It's been a "will they or won't they" situation with Kep1er over the past few weeks. After all, acts spawned from MNET competition shows usually come with an expiration date. However, the group has bucked tradition and extended their contract -- minus members Mashiro and Yeseo. Shooting Star heralds the release of their first full album and their last as a nine-member group.
Fortunately, this iteration of Kep1er has gone out on a high. Shooting Star plays in similar sonic landscape to many current girl group tracks but enhances its energy with a driving, synth-powered beat during the chorus and second verse. The song is at its best when it goes big and bold, offering an electronic fantasia that blends perfectly with the group's slick vocals. At times, the instrumental almost feels symphonic. Its synthwave influence reminds me of tracks like Twice's 2020 hit I Can't Stop Me, but Shooting Star harnesses a bigger sense of euphoria.
The song also utilizes a ton of empty space. On first listen, I wasn't sure how I felt about these slower segments. At times, it's as if momentum stops altogether. However, this contrast further enhances the grandeur of the chorus and adds to the sentimental surge of the track. This generous dash of emotion is a suitable fit for a transitional stage in Kep1er's career and results in their strongest title track yet.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 10 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9 |
Grade: A-
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