Following 2020’s I:KAN, NINE to SIX debuts as DKZ’s second sub-unit, consisting of members Mingyu and Jonghyeong. And, they really don’t want you to give them a call…
The chorus of Don’t Call Me might work as a combative answering machine message if you’re feeling especially surly. The song harnesses a rugged — almost industrial — hip hop beat. “NCT-lite,” if you will. Its verses and pre-chorus offer a glimpse at the song’s potential, pairing this prickly production with an engaging performance. But before long, the track becomes one endless shout-a-thon.
Don’t Call Me‘s chorus fits the overall vibe of the song, but it’s not very enjoyable to listen to. It’s just too monotone to act as a satisfying centerpiece. A noisy, siren-filled bridge steers the track down even murkier roads, and before Don’t Call Me has finished I’ve already hung up the phone.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Strangely enough, I’m digging it. I was not expecting to at all, but something about the production hits in a really satisfying way. I’m giving it like an 8.
LikeLike
Its been a while since we have had a “naega-something-I’m the boss – naega something I’m the player” – imitator. Somehow I like this rendition. I mean, I shouldn’t but it just flows nicely.
I think it also means that for me the nostalgia for kpop from just a few years ago is as strong as the nostalgia for 2nd Gen kpop. The SHINee comeback coming up soon better not suck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
as a pre-semantic error fan i am sorely disappointed by how dkz’s company managed them after their big break. their last full group comeback was just god awful, not to mention they only get ONE song per comeback! at least if there was a decent b-side on their albums i would still be willing to support them
alas, the campy fun of their early singles (blockbuster, fever, nom) are in days long gone 😞 i dont connect with their music anymore but i want to do that so so badly…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I miss their crackpot early singles too. The ghostbusters samples cleverly appropriated.
LikeLike
Nope, this is really not for me. I’ll use Shinee’s song if I don’t want someone to call me. That way they can at least have a good time before hanging up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At last, a Gen Z anthem. “I won’t make eye contact” may be my favorite lyric right now. But really, this is a song about work-life balance? It’s like watching cosplay. I do enjoy the way the song sounds, the rhythm of it, but I don’t think it will be a keeper. Maybe, because it’s amusing.
LikeLike
Each day we inch closer to kpop sounding like Death Grips. The moment we finally achieve this will be the day that the universe implodes on itself. That being said, I kinda dig this one ngl.
LikeLike
I’m not sure I can take this song too seriously because it’s a…workplace complaint concept? Don’t call me, don’t email me, don’t send me any memos…at least it’s different!
LikeLiked by 2 people