Go Crazy for NEXZ’s “NALLINA”
JYP Entertainment’s global boy group, NEXZ, has made their first Korean comeback. Yu, Tomoya, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui, and Yuki returned with their first EP, NALLINA, which highlights the title track of the same name. Released on November 18, this EP of hip-hop and pop songs allows NEXZ to show both their cool and cute sides.
TRACKLIST:
“HARD”
“NALLINA”
“Next Zeneration”
“Eye to Eye”
“Keep on Moving (Korean Ver.)”
“Z Side_241008” (CD only)
The Title Track: “NALLINA”
In this comeback, NEXZ stays with a youthful, rebellious image. “NALLINA,” Korean slang that translates to “crazy” in English, encourages listeners to spice up life by living outside of the norm. “Go, light it up, this cold world / Strir it up with no mercy, live it up,” NEXZ chants. Composed by ONEYE, Ninos Hanna, William Segerdahl, Niklas Jarelius Perrson, and Adam Ben Yahia, this title track showcases an energetic moombahton track with sharp choreography.*
The music video carries a determined and simultaneously unbothered energy. NEXZ intrudes on people’s activities with actions ranging from sitting on a billiards table, using their dance moves to shattering the glass of a car window, crashing through the roof of a fancy restaurant, and even setting fire to a convenience store through their fancy footwork. It’s a fun way to show rebellion through dance instead of showcasing the group conventionally causing havoc.
The B-Sides: Start off Hard-Hitting, and End With Soft Vibes
The “NALLINA” music video focuses on the group’s stellar performance skills, and so do the EP’s B-sides. NALLINA starts with “HARD,” a hip-hop song with an industrial sound. This song really allows the group’s rap and choreography to shine. The following track, “Next Zeneration,” keeps the hip-hop sound but brings in an old-school vibe. This song, which references the group’s full name, features lyrics written by Tomoya, Haru, and Hyui. I recommend watching the stages of “NALLINA,” “HARD,” and “Next Zeneration” from their comeback show for maximum enjoyment.
Starting with “Eye to Eye,” the EP’s second half switches to a softer sound. NEXZ sings about falling in love with someone on the same wavelength as them; someone who matches with them perfectly. After a trio of songs showing their tough side, it surprised me to see them include this cheerful and cute song. The Korean version of “Keep on Moving” closes out the EP. “Keep on Moving,” another encouraging and bright track, was originally released as an advertisement song for Japan’s AQUARIUS sports drinks. NEXZ featured the song on their Japanese debut single album, which came out in August.
The Verdict: A Fitting Comeback
I found myself interested in NEXZ shortly after their global debut in May. Though I did not watch Nizi Project Season 2, the show that created them, their title track, “Ride the Vibe,” got me hooked. Though I don’t enjoy “NALLINA” as much as “Ride the Vibe,” the musical direction works well as the next step. NEXZ’s cover of Stray Kids’s “Chk Chk Boom” from October feels like a teaser for how they would do a concept like that: this power ended up showing in “NALLINA.”
NEXZ is a group that really shines in their choreography. The group has an infectious energy that keeps me glued to their performances, and their new collection of songs knows how to impress. This comeback is one where people must watch the choreography with the songs because they elevate the experience.
*Note: lyrics taken from the English captions in the official music video.
“NALLINA” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 8.5/10
“NALLINA” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 8.5/10
NALLINA EP SCORE: 7.5/10
Overall Score: 8.2/10
Edited by Rae Lovette