[Review] Countdown – TWS:

TWS: is back with a new single titled Countdown, which comes off their 3rd mini-album, Try With Us. Both song and mini-album officially dropped this past Monday. This release is TWS:’ first major release since 2024, which saw TWS: debut with the highly successful plot twist and return with the equally successful If I’m S, Can You Be My N? and Last Festival.

Countdown very much continues the group’s ‘boyhood pop’ sound that they debuted with. The new song reminded me of plot twist from the first listen, both instrumentally, melodies and brightness wise. There are a few elements that differentiate it from their debut song, namely the deep “ba-bum” that follows some of the second and final choruses and the more intense rapping in the second verse. The former was quite intriguing yet fun, while the latter definitely helps ground the song. I also like how they prolonged the ending by splitting the final line into three parts. It makes the ending of Countdown feel like it offers up a little bit more. I would have appreciated other different elements to help give Countdown its own individuality would have been appreciated, simply because Countdown is very much familiar territory for TWS: and, dare I say, plays it safe. For example, the instrumental shares a similar foundation to plot twist. And their vocal style felt like it was lifted from the earlier song, which raises the “I wished there was more opportunity for the members to shine” comment I made in that review. That being said, Countdown hits the right spot in terms of energy and brightness, making it an ideal release to take us to the more energetic and vibrant summer sounds.

The members wonder what being an adult feels like in the music video, as they move on from their high school days in their previous music videos and into their young adult era. Plot twist – pun fully intended – being an adult isn’t all crack up to be with work, decision making and responsibilities. Just in case TWS: was looking for an answer hahaha…. There are a few different scenes in the video which all adults have experienced in some form, such as moving into your own place, the failed meals and the helplessness of a car breaking down (and your parents/guardians not around as a safety net). I liked the casual wear, which is a nice change up from the school uniform that they previously wore throughout 2024.

The choreography alongside this release is another TWS: routine that impresses. They always manage to make their dances appear fun, despite being super intense and energetic. The moves right after the intro definitely left a mark in my mind, as did the twist and turn in the first pre-choruses and the jumps during the choruses (just to name a few examples of the standout moments).

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 10/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10