[Review] HOT MESS – EVNNE

A more recent comeback belongs to EVNNE, who returned last week with the new single HOT MESS. The new song serves as the title track of the group’s 4th mini-album of the same name. This HOT MESS comeback follows their June 2024 comeback with Badder Love and the mini-album RIDE or DIE.

HOT MESS introduces us to a new side of EVNNE via an entirely new and distinct sound. As mentioned in their Badder Love review, EVNNE is a group that I associate with a bold and bombastic sound. HOT MESS turns EVNNE’s discography onto its head (in a good way) with such a goofy and colourful song. I did notice a childish flair, which usually concerns me. But I like how the song’s producers control it so that HOT MESS does not feel cringy (the case for a lot of childish-sounding songs). I really enjoyed the pop-rock tinge the instrumental had. It is on trend and brings an interesting retro flair to the HOT MESS‘ dynamic. The percussion and synth work also contributed to the HOT MESS‘ fun-filled nature. I also like how the upbeat nature of HOT MESS comes off naturally. The members all sound great in the song. If I were to pick, the vocals in the pre-choruses and JIHOO’s raps in the second verse were the best of both deliveries. The hooks are repetitive but catchy. The “I’m a mess” is quite effective and a good introduction to the choruses’ melodies (which I also greatly enjoyed). If I were to critique HOT MESS, its short length limits its potential. While HOT MESS is all good, it easily could have packed extra punch. But frankly, there was not enough time to explore that potential.

As expected with a fun song, the music video features more colour than what I am used to for EVNNE. But it isn’t exactly a vibrant set of colours. There are darker tones and shades used in the video, commonly used for a boy group to illustrate their toughness in a light-hearted video. It also lends well to the song’s harsher pop-rock influences. In the midst of the fun, the members represent worker ants because of the marching the start and the underground setting. And these worker ants also bake cakes. Their cakes are popular, but EVNNE is a ‘hot mess’ whilst baking and serving the cakes to their customers. At one point, they were throwing handful of cakes at their loyal fanbase. Though, I am sure it more so for portraying the fun and quirkier concept they were going for.

The choreography sees the group bring forth a very playful side of themselves. There were a lot of smiles and fun moments throughout the entire performance. The energy EVNNE puts into their delivery and exude from the performance is infectious. I don’t think anyone can help but grin widely while watching EVNNE perform HOT MESS.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.1/10