EXO’s Kai pre-released Adult Swim earlier this month, wasting extraordinary potential on a dull, spoken-word chorus. His actual comeback is still around the corner, but before that he’s surprised us with another new track. Walls Don’t Talk picks up the pace a bit and feels slightly more developed than its predecessor, but still delivers a hazy, subdued atmosphere.
You could certainly call Walls Don’t Talk a dance track, but it’s the slightest, most unbothered version of the form. Kai’s vocals are given a wispy, otherworldly treatment as the insistent beat thumps behind them. Muted synths create a drowsy energy as if capturing the comedown from a night out. Like Adult Swim, this screams “vibe” more than the virtuosic “let’s put on a show!” banger I’d hope for. I’m realizing that I probably need to let go of that expectation when it comes to Kai’s solo music, but I still can’t help but wish songs like Walls Don’t Talk found a way to carve a more musically daring path. There’s so much new dance music released every week and this track risks fading into the backdrop when compared to more dynamic material.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It sounds like something I would hear in Miami while sipping something slowly on a couch, watching the beautiful people going by, and the beautiful cars too.
LikeLike
I think this is exactly what he’s going for! All the songs seem very summer-inspired in a beachy, atmospheric way. And in general, Kai’s music is largely atmospheric and performance-oriented (to his specific style of dance) rather than melodically or instrumentally virtuosic. In a word, it’s smooth.
LikeLike
I like it!
LikeLike
Guess we have different opinions because I actually like this track lol. It’s a step up from Adult Swim imo and it’s nice that it’s chill yet upbeat. I also think his vocals are utilized pretty well here despite the song not having any big vocal moments.
LikeLike
Now this I like, it reminds me of a chiller, calmer version of something Kaytranada would release. I think its a nice build up from Adult Swim which was cute but kind of meh.
LikeLike
First and formost I wanna say- I love Kai. His first Solo EP blew me away- particularly Nothing On Me But You (which was way more interesting than Mmm Mmm- although I appreciate why they chose that song as his debut as it’s more obviously commercial) Every EP since his debut has disappointed me- and I really, really wanted to love his solo work. Kai’s voice is lovely- such a soothing tembre- there is no reason why his solo songs should be anything short of epic- but they have been sadly lacking in originality and gravitas. I expected songs which would become classics- and SM has not delivered. Adult Swim kinda reminds me of the vibe of SHINee’s View- which is an all time classic. Chilled music does not have to be dull and View would be a prime example of that. If those kind of vibes are what Kai wants to delve into- SM need to get this man some better material. Kai is a class act and deserves better.
LikeLike
Pre-released and title tracks are the vitrine of an album, I didn’t even listened to Kai’s project since his solo debut one because the vitrine wasn’t appealing to me. Adult swim was ok tier but not enough to make me want to listen to that future album. At least Walls don’t talk makes it interesting enough to tune in ig? It’s still not exactly the quality we had on the hmm album but oh well, at least I’m not disinterested?
LikeLike