Rocket Punch Makes “Bouncy” First Return
Six months after their initial debut, Rocket Punch is back on the scene with a fiercer aura and sharper sound. Their debut album Pink Punch had a decent showing, but lead single “Bouncy” is proving to have more staying power already, with the music video surpassing the total views of “Bim Bam Bum” already.
“Bouncy”
Right off the bat, it’s abundantly clear that Rocket Punch did not come to play with this comeback. With the driving tempo, it’s impossible to deny the energy oozing from this track, and it doesn’t stop even for a moment. “Bouncy” reminds me a lot of something that ITZY or f(x) might release, with the tried-and-true pop melody accompanied by hip-hop breakdowns to keep things fresh. It has the same appeal as a song like “Dalla Dalla,” but with a different lyrical tone. It definitely brings a new level to the group, quite different from “Bim Bam Bum,” and after just one listen the melody was stuck in my head for the day. If you’re into the energetic, power anthem type of sound, you’ll certainly be a fan of “Bouncy,” even with the somewhat odd metaphor of a heart as a bouncy ball.
As far as the music video goes, the aesthetic pretty much accompanies exactly as you would expect with such a lively and spirited track. All bright colors of the rainbow litter the background set and even the outfits worn by the girls have an intensely bright aura, with Versace outfits that are bold with outstanding patterns. The choreography is dynamic and fun and also lends itself to the overall hype of the track. With the neon color themes of the background coupled with the dazzling outfits and fun choreography, this comeback is wrapped in a perfectly energetic package that inspires you to get your groove on, no matter your mood.
The Album
Latest release Red Punch features seven new tracks, beginning with instrumental intro “RED PUNCH.” As you would expect, it’s a perfect opener for the title that follows, with a bright EDM energy that builds until the very end. There are a number of eclectic musical influences in the track that on one hand make it interesting, but on the other make it a little bit jarring since they are out of the ordinary.
“So Solo” mellows things out just a bit, having a lighter and cuter tone than the title. The accidentals thrown into the vocal line throughout the track add a pinch of spice that gives the song a bit more identity. “Fireworks” incorporates the lightest touch of Latin flair in the rhythm that adds diversity to the album and makes for a refreshing change. We’re then brought to a new feeling past the halfway point with “Paper Star,” a slow tempo ballad that lets you take a chance to slow down and really listen to the vocal color of the group. The sentimental feeling in the melody is quite beautiful as well. “Lilac” maintains this feeling, but replaces the rhythm with a warmer acoustic sound that helps to highlight the bright emotions in the melody. And last but not least we have “Girl Friend,” a traditional peppy girl group tune that would likely be paired with a bright, cute concept not unlike early GFRIEND releases. The album is put together very well when it comes to cohesiveness, with the hyper and more intense tracks composing the beginning, and the slower and lighter tracks rounding out the album.
Red Punch is a solid album, there’s no denying that. But depending on personal taste, it might not have the power needed to attract certain listeners. Still, Rocket Punch is very early in their career, and they’ve already shown a new side to their talents through this comeback, so it is likely they will continue to grow into something truly great as time goes on. Even though I wouldn’t consider myself a fan of the group, I thoroughly enjoyed this comeback and I’m excited to see what is to come.