In my review of 1VERSE’s pre-release Multiverse, I described how I became a fast and fervent fan of the group thanks to their YouTube content. Hopefully some of you followed that path as well, and if you did today is a big day because it marks the group’s official debut. While Multiverse offered a sweet, melodic pop sound, Shattered takes a more aggressive approach.
I try not to become a pre-debut fan because you never know how the music’s going to turn out and that’s by far the most important quality of a group for me. I’m still not quite sure how 1VERSE might sound as their catalog grows. Shattered offers glimpses of potential and moments of frustration. By now, you all know that I’m no fan of shout-chant choruses, though my enthusiastic embrace of NCT Dream’s BTTF has me questioning that a bit. In the pantheon of shout-chant hooks (if there is such a thing), Shattered is better than most. There’s a nice rhythm to the phrasing and the guys’ voices are more powerful than grating. However, I can’t help but wish for more robust refrains anchoring Shattered‘s centerpiece.
The song’s crunchy electro textures hold plenty of potential, even if we’ve heard them employed often from groups like NCT and ONF. And when the arrangement layers tight moments of melodic drama over the top, I can hear the fantastic song Shattered might be. As it stands, this is a sturdy debut that easily competes with similar efforts from much bigger companies. I’m still partial to the more melodic Multiverse and hope 1VERSE can find a balance between these two songs in the future.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I’m not a fan of this type of song usually either but I have to say I do rather like this, much more than most other efforts in this style, whether that is my bias showing from also being a pre debut fan I don’t know but objectively I do think it offers more and is somehow much more palatable. As you say there really is a great song poking through and that’s more than you can say for most others in this style. I think this one might even grow more on us both as well.
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I’m not sure how I feel about it yet but the beat is kind of catchy and the production is slick. “We can never go back” is a smart choice of a refrain, the lyrics generally feel weirdly personal despite the language, which is something I always like. It’s bold, it’s loud, and most importantly it’s enough to make me want to keep an eye on them, and for a debut, that’s already a win. Btw I haven’t watched a single video of their content.
I see a lot of rookies with potential lately, what’s going on
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I think the reason that the songs feels personal is because it’s supposed to be about how 2 of the members escaped North Korea and can’t go back. Or atleast that’s what I’ve heard.
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Yes I also thought of that. They did a great job here, I like it when high energy tracks have low key sad/melancholic/angsty lyrics. It gives the song depth, they’re telling a story. I also really like the music, I’ve listened to the song many times. Still haven’t watched their content though.
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After hearing Multiverse I was hoping for something similarly sweet that showcased their voices. I like this, though. I agree about the phrasing – the rhythm makes a difference in that chanted refrain, and now it’s actually wedged in my brain. The company seems to be putting a lot of resources behind them, given that expensive looking mv, so that’s a hopeful sign. After your review of Multiverse I watched their YouTube content and now I’m really rooting for these boys. I want them to succeed.
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The first 12 seconds with that big fat wahhh dirty synth is fantastic. When it comes back around and kicks back in again, all is well with the world. Oh, but the rest of the song follows standard construction and just meets expectations.
I will add that yes the meter they use for all the semi-sung phrases in the verses do change it up a bit (nary a rap triplet in sight).
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