Song Review: Doh Kyung Soo (EXO’s D.O.) – Dumb (ft. Penomeco)

Just two months after releasing his first full-length album, Doh Kyungsoo has returned with a special digital single. Honestly, they should just tack it onto that album and call this a “repackage” the way K-pop used to do.

Either way, Kyungsoo’s discography can always do with more energetic material and Dumb sees him exploring crunchy guitar rock for the first time. It’s not a genre I immediately associate with him (his voice is so suited to r&b), but this style of song benefits from strong vocals. With so many acts trying their hand at rock music this year, the market is beginning to feel stuffed. It takes a very special song to stand out and Dumb doesn’t quite get there for me. The music video is a red herring, as it pads out the track with several instrumental breaks. The actual audio is just over two minutes in length, making Dumb a hit and run presence.

There are plenty of fantastic two-minute punk classics, but those songs don’t mess around. They bring the intensity right from the start and never let up. Dumb has a more lackadaisical energy, bounding tentatively rather than going straight for the jugular. It’s a pleasant enough diversion, but I won’t remember it in a month’s time.

Grade: C+