WayV released their first Japanese mini album all the way back at the beginning of August, but weeks later they’ve unveiled a music video for its promoted track Go Higher. I’m not sure what the plan was behind this delay, apart from the fact that J-pop often takes long breaks between various promotions. Either way, it’s nice to have a visual to go along with the album.

When this song was released back in summer, I didn’t think much of it. In fact, I haven’t listened to Go Higher since then so it feels almost new. With that in mind, the energetic percussion strikes me as an instant standout. The instrumental has great kick, unafraid to go big and bold. The verses are the strongest example of this intensity, though distorted guitar also makes a nice addition during the bridge.

However, Go Higher fusses around too much during its chorus. WayV borrows NCT’s abrasive soundscape for this segment, throwing their rhythm in a blender until it’s chopped and frenetic. This sonic shift corresponds with a more aggressive, chanted vocal style. Rather than badass, the hook simply feels like a missed opportunity. When I think of WayV, I imagine a smoother vocal approach. The chorus veers too close to NCT 127’s shouty jackhammer assault for my taste and Go Higher quickly loses focus. It’s kind of a mess, which is a shame because there are some great elements hiding within the production.

Grade: C