NCT Wish have pinballed promotions between Japan and Korea, releasing previous single Songbird first in Japanese before unveiling its Korean version. Their new album seems to be taking the opposite approach, starting with pre-release Dunk Shot. No, this is not a cover of the 90’s track that NCT Dream already recorded. This is another Dunk Shot… that also happens to share 90’s undertones.

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard an NCT group color their music with such bright brushstrokes. Dunk Shot borrows many elements from the NCT arsenal, but tethers its abrasive chants to big percussion and rugged electro touches. There’s a bit of new jack swing influence in the rhythm, updated to fit a more classic K-pop sound. Better yet, the song injects plenty of vocal melody into its frame. Few hooks hit as hard as the ones in Songbird, but the bounding chorus makes for an ear-catching centerpiece. I also like the sneaky post-chorus that takes us to the finale.

Song structure aside, I love hearing SM Entertainment’s classic vocal mix during Dunk Shot‘s chorus. Its verses are a mixed bag, but once the members’ voices forge together we’re treated to a mighty blend that feels instantly nostalgic. Flashes of drama like this set Dunk Shot apart from bright pop tracks from other artists and will likely give it more staying power. There’s a weight behind the production that buoys its sillier moments and keeps Dunk Shot from feeling like a novelty track.

Grade: B+