A week after pre-releasing their track Puzzle Piece, KickFlip have returned with their fifth mini album. Like all their albums, the group took part in song composition, working with established producers and artists. In the case of title track Kick Off The Wall, they paired with the guys from LDN Noise and American rapper iann dior, giving the song a global bent.
Kick Off The Wall takes the group’s now-established youthful rock sound and ties it to more electronic elements. In this way, it strongly reminds me of 90s music — an era where grunge and electronica could co-exist and even play together on a single track. The melodies definitely remind me of this style of song. I’m not sure how I feel about the chorus yet (though it sure is catchy!), but I was sold on the verses right from the start. The song manages to display confidence while still remembering to harness sung melodies instead of relying on a bunch of chanting and talking.
LDN Noise’s production does much of the heavy lifting here. Just like their recent track with ALPHA DRIVE ONE, they know how to establish energy and maintain momentum while still delivering a few unexpected twists. iann dior’s rap verse might be a smidge too long, but it arrives at the perfect time, extending the track rather than stealing KickFlip’s thunder. Even better is the glitchy dance break that follows, further completing the song. I think Kick Off The Wall could go bigger and bolder in many ways, but I have a feeling its brisk energy will grow even more addictive with time.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
Grade: B+
Ooh this is great! I’m not sold on the chorus either, but god do I have the energy here! I sense LDN Noise is about to be the top producer of this year, huh?
Rating’s the same
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I don’t really care for it. Maybe a 7.25. Are they not selling well back home? I get the feeling they haven’t caught on and so JYP is starting to play it safe. I noticed there’s a dozen writing credits on this compared to four on Eye Poppin’ 🤔
Puzzle piece hasn’t grown on me. The wonky parts don’t seem to elevate the song. Rockin’ is a solid song on the album. The rest is pretty meh.
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This was fun! I hear the 90’s grunge-electronica sound you’re referring to here. It does feel like they’re moving ever so slightly away from fuller melodies as they take on a crunchier, darker/mature sound, which applies to the whole EP.
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This is a real song. At this point I just need 2018 songwriting back, we need 3:30 songs as a baseline but nonetheless LDN Noise definitely is a producer to beat this year. I love how seamless the song sounds, how full it is, in this economy!!! This really gives me hope that our new 5th generation boy groups are saving K-pop from the mainstream infractions. NGL when I saw iann dior on the credits I was a bit worried because Mood wasn’t good and I only happen to remember that because it’s one of those Billboard chating slops in 2020. This is solid. 9/10
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