DXMON are making their first comeback since the withdrawal of member Jo (the guy who used to sport the spiky red hair). I wasn’t a huge fan of their debut, but follow-up Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls stood as a late-spring highlight. I’d love to hear them go further down that melodic route, but new single Zip Zip Zip (찍찍찍) swerves in the opposite direction.
Zip Zip Zip is the latest work from prolific producer Dem Jointz. For me, his misses far outweigh his (admittedly great) highlights, but that’s a matter of taste. I’ve never loved this harsh, angular NCT sound. It’s a decent match for DXMON, but I can’t find many redeeming qualities in Zip Zip Zip. The song is the latest in an endless supply of “I’m the best” swaggy hype tracks and tips even further into the disjointed, experimental side of NCT’s sonic oeuvre. The song constantly upends itself, switching gears in a jarring arrangement. And somewhere along the way, Zip Zip Zip forgets to include a compelling hook.
Above all else, this song just doesn’t sound pleasant to my ears. I find almost every bit of it grating, from the tinny percussion to the sharp vocal delivery. Without a stellar chorus to grab hold of, the song sounds like five guys shouting at me for three minutes. I can think of many more enjoyable ways to spend my time.
| Hooks | 6 |
| Production | 6 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 6 |
| RATING | 6.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Why are most dem jointz songs so disjointed?! I had this problem with GOLD and although it grew on me, it doesn’t forgive the abrupt transitions between beats. I would even argue it’s worse in this track since the tempo is even changing drastically and abruptly. I like the chorus’ melody but nothing else.
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I guess that SM’s A&R might be stricter so they accept what they accept working with other producers of theirs at the same time. And then the other labels just take whatever from him, or better, whatever else he has in the leftovers…
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Yeah I don’t what it is but it is so odd. It’s like him and Ryan Jhun worked their asses off on HEYA and made a parody song with GOLD cause Ryan got the good stuff for his group so he just gave up
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Fun Fact: This song was produced by 3 of the 4 producers who worked on HEYA!
(somehow)
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Average boy group song, could use smooth transitions, the “chain around my neck” chorus is quite melodic, but eh, it’s okay.
7.25 (8, 7, 7, 7) for me
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I liked it! At least it’s not loud/shouty and it has a decent chorus. The verses are a little bit all over the place but I did not find them annoying. I’d say an 8/10
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I hate it when songs randomly switch up tempo, especially from fast to slow. This one does it multiple times and I just feel like I’m in the passenger seat with a driver who is slamming the breaks and then flooring it repeatedly.
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i like it, but I’ll admit its not for everyone
8.25/10 for me (8, 8, 8, 9)
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slaps for me but an expected 6 from nick kk
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