The name BXB stands for “Boy By Brush,” which is nonsensical in a way I can only admire. They were brought together as a project group last year by APR Project, but Fly Away (도약 (跳躍)) acts as their proper debut. Of most interest to readers of this blog is that fact that some members were previously part of short-lived (but super great) TS Entertainment group TRCNG. Armed with a new line-up, the guys join a crowded slate of like-minded teams.
Fly Away shows hints of promise, but it’s ultimately tempered by its dull choice of recycled instrumental samples. Honestly, the best part of the entire track is its first eleven seconds. This dramatic intro was used for all of the song’s teasers, and its cinematic sound promises a larger-than-life, emotional epic that never quite materializes. Fly Away’s chorus comes close to fulfilling this potential, but it feels as if the melody is missing a second piece. Instead, we have a blazing guitar solo late in the track. Unfortunately, Fly Away fizzles out at under three minutes, which leaves little room for the song to build upon its strengths. I get the sense that BXB want to go bigger and bolder. Fly Away’s ambition feels restrained.
Even so, the group scores goodwill for attempting to bolster their debut with some unique touches. Fly Away’s dull verses sacrifice too much of this energy and comprise way too much of an already-fleeting track. But if the guys are able to take more risks in the future they could easily become dark horses in what’s bound to be a hyper-competitive 2023 for rookie groups.
Hooks 8 Production 8 Longevity 9 Bias 8 RATING 8.25
