A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
There have been plenty of debuting groups who’ve impressed me this year, but most have been instant hits — launching with a standout song or album. KickFlip are different. I still don’t care for most of the material on their debut mini album. Their May follow-up was a bit uneven but much stronger. And now, their third mini gets things very right.
I suppose this rising arc is a good thing, though you can never be too sure if a K-pop act will stick with their concept or quickly veer elsewhere. Whatever the case, there’s plenty to love about My First Flip. My favorite b-side is Crush (특이점). It’s a total stomper, pairing its melodies with percussive force. This approach kicks off right from the beginning and never lets up. Stabs of guitar and synth hit hard, matching the energy of the group. It reminds me of early Seventeen, but also of another “crush” b-side I love dearly. And although the track doesn’t even reach the 2:30 mark, it feels complete and satisfying.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
The nonstop energy in recent releases has been great, but I think their earlier, quirkier material has also aged better and better over time as well for me. Hopefully they keep going the Nmixx route of constant improvement and refining of their sound each comeback. I’m real excited about these guys.
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This mini is terrific, I really appreciate the cohesion in sound and concept. There’s a cheekiness to Crush and the rest of the album I haven’t heard in a long time, or at least as successfully executed as early Seventeen.
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I didn’t particularly check out their previous releases but first love song won me over enough to check this one out and yep I really like it. Crush is also my top b-side but tiki-taka and gas on it are growing on me. If they keep in this direction then I’m all for the ride.
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Wow, you made me feel nostalgia after listening to Golcha’s Crush😓.
About this song, their previous work and Kickflip in general, I think I’ve said this before, but I’ve liked everything they have put out there. I also think that they can hold on to this “concept” for a long time and it will never get too old. (As opposed to groups like TheWind and TWS, which as they mature, their concept change will be more noticeable). That’s my opinion, of course. Only time will tell.
I also saw them at Lollapalooza this year and they were very good performers, their personalities were adorable, and the setlist was very fun Kpop.
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