Review: Enhypen - Tamed-Dashed

Given how their first full-length ends with an interlude, it seems that Dimension: Dilemna is the first part of a bigger album, similar to BTS' Map of the Soul: Persona and Map of the Soul: 7. This shows high faith in the artist by their label and producers. Perhaps more than any other genre, the Korean idol scene is one where a major company can put faith into their artists, and Enhypen have it better off than most. Stemming from BTS' agency, HYBE, the group already has amassed a sizable fandom within their debut and two comebacks, largely due to their agency and link to BTS, as well as their debut survival show, I-Land.

However, among the risky choices, one would expect Enhypen to have made with such success guaranteed, releasing an explicitly summer single (the word 'summer' is repeated all over the pre-chorus and chorus) in mid-October would not be it. However, here we are, in one of the most bizarrely delayed K-Pop summers ever.

There actually is a reason for the recent summer tracks, most by lower A-tier and upper B-tier groups in terms of popularity. May and June were dominated by summer tracks releases by the upper A-list artists such as BTS, TXT, Twice, IU, and Brave Girls, while July and mid-August were halted by the COVID-19 virus spreading across the K-Pop scene, as well as the Tokyo Olympics. Thus, ONF, ATEEZ, Oneus, and now Enhypen, have been in full summer swing with their current releases.

Now, with a totally new concept to work with, Enhypen seem to struggle with adapting their previous lore and elements. The vampire concept is strangely hinted at throughout the MV, while the youthful concept carried over a little less rigidly. However, the strangest continuation, conceptually, would be the strange name, keeping the dual name concept from Given-Taken and Drunk-Dazed. However, unlike those two songs, it makes little sense here.

First, let us talk about the autotune here for a minute. In many ways, Enhypen's survival show debut still defines them. With survival shows, artists have far less training times, and in most cases, it is the vocal skills that take the biggest hit. Now, Enhypen are major artists, and the K-Pop scene requires constant releases to maintain popularity. Thus, the group has yet had the time to train vocally. Thus, even if it does not make conceptual sense, the vocal processing makes sense from a business standpoint.

Musically, a central part of Tamed-Dashed would be the strong electronic bass. Doubling as an EDM instrument and the bassline, the bass pounding is super-central to the song, acting as both an anchor, as well as a swing for the song to build off on. It never is too repetitive, even if trendy, and perhaps the most essential piece in the entire song.

To blend the gap between the bass and the vocals, several instrumental flourishes and percussional tricks are essential. The repetitive drum loop is an anchor, while guitar strums and the occasional synth beats provide a bit more of this bridge. However, easily the most impressive of these flourishes would be the eastern zither-esque synths in the second half of the chorus, creating an almost metropolitan, oriental, and a substantial level of impact.

Melodically, the song has all the ingredients to stun, and does not disappoint. Minus the over-indulgent vocal processing, the song is surprisingly strong. The chorus is in particular, a highlight. The uneven hooks with the overpowering bass is a fantastic blend, with the aforementioned zither synth providing a strong level of assisting quality.

The verses are fine, even if inferior compared to their potential, with the bridge being the song's only true disappointment, along with a somewhat generic finale. For how strong the bassline is, a more explosive climax would have certainly been better.

Even if it is not perfect, Tamed-Dashed is a strong addition to many summer playlists, striking a powerful balance across extremes. The vocal processing is irritating, but the basic melody and production is powerful enough to make this an October highlight.

Rating: 8.75/10

Image Source: Gen Sindo