AMPERS&ONE debuted in late-2023 with the energetic On And On and have largely maintained that upbeat sound since. Though this was a very solid debut, they’ve struggled to find material that matches or elevates its quality. Their music has been consistently solid but lacks the individual personality of a TWS or BOYNEXTDOOR. Kick Start is no different, feeling as if it stepped right off the assembly line to be performed by any current boy group.
Kick Start switches between personality-fueled rap verses and a bright, playful chorus. Nothing about any of these segments stands out. It’s like “K-pop boy group 101” — the kind of generic material that might be performed as part of one of the industry’s many survival series. That plug and play quality continues to hamper AMPERS&ONE’s individual growth. By this time in their career, I should have idea what their musical brand is. Kick Start sounds more like the generic slop JYP is currently servicing to his new-gen groups KickFlip and NEXZ.
Beyond this, Kick Start just isn’t a very exciting song. The production lacks character beyond some annoying squeaky sound effects. The chorus feels rushed and repetitive and too much of the track revolves around clipped phrasing that’s hard to sink your teeth into. As always, the energy is strong. However, energy alone does not make a compelling K-pop group.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I’m rooting for these lads because I think they have the members to really go places. But yeah, this one doesn’t fully hit for me. I love that car starting sound effect at :11 and 2:56 though. Would have been cool to build the track around auto sounds like that one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This the kind of time when I feel old. I mean, I am old, but whatever this current gen is just loses me. So many identikit boy bands have debuted in the past year or two and they all look the same, sound the same, and that sound is a watered down copy version of something like what NCT x Stray Kids were serving back in about 2017-2018 or so, without the surprise or punch. No frisson tickles my ears.
Rant over. Song is “fine”, if generic, again.
LikeLike
I mean I wasn’t a fan of Kickflip debut but I don’t see it as generic. This on the other hand is that, A&A are a boring group so far. Tragic as I love SF9 and like P1H a lot.
LikeLike
I had privilege to see them in person and meet them. It was a wonderful concert. I loved their music and hard work for the choreography. I met them afterwards and they were so fun, sweet and interactive. I loved them and hope they come back to Kentucky. 💗🧸💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thoughts on I Know You? Defo a highlight from the album for me
LikeLike
Easily my favorite song on the album. Probably the only one I’ll return to, as well.
LikeLike
Lots of talent but FNC is not doing them any favours. Being hit with the same problem SF9 had before they hit their groove…moving around genres makes it hard to know what is genuinely their space. Has the talent both vocally and dancing and visuals in spades. FNC is notorious for having very talented groups but not promoting them well. This is their 3rd boy group and still not giving them the support to grow to their full potential
LikeLike