So far, I haven’t had much to say about WHIB apart from commenting on their strange group name, but who am I to deny a song titled “Rush Of Joy“? We can all use more joy in our lives, and WHIB are here to dole it out with funk pop precision. For those keeping track, Rush Of Joy (배로) most certainly makes it onto my “roller rink playlist.” It’s a blast of sunshine from start to finish.
This is a specific style of rhythmic funk I enjoy so much, built upon a multifaceted bed of percussion that instantly gets my head nodding along. Every element is working together to forge this groove, from guitar to synth to hand-claps. It’s not overstuffed, but it’s also not half-assed. In a pop climate of beige, washed out instrumentals, Rush Of Joy‘s effort is appreciated.
Of course, a song can’t sustain on groove alone. Rush Of Joy‘s chorus is slight but memorable. More importantly, the track grows as it goes on, climaxing in the kind of participatory sing-along that will have even the most cynical listeners surrendering to the group’s charm. Another great example happens during verse two. Where many songs might favor an energy-shifting breakdown, Rush doubles down on its groove. It reminds me of RIIZE’s Boom Boom Bass in this way, which is probably why I have a similar reaction as I did when that song came out. The difference, of course, is that this comes from a small group from a small agency. What a pleasant surprise!
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This is so funky! Although a little muted (like, very very little), I still appreciate its groove! And we did it ladies and gents, not counting Horizon, we got a 9+ rated song at the very end of the month (and hope it never falls!)
Although it’s an 8.75 (8, 9, 9, 9), I sense it’ll age well for me.
LikeLike
This is the other one today that sounds very SM mid-2010’s If Vanner “Automatic” was like EXO “Lucky One” mixed with Super Junior “House Party”, this one here is Super Junior “House Party” mixed with EXO “Lucky One”. The secondary lines in the chorus are also the same as House Party.
I like them both, I’ll take them both. All four songs. No contest here. Yes and Yes. If I have a complaint, it is the usual complaint these days: Why so short? Not even 3 minutes.
LikeLike
I like that you keep the memory of House Party alive on this website hahaha
LikeLike
Darling Daughter listened to the song A Lot during quarantine. The theme just resonated with her. It ranks at #30 play count of all time on my ipods.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very kpop boy group (at least the style that I’m here for)✌🏻. 8/10
LikeLike
It’s a shame that I can’t reread my older comments on this website, because I’m pretty sure I’ve written the sentence ‘it’s funky, so I like it’ at least a hundred times.
That tradition does not end here. It is funky. And I like it. A lot! Disco funk is not always taken seriously and therefore not always done well, because it can come across like putting on the musical equivalent of a cheap costume. This song is not that. This one put on a pair of bellbottoms that its grandpa actually wore in the 70’s. It goes down easily but it has a sort of slight sophistication to it. There’s enough meat on its musical bones to give it a full sound, but it remains nimble and light on its feet.
I also want to comment on something else. It’s been a while since I’ve actually watched MVs, but lately there seems to be a positive trend of fun and creative MVs going on! I see less moody boys in empty parking garages and more youthful energy, creative camera work and funny situations. Bright concepts seem to be back in a big way and I am glad to see it.
LikeLike
Also, Nick, please share that roller rink playlist (if you havent already)!
LikeLike
I’m not going to say anyhing about the group’s name, i’ve seen it worse, but damn the song is so good, i like it a lot and the mv quality is so nice! I think I’ll check their live performance!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everything right, tight, and fun as hell.
LikeLike
Great song!
LikeLike