I wouldn’t have heard of NKO if they didn’t email the site. SCENE 1 is a “rearranged and re-recorded” album from NKO’s debut full length. SCENE 1 is described as a “cinematic-leaning rock music foundation.” And the entire album was composed, produced, and arranged by NKO with mastering outsourced. This means the album can go in a few different directions.
After listening to the album, the first thing that comes to mind is uneven. NKO has a lot of ideas, and a lot of those show up in the song composition. I can see where the “cinematic” ideas are trying to go, but I don’t think NKO fully develops these ideas. The start of SCENE 1, “The Hazy City,” is a rap-rock song that also brings in 90’s K-pop vocals along with some weird added flourishes. The overall composition is fine, but it’s lacking dynamic range.
“비켜” follows a similar tone to “The Hazy City.” It’s a rock song with emo themes. The instrumentals sound more confident here. The vocals on the chorus lack the same punch as the verse. It’s a good song that could also use a wider range. “비누꽃” provides a melodic rock ballad song. The skeleton of the song is fine. NKO is a good composer, but I think they would benefit from more input. The singular vision needs some polish.
Most of the songs on SCENE 1 sound like they’re between a demo and a final cut. It’s like the time when songs should be trimmed and managed to get right to the core. An example is “너를 알아가던 날들.” In terms of the album’s theme, why is there a K-pop ballad over a mixed rock track? It throws off the energy.
Another switch happens on “어때요(Who Cares!).” SCENE 1 doesn’t sound like it should have a commercial pop rock song, but here it is. It’s a weird distraction for the album’s tone.
SCENE 1 sounds like two EPs forced together. The “aggressive” songs frontload the album with lighter and somewhat more melodic tracks that occupy the back half. All of the compositions are solid; I can hear the ideas that are presented. I think the underlying problem is that NKO needs feedback to trim songs down. The album has a lot of ideas that don’t fully bloom.
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Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.
