NOWZ’s struggle has not been one of quality but one of momentum. They were on a nice roll last summer with a few solid back-to-back singles, but Cube Entertainment seems to have a problem scheduling comebacks because it’s been almost nine months since we’ve heard from them and all the agency has to show for it is a digital single. Fortunately, Achilles is a winner.
It’s so nice to hear something a little different in K-pop this summer. Disco grooves are not unheard of and had their big heyday a few years ago, but Achilles‘ synth-powered production feels quite fresh today. Even more so, the song’s reliance on vocal melody wafts in like a fresh breeze on a murky day. These melodies are not particularly dynamic, but are so much more addictive than the monotonous sing-talk we’re hearing from so many other acts.
Even within disco tropes, Achilles‘ textures feel new to K-pop. The production is much more Daft Punk influenced than these songs tend to be. The synths are chunky and ear-catching, adding real presence to the track. NOWZ’s vocals float over the top with ease, bringing a different character than the usual boy band bluster. It’s a confident sound — the sound of real confidence rather than an affect. I suspect this will have nice longevity as we round out the summer months.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
Grade: B+
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
These guys are on a winning streak since their rebrand. The production is fantastic, groovy, perfect for the summer. While I wish the melodies were more dynamic, the light falsettos does the job fine and adds some groove to it. I sense it’ll age better for me down the line.
8.5 (8, 9, 8, 9) for me
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It’s an interesting trend, the better part of summer (which is virtually none since July has been a drought) seems to be appearing just now (TWS, aespa, Red Velvet). NOWZ’ Achilles is a masterful display of simple yet effective songwriting, it also doesn’t rely on the orthodox structure insofar as the execution, but the song feels so novel in the context of the dreadful summer we now have. This song brings so much good that 2020 got right about Disco but not the nonsense of overthinking things. I have to say I am impressed. 9/10
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i am such a sucker for synth. I love that intro. I wish the chorus was a bit more fleshed out though.
9 (8, 10, 9, 9)
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It’s wonderful! I don’t usually watch MV’s but glanced at it while playing the song and it was…interesting. I’ll say 8.75 too
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Nice! Love me some funk BUTTT the production feels a little slight. Instead of a nice groovy ease, the track feels a bit quiet like it’s afraid to be big and bold.
Got a head bop out of me when it could’ve got me dancing out of my seat if done with more energy and passion.
8.5(8,9,8,9)
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I had the same reaction, the melodies are kinda iffy, but it’s a really fresh sound. I’m not sure how it’ll grow on me though so for now it’s an 8.25.
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Achilles… BL concept?
“You’re my Achilles girl,” what a weird line, disappointment… and then a few seconds after that line like 20 seconds of BL.
Conclusion: Achilles BL concept
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oh im sure the fudanshi in nick is yelping in glee at the MV
also given a lot of nu disco in kpop tries to sound like dua lipa im so glad nowz did something different and went for daft punk
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It got the right amount of groove to make it addicting. The falsetto is also a nice touch and the daft punk influence is very much welcomed in this KPOP summer drought. I prefer this kind of dance summer song much compared to red velvet subdued hawaiian vibe.
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This sounds like a nugu group covering a SHINee version of Permission to Dance.
It’s pretty good. Refreshing.
Is it as good as we think it is? Possibly, sorry, what, can’t hear you, I’m too busy boogieing.
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… I am trying to remember a song it reminds me of, a similar groove chorus is high falsetto something “gooooo crazy crazy, goooo crazy crazy”.
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“Cake By the Ocean”, but transpose the whole song up to the falsetto range.
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Ah you’re onto something. “Dance to the morning” in falsetto in this song sounds a lot like the falsetto “talk to me baby” from cake by the ocean, plus there’s the shouts towards the end. This song has the daft punk element though. I think the falsetto part I’m discussing here is actually the weakest part of the song lol. The daft punk style vocal effects are the best
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I like this and the thing is I like when groups come out with something different and not to the trends. As the review said maybe a few years ago this would have fitted more into the trends but not these days, and that’s brave and refereshing. And actually even a few years ago i don’t think the retro disco trend was quite like this.
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