Song Review: BADVILLAIN – Zoom

BADVILLAIN released several tracks immediately following their late-spring debut, quickly establishing themselves as a charismatic, hip-hop influenced group. None of their material has hit with me yet, but I remain open-minded toward where they may go in the future. Unfortunately, new single Zoom (숨) doubles down on many of the more generic elements of their past work.

On BADVILLAIN’s debut, I loved how they harnessed the dramatic flourishes of a symphony. This helped counter the song’s more frustrating instincts. Zoom‘s instrumental isn’t bolstered by the same creativity. Yes, it draws from traditional elements, but we’ve heard this approach from many K-pop title tracks before so it doesn’t feel particularly novel.

Without a noteworthy backdrop, Zoom‘s fortunes rest on the song itself. There’s just not enough going on here for me. It’s the same taunting tone we find in so many groups and without a sense of humor it simply comes off as lip service. The hook has potential, though it strongly reminds me of Stay Kids’ Thunderous (without the instrumental drop, obviously). This comparison will be a huge compliment for some, but I crave a more melodic, funky centerpiece.

Grade: C