Song Review: RIIZE – Fly Up

5 hours ago 5

RIIZE premiered their first full album in a slightly novel way, unveiling a forty-two minute long mini-movie incorporating each of the ten tracks. This followed pre-release Bag Bad Back, a song that has grown on me immensely. But more importantly, it means that I’ve been able to soak in title track Fly Up for a few days prior to writing my thoughts. This is quite different than the immediate reviews I usually feature on the blog and gives time for initial reactions to subside. Fly Up has benefited from this extra space, as my impression has become more favorable with each passing day.

I often write about the “expectations game” when in comes to music. It’s only natural to want certain things from artists who have impressed you before, and following RIIZE’s incredible 2024 I would have loved another funk workout or house banger in the vein of previous triumphs. However, the group’s “emotional pop” concept is as nebulous as can be. They hop from genre to genre with each comeback and Fly Up is no different. This time, they’ve embraced a “drop everything and put on a show!” High School Musical-esque concept. I can’t say it’s what I wanted or expected from them, but its giddy, widescreen energy is actually very refreshing when stacked against most of their peers.

Fly Up‘s fizzy pop rush is backed by a chugging, old-fashioned rock and roll beat and anchored by a repeated throw-your-hands-in-the-air-and-sing! choral refrain that gives it the air of a musical. Rap-heavy verses make a slightly odd pairing to this sugary sound and the song could do with a few more killer melodies, but I’m pleased to hear a big K-pop act release something so unabashedly — and unashamedly — feel-good. This spirit is infectious and pulls me back for more listens in the way RIIZE’s best work always has. It all builds to a rousing finale, making the most of its ebullient energy.

*Given the nature of this visual album, my plan is to work through each song over the next week or so with an in-depth track-by-track review. Check back soon!