASEONE members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, and Han Yujin).

Even after almost a week since its release, Backtalk hasn’t really made its mark on me. I did like the loaded synth background, and EVNNE’s delivery throughout was solid. In particular, there was some well-done vocal work right at the beginning and in the bridge that is probably the song’s best offering. But apart from that, Backtalk doesn’t have anything memorable to remember it by. There wasn’t a catchy melody or refrain to pull me in. What we did get instead was a pretty plain, unimaginative, slow chant of the song’s title, which wasn’t enough for me. Thus, Backtalk, with thanks to its shorter length, whisks by without drawing much attention to itself, leaving EVNNE’s new chapter as a permanent group lacklustre.

Backtalk, co-written by the members, acknowledges their limitations that others tend to point out and expresses their determination to prove everyone wrong on their new journey as a permanent group. Throughout the video, you can see and feel their angst at the ill-natured comments directed at them, but also their willingness to provoke in order to elicit them (a neat way to represent the process of EVNNE acknowledging their limitations). The exterior shots show the members climbing a hill, likely marking the start of their new journey. Drawing on the final lyrics of the song, there may be a struggle with the climb, but it is worth it when they reach the top.

I really like the slightly intense energy and subtle provocative vibe of the performance. It complements the lyrics and concept that the comeback was going for. Apart from that, it is another routine where nothing stands out on its own, but the whole performance as a piece was still worth watching.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.5/10