Song Review: Beomgyu (TXT) – Panic

Following fellow member Yeonjun’s solo single GGUM last year, TXT’s Beomgyu has emerged with his own track. Panic has been labeled as a “mixtape,” though by its very nature a mixtape needs more than one song to be an actual “mix.” More accurately, this is a digital single that Big Hit likely didn’t want to saddle with all the pressures of full promotion. In any case, it’s a decent extension of the group’s more rock-oriented sound.

There seems to be a huge space for angsty soft rock in K-pop’s boy group landscape and Panic slots nicely into that oeuvre. The instrumental has some meat to it, cruising along insistent guitar. It’s incredibly moody — the kind of song you’d get your feelings to rather than simply enjoy. Beomgyu’s voice is a fine enough vessel for this material, though I wish his performance showcased more grit and personality. Combined with a song that feels quite generic, the whole package lacks a bit of spark.

When it comes to material like Panic, it’s important that every bit of the production feels authentic. I’m not sure I buy what this song is selling, and its energy is too inert to distract attention away from that feeling. While is a promising sound for Beomgyu, the execution is too flat to make any noticeable mark.

Grade: C