Song Review: Kep1er – Killa (Face The Other Me)

6 hours ago 4

Kep1er has bucked the survival series odds and remained as a (less than full) group even after their initial contract ended. This seems to be the new norm, as a smaller version of ZEROBASEONE will also be promoting later this spring. Since reformatting as six, Kep1er’s music has run the gamut in sound and quality. I thought last year’s Bubble Gum was fun, but struggle to find anything worth listening to in new single Killa (Face The Other Me).

There are a few approaches that need to take a lengthy break from K-pop. Vocal fry is near the top of that list, and when it’s coupled with a chorus as annoying as Killa‘s we’re in real trouble. This is one of those irritating, catchphrasey tracks that’s essentially a bunch of empty boasts over derivative production. I’ve never loved this style of song, but now that it’s become its own predictable template new iterations barely even register.

Honestly, I struggle to find points to recommend here. Killa‘s melodic centerpiece (its pre-chorus) sounds nice but isn’t memorable enough to stick. Meanwhile, the rapped verses adhere to dull, simplistic phrasing and the “I’m a killllaaaaa” hook (complete with “chicka boom” and “brrrrr!” exclamations) puts the final nail in the coffin. It’s meant to be a “killing point,” but serves as an immediate signal to turn the song off.