With K-pop so inactive this year, we haven’t seen many big debuts. I’m not sure DAILY:DIRECTION counts as “big,” either. After all, they’re only the first act to emerge from their agency ODDWAVE. However, many of the members are already known to fans. We’ve got guys from NINE.i, Mirae, Boys II Planet and B:MY BOYZ. That’s enough to establish a pre-debut fanbase. Now, the music just needs to hit.
Even before listening, the title “ROOMBADOOMBA” did not fill me with hope. Sound effect songs aren’t always bad in K-pop, but they have been lately. Plus, ROOMBADOOMBA is just a silly sound to read and sing. But unlike its title, the actual song is quite subdued. The xylophone-heavy percussion has a vaguely “tropical” sound, the way that word was thrown around in the late-2010s. I actually enjoy the production, though I wish it was in service of a stronger song.
On the plus side, ROOMBADOOMBA is largely sung and shines spotlight on the members’ vocal tones. The melodies feel more like a tone poem than a well-structured, exciting pop track, which limits their immediate catchiness. As purely “a vibe,”” this is pleasant enough and a solid start for a group that clearly aims to be a bit quirky. That comes through in the visuals, but I hope they can take more musical risks on future comebacks.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Oh so are we doing a “tropical” revival now? That was all over kpop in 2016-2018 or so. I still play Super Junior’s tropical entry “Animals” from 2018 on occasion.
(Funny thing is, in my part of the US “tropical” usually means steel drum pans from the Caribbean.)
I am happy that some members of a few nugu groups have found a new place to go for a new start. As for the song, it is fine. Mid 7’s here as well.
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For me, the song itself is also just fine THOUGH it gets a higher score since i am a sucker for afrobeats or the tropical vibe in kpop ( even if it is overplayed in any genre rn lol). So the song itself gets about an 8 or 8.5 to me. Whats really carrying them right now is the concept? LIKE HELLO? i think its so cute, though i dont fully understand it yet. For me thier bside or other tt (?) “Self” is much stronger as a song instrumentally and lyrically. But overall i feel its a solid debut so far! Had no idea the guys came from groups i heard of and boys planet, nice! Lets see whats in store for them, im excited!
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