TITLE: RELOAD
ARTIST: NCT Dream
LABEL: SM Entertainment
RELEASED: April 29, 2020
The last OT6 release from this NCT Dream. It feels bittersweet like when Mark “graduated” but most of the OG members can’t be considered little dreamies anymore. But lets see where the more mature sound they were starting with their last release has taken them.
Ridin’ – Title Track
As far as title tracks go… it doesn’t hold up. There is something about it that just doesn’t match up to We Go Up or Boom. There are moments when it actually slaps, mainly Jaemin’s raps and Haechan’s vocals. And honestly, I feel they are under using Chenle, he’s a vocal beast but this doesn’t showcase any of that. Now the MV is kinda fire and on brand for NCT. It’s like if Riverdale was mashed up with Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift. Anyway, let blue haired Jaemin and black haired Chenle hypnotize the shit out of you like it did me.
Quiet Down
What I think is going to be another just NCT noise song actually turns into something really pleasant by the chorus. Maybe it’s a little more hip-hop than what we’re used to but I actually prefer this to Ridin’. The bridge sold me and the adlibs show that Dream got the vocals too.
7 Days
Talk about AMAZINGNESS! A straight R&B-pop song that actually feels like it belongs on NCT 127’s latest album. The track MV for it shows exactly the kind of vibe they were going for this song. I could see my younger self hanging out by my lockers jamming out to this while I crush on the cute boys down the hall.
Love Again
Retro hip-hop pop track got me in my feels. This is definitely going head to head with 7 Days for my favorite B-side. There is so much to love about this song. From the old school samples that feel reminiscence of New Jack Swing, to hearing Jisung’s mature voice belt it out. Let me go do the Roger Rabbit and get my backwards cap as I jam out to this.
Puzzle Piece
This one actually feels out of place with the rest of the EP. It’s a folky ballad with just a guitar accompaniment and the vocals. Even though it takes you out the vibe of the other songs, it’s actually just a really pretty song. Then I went and read the lyrics and my heart wept. It really showcases how these 6 individuals have matured from their Chewing Gum days.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s a really good one to end an era I guess. I still feel like We Boom was the superior EP but I think it just shows where they can go from here. I know that there will be some sort of formation of a new sub-unit with the return of Mark Lee and I can’t wait for it. Anyway…. the sound was good, the vibe was good, and the visuals have shown that these boys are kinda past that weird awkward puberty stage in life and ready to cop some numbers in the club. WRAP IT BEFORE YOU TAP IT AND STAY SAFE MY BABIES!
PRODUCTION : 4 / 5
VOCALS / RAPPING : 3.5 / 5
VISUALS / CONCEPT : 3.5 / 5
OVERALL : 3.5 / 5
Least Favorite Track(s): Ridin
Favorite Track(s): 7 Days, Love Again
Unbothered Unnies 