Kai - ‘KAI’ EP Review

There’s nothing new about EXO’s Kai stealing the headlines. For years now the artist has been a hugely captivating presence within K-Pop, with his idiosyncratic, enthralling style of dance, and dedication to enrapturing live performances standing out as particularly striking. Compilations and videos involving 26-year-old often amass views in the millions, and are lined with comment sections heaping praise onto the singer.

Now though, it’s time for Kim Jongin to take that ball and run with it. Instead of sharing the spotlight, and standing out from the crowd through sheer uniqueness and talent, Kai has the focus all on him, with a six-track, self-titled solo EP. More than just a mini showcase and fleeting venture, this is a chance for the EXO member to further prove his worth as a larger-than-life pop sensation, and add tangible substance to the hype that surrounds him wherever he goes.

Fortunately, any sliver of delusions of grandeur has been firmly cast aside with the versatile artist’s self-titled debut. Creative, innovative, and exhilarating, it’s a shortform release which sets itself apart from its contemporaries, and excels in its phenomenal, vivid aesthetics.

Beginning with the sleek, R&B-tinged “Mmmh,” Kai opens proceedings reservedly, discussing the initial feelings of excitement towards meeting a love interest. Vocally voluptuous, the 26-year-old seamlessly weaves himself in between murky synths and skeletal percussion. The catchy, repeating hook is very much a strong selling point, with its vivacious sensuality strongly enticing, ultimately aiding the title-track into manifesting itself as something very much at the apex of the K-Pop genre.

Following on is “Nothing On Me,” an equally polished piece of power-pop. Driven by atmospheric, airy synths, Kai floats over the backdrop with tremendous prowess, before the purring, industrial-like drop in the chorus puts a bass-filled flourish in the mid-tempo offering. Magnetic in its sonic pull, “Nothing On Me” is a steadfast cut which is near irresistible in its tightly-knit composition.

“Amnesia” is perhaps the first half’s finest effort, though. A trap-laden R&B offering built around accessible melodies and its ethereal synth layering, it breezes through its three-minute runtime. The smatterings of falsetto sprinkled in at the bridge show a marked confidence in risk-taking, but the overall consistency allows this particular track to shine fervently, never messing around or adding unnecessary moving parts.

As the second portion of the EP begins, “Reason” does slip into trendy territory, operating as a nice filler, but nothing more substantial. The dirty, gritty bass synths are a good touch, however, and the sharp vocal harmonies do show some added substance behind the rather fluid, if uninspiring, instrumentals. “Ride Or Die” does see return to full form, with its rippling bass and colourful rhythm guitar accompanying the 26-year-old’s glossy, honeyed vocals flawlessly. As with the other tracks, everything understatedly floats to its conclusion, breezily reaching a climax without overpowering the listener. Such consistency is a perfect formula for success, and highlights the tangible effort put into the release from Kai himself.

Closer “Hello Stranger,” a progressive R&B cut which echoes with a considered synth backdrop and trap backbone, ties a neat bow on proceedings, nimbly moving between the subtly powerful aura provided. Kai’s warm, deeper vocals work well here, and provide the perfect complement to the ambient instrumentals. It’s a near-flawless finish to the record, and shows a palpable prowess for music making from a man who has often left intrigue as to how he would deal with the spotlight all to himself.

All in all, Kai’s self-titled debut is a sonic experiment which proves seamlessly fruitful. Consistently sleek, polished and measured, it’s a mid-tempo delight of R&B-inspired tracks, none of which fail to deliver.

EP Rating: 9/10