(G)I-DLE’s Tomboy has become an enduring 2022 hit, and I just don’t get the hype. But, the same could be said about the group as a whole. I try to be as objective as I can on a blog called “The Bias List,” but there are some acts that test that objectivity. (G)I-DLE aren’t for me, and that’s an understatement. I find much of their music actively obnoxious and self-indulgent, so if you’re a fan I’ll spare you the drama and recommend you skip my unbiased thoughts entirely! This ain’t gonna be pretty.
As their career has progressed, (G)I-DLE have become masters of concept. Their comeback tracks almost always hinge on evocative ideas, but those ideas are expressed in the most juvenile, broad way. It’s gotten to the point where the concept trumps the actual music, and new single Nxde may be the pinnacle of that problem. The underlying idea is sound: Broadway-friendly vaudeville act turned K-pop song. But, there’s nothing here. No real chorus, no memorable melody in the verses and plenty of unnecessary mugging for the camera. To be honest, if I didn’t run a K-pop blog that covered every new release, I would have turned Nxde off after its first few seconds. That intro is a challenge to get through.
I wrote similar thoughts about Stray Kids’ recent release – how sometimes music can feel too pleased with its own cleverness. I’ve always found this to be an off-putting energy, and maybe that explains why I have such difficulty with (G)I-DLE’s discography. Whatever the case, there are few redeeming qualities here. I never want to hear Nxde again, but the group’s popularity almost ensures I will.
Hooks 5 Production 7 Longevity 6 Bias 3 RATING 5.25
