I write this review en route from KCON LA, where TXT headlined day three of the festival (more on that later). In a fun twist of fate, it was also the day their most recent Japanese single was released. Setsuna Hanabi (セツナハナビ) follows a very strong Japanese album last year and largely carries the pace — even if elements of the track are slightly less developed than I’d hope.
Despite its title containing the Japanese word for “fireworks,” Setsuna Hanabi is far more measured than explosive. It builds itself around a dynamic beat that sounds like metal grinding against metal. This gives the song great texture, urged on by incessant percussion that keeps the whole thing moving at a clip. It’s a strange balance, because Hanabi is both driving dance music and relatively flat in execution. There is no one centerpiece to look forward to, though the chorus has the sentimental sound of the group’s last Korean mini album.
When it comes to modern TXT singles, I’m just happy to hear a song last over two minutes and feels relatively fleshed out. Setsuna Hanabi may not go to the places I’d hope (or go anywhere, really), but by setting its ambition rather low it squeezes a lot from its mechanical groove. Now, I need TXT to take this same sonic landscape and build some dynamic funk atop it. We know they have it in them!
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s so conflicting.
This is the BEST they have honestly sounded vocally. Literally each member sounds their best. On the other hand, the mix of this song is kinda clashing? Like the beat and vocals dont actually match each others’ vibe The topline of the beat sounds very badly done. Like a ringtone? They have another version of this on the ep that sounds heavenly, just wish it wasnt a ballad.
This song is almost 3 minutes long…yet no climax was ever heard. Just monotonous throughout the entire thing. Yeah it is good, actually really good but it could have been amazing.
LikeLike
Sometime I will sing The Wanted’s Glad You Came when listening to this.
LikeLike
I think this is true of TXT’s recent Korean releases too, they paint a pretty picture but there’s no narrative arc to the music.
LikeLike
I quite like the cinematic vibe of the music video and the members vocals were good. The production really gave the song an irresistible texture, like it scratched your ear in a good way. Yeah its a shame that the song literally goes nowhere despite the dramatic beats. If this is a drama, it got no narrative despite the good story element.
LikeLike
Great song really reminiscent of Y2K jpop for those familiar with Tetsuya Komuro.
love the production, I really want TXT to make big kpop tracks though!
LikeLike
It’s crazy to see how TxT went from one of the few groups in their generation to release 4+ minute songs and mvs, to becoming one of the most consistent groups to release songs in the < 3 minute club.
LikeLiked by 1 person