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.

Grade: C