Big Hit is going to make me write about every one of these damn CORTIS songs, aren’t they? The group’s debut rollout has now hit its fourth music video, leaving only one album track to go. That’s a lot of promotion, but I’m curious if it’s actually bearing fruit. Their music hasn’t worked for me at all so I haven’t been seeking out any material beyond what I write about here. Because of this, I ignorantly ask: is the promo working? Is there buzz around this group?
Buzzy or not, JoyRide is probably the most accessible track CORTIS have released yet. Given its title, you might expect some acceleration in the production or arrangement, but the song is very drowsy. These guys love the slurred, hyper-affected vocal style favored by many popular Western male artists of the moment. Of course, the concept of “popular Western male artist” has been in the toilet for years now, as encroaching conservativism deems any sense of showmanship too fey to stomach. So instead, we get these disaffected voices acting as if they’re bored with the world.
You know, if all I listened to were songs like JoyRide I’d be pretty bored too. While other CORTIS singles have repelled via blunt force, this one’s a slight yawn. In this way, I’m almost impressed how the group has made me disengage with their music in so many specific — yet differing — ways. That takes a certain level of commitment and it’s kind of fun to have a musical arch nemesis of my own. I only wish they were that fun, mustache-twirling arch nemesis from the cartoons with eccentric music to match. Of course, then I’d probably love them. There are moments of satisfying atmosphere steering JoyRide (mostly in its chorus), but it all feels a bit apathetic. Maybe that’s the point?
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This is my favorite song on their EP. It only goes down from here….
More than their music, I’m impressed with each track getting an MV. Maybe it’s because of their smaller budget. I’m not sure. Either way, I like the work ethic!
Other than that, I don’t think I’m coming back to any of their music anytime soon. Maybe the occasional hum or tiktok.
Rating’s the same.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meh, it sounds like your average indie artist track, so it doesn’t really do much to stand out or have even a drop of personality. But it’s still a good track if we compare it to the rest of their songs, and that’s saying something.
Rating’s the same.
LikeLiked by 1 person
To answer your question : yes the promo is definitely working and there is buzz around the group. To me this song is quite boring though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
someone said it sounds like post malone and now thats all i think about when hearing this song.
That aside, I really love this song tbh. Tbh, way more of a sunday drive song than “Sunday Driver” loll
LikeLike
so. boring.
6.75 (7, 7, 7, 6)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could be worse, they could attempt Bro Country next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CORANvT8l9A
LikeLike
I fear we’re not too far off… 😔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t give bighit ideas
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also noting, the chorus refrain has the same sound as “bang bang, let’s start the fireworks” – I have no idea who sings that song, but it is (or was) a bit ubiquitous on radio in my neck of the woods.
LikeLike
to answer your question: the promo is working and there is a lot of hype around this group but it’s a little more for me since i really like their music (but i do understand why you snd others don’t) so i’ve seen a lot of content about them or from them
LikeLiked by 1 person
It reminds me so much of Post Malone’s Circles, maybe the only good thing I got out of the song.
Definitely better than whatever Fashion was..
LikeLiked by 2 people
reminds me a bit too much of circles
LikeLiked by 1 person
This song feels like a nice way to slow down the pace after the first three singles, which were all very in your face and had these hip-hop rage beats. Also, I agree with the comments this sounds a bit like a Post Malone track, that is before he became a Republican country artist.
I listened to the mini-album and I actually liked it, their music direction definitely works for me and alligns to my taste. I still can’t get behind What You Want, though. That song is a skip.
But for the last couple of days I was also wondering, is anyone liking their output so far? From the general response I’ve seen on social media you would think these guys are a massive flop, but I can’t be the only one who’s liking what heir doing right? LMAO. I was even thinking about getting myself a physical version to torment my neighbors with Fashion at full volume.
LikeLiked by 2 people
i don’t know what side of social media you’re on but except for this blog i only saw good things about them with many hyping their music and i really like the ep too
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you like it, then go get that album. But please don’t torment the neighbors, much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
super late reply, but don’t worry, they are super popular and you’re definitely not the only one loving the rollout and the songs. i myself am in love with their music and this fresh energy they’re bringing.
LikeLike
I think my biggest issue with CORTIS at the moment is that every song sounds like a carbon copy of a much better artist. I know they’re young, and I think they’re just firmly in their “imitation” phase of creativity… but all that tells me is that they shouldn’t have debuted until they managed to carve out a musical identity of their own
LikeLiked by 2 people
This was a masterpiece! The review, I mean, not the song. I am left wondering what group would be your arch nemesis. That sounds like a fun concept when done for the laughs and not with any vitriol. I’m just gonna copy/paste my favorite segment as an encore:
“[…]the concept of “popular Western male artist” has been in the toilet for years now, as encroaching conservativism deems any sense of showmanship too fey to stomach. So instead, we get these disaffected voices acting as if they’re bored with the world.”
What a great summation!
Song is indeed 7,7,7,7 = 7
LikeLiked by 1 person
I rather like this. It’s gonna be some teen’s meaningful song they hold close. It sounds sad to me rather than disaffected or bored.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kinda sounds like a d4vid track tbh. Dull and dreary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fine, but not good.
LikeLiked by 1 person