If you have read my previous reviews on RIIZE’s music, you would know that I am a huge fan. At this point in time, looking at their strong track record, I believe that we are witnessing a birth of a legend within the K-pop industry, for I don’t think any other 5th generation K-pop group has had such a strong run of singles as RIIZE has. From ‘Memories’, to ‘Get a Guitar’, to ‘Talk Saxy’, to ‘Love 119’, to ‘Impossible’, pretty much every single track is stellar. None of the songs have grown to age poorly, and in fact, grows a step closer to being a modern classic with every listen. ‘Boom Boom Bass’, while perhaps not as strong as the likes of ‘Impossible’ (which by the way has since risen to a perfect ten from my initial review), maintains the group’s unbelievable consistency.
‘Boom Boom Bass’ feels like ‘Get a Guitar’s younger brother. Both song’s are quite short, yet still offer moments in the song which give spotlight to the instrumental, which by the way, is exquisitely produced. One can tell that a real bass line was recorded just for the song, similar to ‘Get a Guitar’, it makes a tremendous difference in the listening experience. And precisely because song is so short, the producers knew that it would be best to take just a few key musical ideas and build the song around it so that the finished product would not feel ‘unfinished’ and instead be tight, focused, and fleshed-out. If one listen’s to the song carefully, there are about 3 musical phrases that are repeated through the song, with the main difference being the way it is packaged. It did not fear simplicity, because it knew that the key ideas were good. However, I do have a some concerns on how it will age, for ‘Get a Guitar’ had a more interesting rhythm than ‘Boom Boom Bass’ which has become iconic on its own right. Nevertheless, that is more of a concern for the future, which has yet to happen, and as of now, it hits (which is really what is relevant for the review).
The rap section was very smoothly incorporated without sacrificing momentum that many 2nd verse raps have historically done in K-pop, and was well-executed too. I think that the members are growing more comfortable rapping over time. The vocals, as always, were excellent. I don’t have things to nitpick this time.
However, I still feel that it has yet to reach the greatness of ‘Impossible’. At first listen, the latter felt like an instant classic, while I hesitate to say the same for ‘Boom Boom Bass’. I am not sure what exactly causes this feeling, but nevertheless, this feels a rather inconsequential attempt on my part to criticise something that is already so great. I have seen comments which suggests that the song could be longer, but if I am being honest, I think it would be a bit too repetitive if the song was lengthened without adding new musical ideas, which could definitely affect the balance that was already achieved otherwise.
At this point, I believe that RIIZE is leading the pack, not only within their generation, but among K-pop as a whole, in music quality. I shall only hold back from giving another 10, just because of that unquantifiable gap between this track and ‘Impossible’, but time shall makes all things clear. Then, I can justify myself with confidence.
Hooks – 9
Production – 10
Vocal Delivery – 10
Rap Delivery – 10
Overall – 9.75

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