24K’s Bonnie N Clyde: An Abrasive and Divisive 24k Song

24K members in a promotional image for their song 'Bonnie N Clyde', a 24k song known for its intense sound.

The K-pop group 24K has always been a subject of mixed opinions for this reviewer. While tracks like Only You demonstrated their potential and artistry, other releases such as Bingo fell short, highlighting an inconsistency in their discography. There’s no denying 24K’s commitment to performance and self-composition, which are commendable qualities in the idol world. However, their signature loud and often jarring musical style hasn’t always resonated.

Their single, Bonnie N Clyde, doubles down on this sonic intensity. The track is built upon layers of sharp, almost grating synths and forceful percussion. It’s a dense instrumental arrangement that borders on overwhelming, risking the melodic core of the song in favor of sonic impact. Bonnie N Clyde undeniably achieves its aim of being an aggressive, high-energy track. Yet, it’s easy to imagine a more refined version of this 24k Song – one that maintains the powerful drive but integrates more carefully crafted and memorable hooks. In its current form, Clyde feels primarily designed to generate hype, perhaps at the expense of lasting musical substance. The energy is certainly present, propelling the song forward for its duration, but the overall impression is somewhat fleeting.

One undeniable positive aspect is the vocal performance of the members. The raspy delivery, particularly prominent in the chorus, is a highlight. It’s unfortunate that this vocal texture isn’t applied to a more compelling and structurally sound refrain. Even the moments intended to be melodic within the song feel underdeveloped, opting for a tough, posturing approach rather than exploring contrasting dynamics against the forceful instrumental backdrop. For listeners seeking an immediate jolt of high-volume energy, this 24k song will likely satisfy. However, even within the realm of boisterous, hype-focused tracks, there’s room for subtlety and innovation. Bonnie N Clyde could have benefited from a greater injection of originality to elevate it beyond sheer sonic aggression.