Initially, I was pretty nonplussed about NEXZ’s output. But after the double volley of Beat-Boxer and Mmchk, they’ve rocketed up the ranks to become one of my most anticipated acts. They’ve promoted consistently in both Korea and Japan over the past two years and now they’re back with a new Japanese single. Hellmate‘s oddly dark title belies the upbeat nature of the song. Despite some lyrical references to “wicked boys” and “devils,” this isn’t some hellish horror show.

Instead, Hellmate is another funky hip-hop track designed to showcase the group’s skills. It’s not as musically ambitious as the group’s best work and feels more generic, but the hook is not without its charms. The “don’t stop / won’t stop” call and response is a supremely catchy earworm, made better by the textural diversity it offers within the context of the song.

The rest of Hellmate is vintage hip-hop by the numbers. The verses pass by with plenty of punch but little aftertaste. We’ve heard so many songs within this sonic realm and Hellmate needs to do more to stand out as its own unique thing. It’s a perfectly serviceable bop driven by NEXZ’s always-reliable performance, but feels like a footnote when compared with their recent Korean work.

Grade: B