Game, “SET," Match! WOODZ Is Back With Brand New Music
Written by Chelsea Tiso
Graphic by Rebekah Witt
Of the most recent releases within the K-R&B world, soloist Cho Seung-youn, otherwise known as WOODZ, knocks the ball out of the park with his latest comeback. Known for hit tracks "POOL" and "DIFFERENT," WOODZ is back with his brand new 3-track single album SET. It is the newest release since his debut album EQUAL and EP WOOPS!, both released during the latter half of 2020. SET, released on March 15th, introduces a new visually driven era for WOODZ as he continues to expand his catalogue of music and formulate his music philosophy that transcends genre.
As one of his more rock-inspired tracks and purely based on the opening of the first track "FEEL LIKE," WOODZ's new venture is dangerously enticing. Aside from the overall aesthetics, one of my favourite things about this project is how the instrumentals pair with the chorus top the list. The rich and heavy bassline that drives the entire track forward underscores lyrics of toxic desire (implicit in lyrics like "poison love" and "I'm addicted to you") whilst the memorable bluesy guitar riff, which makes itself known in the chorus, heightens this theme. As Cho's vocals increase in the chorus, the guitar riff follows, almost like a call and response between the subjects of the narrative. Yet, by the time the bridge arrives, these instruments cut out and are replaced by the heartwrenching harmonies that stay true to the mellow vibe that WOODZ is known for.
The different lyrical flows that WOODZ includes in this song alone emphasize why he is known as an all-rounder. Not only does he rap, but he sings, dances, and produces his music, as well as has multiple credits for producing for artists such as Suran, EDEN, and many more. In the choreography for "FEEL LIKE," there is a section right after the bridge in which WOODZ conducts his hand movements perfectly in sync with how I would describe how the bassline feels: cool and alluring. As a rhythmically new sound from Cho, his attempt at reinventing himself and the music he released proves to be a success. If you want to get the full experience of this song, I would highly recommend watching both the Inkigayo performance and music video for this song.
Following the title track, "Touché" featuring MOON introduces the listener to a new realm within the WOODZ world. The staple of the song, the sonically distant "I don't love you anymore" and its whispered response, "Touché" is as catchy as it is semantically insightful. The narrative of frustration with communication is underpinned throughout by a tonally muted bass that pieces both the lyrics and the sound together. The Latin influences within the track come to a height during MOON's sultry verse in which her vocals complement both the track and WOODZ's effortlessly and the outro of the song before the album transitions into its final track: "Rebound."
Aptly titled "Rebound," the final track on SET is equal parts emotion and sensuality. Entirely in English, "Rebound" showcases the ever-expanding range of WOODZ. Of the three bridges of the single album, "Rebound"'s sets the bar high for his future endeavors. The heartache associated with being someone else's rebound is crystal clear as Cho manipulates his voice in the line "I'm still thinking about you." As "you" rings out in the subsequent lines, the shift into the mellow outro lines "Wish you want me too, hmm / I'm still thinking 'bout you, you, you” make the bridge all that more heart-wrenching.
In his ability to create a world within his music and explore these storylines using his voice and music production, WOODZ remains one of the freshest soloists within the K-R&B genre. It is through the constant reinvention of himself and the visuals that accompany his music that he continues to gain a steady following of loyal MOODZ members and attract those who are new to his sound.