ZEROBASEONE’s post-2025 future stays undecided, however they’re lastly set to present us a full album on September 1st. Weeks earlier than that, they’re again with pre-release Slam Dunk — an uncharacteristically hip-hop dance observe.
In Okay-pop, there’s usually this urge to throw many various ideas and kinds at a bunch quite than allow them to settle into the one sound that followers love probably the most. I actually don’t flock to ZEROBASEONE for hip-hop, however just like the mission songs on Boys Planet or Produce 101, companies like to decorate their acts in all kinds of guises. On this case, they’re enjoying basketball gamers a la the favored anime Slam Dunk. I like this concept, however I’d find it irresistible extra if it got here packaged with a track as superior as that present’s Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai. As a substitute, we’ve got a really shouty, very chant-heavy observe that sounds approach an excessive amount of like approach too many different boy teams.
There’s this particular tone that’s cast when a bunch of Okay-pop boys’ vocals are common collectively right into a shout-chant. With few exceptions, it’s remarkably cut-and-paste for just about each group. It’s a bit shrill and fairly grating and I want it could fade from recognition. Sadly, this sound overtakes Slam Dunk‘s refrain and far of the observe. There are moments of extra melodic funk throughout the verses however they don’t quantity to a lot. The pre-choruses are positively the track’s strongest component. In any other case, should you benefit from the sound of idols screaming at you Slam Dunk will scratch that itch. Personally, it’s by no means what I covet about ZEROBASEONE’s music and does the members no favors.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
