The Boyz had a very strong run of 2023 singles, but their 2024 has been comparatively sparse — at least where new music is concerned. Moving on from their Phantasy series, the guys are back with an edgier sound. Trigger careens between high-tempo electro pop and bombastic theatricality. Unfortunately, that mix sounds better on paper than it turns out to be in practice.
Structurally, Trigger reminds me of their 2020 hit The Stealer. That song also shifted between fast verses and a slower chorus, but did so with total aplomb. Every element acted as its own highlight, fused together through sheer momentum and showmanship. Trigger attempts a similar approach, but there’s a big discrepancy between its various segments. The verses are an immediate highlight, pulsing with a lithe energy underpinned by complex and engaging electro textures. Had the entire song followed this style, I might be raving about the final product.
Sadly, Trigger loses the plot as it makes its jarring transition into the chorus. The melody here is fine, but the clanging production holds back its grandeur. Then, we move into an awful, shout-sung post chorus. I hate the percussion during this segment. The individual sounds are unpleasant and grating, particularly those high-pitched snare-rolls. It’s a shame, because I admire Trigger‘s ambition and there are some truly great moments within the song. It feels like it’s trying to replicate the much-loved SM Performance sound of the 2000’s/early-2010’s but forgot that those classics were anchored by timeless melodies and unique instrumental flourishes.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
The chorus reminds me of Jopping and the verses of Maestro’s second verse (with that one sample I can’t describe). But I liked the production and the chorus is kinda anthemic-like (not the chanting one!). It’s a decent song, although not something I’d seek much often.
8.25 (8, 9, 8, 8) for me.
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I thought exactly the same thing about Jopping!
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It’s basically a not fun Jopping 😔
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This reminds me more of Maverick (which I hated SO MUCH when it first came out and put me off The Boyz for years, although now I grudgingly accept it as part of their canon). Agree that the verses are the best part and the song would have been much better if that sound had returned in the chorus. The bridge is very Jopping-esque. The rest of the album feels dark and moody…I still really like Bite Back, although the spooky sounds in the chorus are more apparent in the track version than performance.
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Thank you for naming Bite Back, I went to listen to it and like that so much better (even though it has a dreaded trap breakdown). It would’ ve made such a fun halloweeny title track ;
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I have the same problem with the production in the chorus, it reminds me of their absolutely awful MAVERICK. although with this song, the parts that I like outweigh the ones that I don’t.
this is probably their last comeback in a while since their contract is ending on December. I hope they find a good company.
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I didn’t like the slowdown on the chorus but other than that its good. The rap parts are my favorites
9/10 (9, 9, 9, 9)
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I kept thinking I have heard this song before but forgot about it. Flavors of this that and the other thing from circa 2020. I will add to other suggestions some vocal chord flairs from NCT “Superhuman”.
I loved “Drink It”. The line “your breath on my neck” makes my skin crawl every single time. Also “The Stealer”.
Then there is this OST one also called “Stealer” sans the definite article “The” which I also enjoyed very much. Fun fact: itunes also correctly alphabetizes The Boyz in the B section sans the definite article. Nick the librarian should be proud. Since just plain “Stealer” slid under the radar, I will copy it here for everyone’s enjoyment instead of whatever this song today is. There is a pansori cameo which is perfect.
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That Stealer is also great! I know Enhypen are the designated “horny vampires” of the Kpop world but I feel like The Boyz should have leaned into that concept after Drink It.
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I can’t be the only one who hears it…
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If only it was just as good! I remember laughing when this came out, but I still play it regularly.
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“‘Cause when we jumping and popping we jopping” lives rent free in my brain. That does not make it good for me, just saying.
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Oh the lyrics are not good (you think you big boi, throwin 3 stacks??) but I unapologetically love the song.
I recently saw a clip of them explaining ‘jopping’ to Ellen Degeneres and making her attempt a ‘jop’. The secondhand embarrassment I felt was intense.
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Oh, Jopping promotions were… interesting.
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…why does this feel like something out of 2011 but its only 4 years ago TT
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yeah I was also reminded of that, especially the pre chorus
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*post chorus, sorry
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For the record, to me, Maverick is yay and Stealer is nay✌🏻
About this song, it’s ok I guess but here is the thing…it sounds like a compilation of 3-4 NCT units songs. Or maybe the writers/producers are ex SM? Either way, I don’t think it’s for me.
Bside Bite Back is better imo
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The Boyz are another long lost love of mine. They made it so far as to be one of the few groups I completely invested in; I watched most of their shows and Bloom Bloom is the only album I have ever(!) preordered -I rarely buy albums, let alone before the songs are released.
I fell out of love with their music long ago (even before The Stealer, which I actually did like), but every time they come back, so does my hope that they will reignite that spark of joy I felt when I was their fan. That hope flickered ever so excitedly during the first part of this song. I’m reminded of my favourite tracks by Exo and SuperM as the verses take off at high speed, building tension, marching with purpose towards something huge. Something amazing. But that something never comes. Just like that, the song stops dead in its tracks and along with it dies my hope that this will finally be another The Boyz song I’ll adore.
Now that I’ve been sufficiently dramatic, let me just say that the music video concept is hot (insert eye emoji here). It deserved a better song!
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I don’t know yet, I’ll give it a few more listens.
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Sounds like some producers got together and said “let’s make Jopping but with Walmart execution”. The vibe is good but the finished product is kinda meh.
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I can see what it’s trying to be but it’s kind of overwhelming on first listen and I can’t remember any particular hooks. I definitely feel the influence of NCT and a little ATEEZ in the hype style they’re going for.
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i think this was the issue they had at IST, because one of their main reasons to leave the company was because IST’s concept and sound ideas weren’t aligning with the boyz themselves. i personally loved this concept and i think the darker more sensual concept fits them well.
I look forward to seeing their new music under 100 ENT!
songs a 10/10 for me, love the chorus. reminds me so much of jopping as a superm fan 😆
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