Since their rebranding as DKZ in 2022, the artists formerly known as Dongkiz have released a series of songs I barely remember. Somehow, they even managed to make a Sweetune-produced b-side completely forgettable. I fear their quirkiness dissipated with the “dong.” Okay… maybe don’t quote me on that last line…

At any rate, DKZ are back after over a year since their last comeback. New single Replay My Anthem boasts an exciting build that’s squandered by a dull chorus. This is a K-pop story as old as time… or at least as old as underwhelming choruses became popular during the industry’s fourth generation.

The song’s percolating electro percussion crafts a thrilling sound during its opening verse. It feels like we’re in for a knockout payoff, but rather than deliver the goods Anthem retreats into a slinky hook anchored by curiously unadorned falsetto. This first chorus is a major buzzkill, and the song seems to notice this. As Anthem goes on, it becomes bolder and better. The second chorus is a bit stronger, but it takes until the song’s final thirty seconds to find real footing. The instrumental here is full and supports the vocals in a way that works. It’s better late than never, but the entirety of Replay My Anthem needed this level of production to be successful.

Grade: C+