I will admit that I have no clue how LNGSHOT popped onto my radar. They are a new K-Pop group coming out of a new company formed by Jay Park, who I really only know by name.
Perhaps the video for their pre-debut song, “Saucin'” showed up on my Youtube feed enough times that I finally gave in. But now their first mini album is out, so it’s time to review! Their debut album was titled Shot Callers, and we got five tracks in total from it. As an overall theme, I think it’s safe to say the 2000s R&B and rap were the main inspirations as far as sound goes. Main rapper Ryul was also really good at adopting a Western/American rapping style and flow, which added nicely to that 2000s R&B/rap sound. Another thing that all of these tracks had in common was that their choruses were catchy as hell. I’m talking two listens and I was singing them word for word even later in the day.
The album started off with “Backseat,” which presented itself with a really chill confidence. Part of that is attributed to the style that I mentioned before, but the delivery definitely makes this song stand out. The cadence of it also reminds me of Big Grams’ album a lot. Very similar in a lot of ways was the song “Facetime.” For me, this one really captured the smooth R&B vibe. If I look at this album as a whole, I think the pre-debut song “Saucin'” was the most different sounding off the whole album, but it totally slaps. And if you’re looking for an addictive performance video, definitely go check out the one for this track. “Moonwalkin’,” their debut single, was so completely different from ‘Saucin'” that I didn’t know what to make of it at first, but it’s perfect. Again, another very smooth R&B track that shows off all of their vocal skills. The closing track, “Never Let Go,” happened to have a lot of creative input from the youngest members, Woojin and Louis, and it is also quite different. For me, this one has more of a mainstream pop rock vibe (think OneRepublic), but it’s a really strong finish for the album.
On top of their debut album, several months before the group’s official debut, they also released a seven song mixtape that they help write and produce, as well. I’m not gonna lie, this was really imrpessive! Stray Kids are really the only other group that I know (that I listen to) that has mixtapes, and usually half of those songs are throwaway for me. This particular mixtape rocks from start to finish! Perhaps the weakest song in the bunch is Woojin’s solo song “아닌 걸 알아 이제 (Ejeh),” but it has plenty of good to it. The group track, “Are You Ready,” is so strong and immediately draws in the listener. Again, most of the mixtape showcases an early 2000s R&B, hip hop vibe, and its a style that really works for them! Perhaps my second favorite track on the album is Ryul’s solo song ‘Trust Myself.” He’s just got a crazy good flow, and it again reminds me of Big Grams, so I might be partial. “Thinking,” sang by Ryul and Louis sounds like something GOT7 could have released back in the day, and Louis and Ohyul’s vocals shine in “Next 2 U.” A few tracks sound like they could be OSTs for BLs or dramas, but I’m not complaining. The whole thing is really strong!
I’m sure many, like myself initially, would like to compare these guys to Cortis. Perhaps the only things they really have in common though is that they are stupid young, and that they are putting out sounds not typical for most K-Pop. I really, really hope we get a tour from them. With Jay Park at the helm, I have confidence that will happen sooner rather than later. Definitely give these guys a listen!