The Boyz Go All Out in Newest Single ‘Maverick’

The Boyz are back and better than ever in their newest dystopian society-themed comeback, “Maverick,” released on November 1. Both the group’s teaser and concept videos display a never-before-seen effort to stretch the capabilities and versatility in their ever-changing style. It is a sharp contrast from their previous comeback, “THRILL RIDE.” Which was exactly as the title suggests, a bright and catchy tune that captured the essence of summer.

Now, amidst the popularity of TV shows like Squid Game and Alice in Borderland, “Maverick” seems to almost replicate the survival game plot and translate it into an equally intriguing concept for an EP. Each member can tackle the charms for any such theme, as they have tried cutesy concepts (“Bloom Bloom”), elegant concepts (“No Air”), and dark, passionate concepts, (“Reveal”). If anything, The Boyz is the only group in the industry that presents such flexibility, setting them up for future success as trends continue to rise and die.  

[현재] 더비 고마워 ㅎㅎ 가자!! pic.twitter.com/NwihAjKcWN

— THE BOYZ (더보이즈) (@WE_THE_BOYZ) November 1, 2021

As we travel into the realm of the music video, off the bat, fans notice the completely 180° switch in the group’s style. And yet, they are still able to pull the concept off with little to no bumps in the process. Again, the group’s versatility is beyond that of other fourth-generation groups—and this is one of the main reasons they have risen to such success so quickly, coming from a smaller company. Currently, The Boyz are one of the only fourth-generation boy groups to hold awards from Korean music shows like Music Bank or Show! Music Core.

Unlike the THRILL-ING EP, every single b-side on Maverick captures the essence of the theme, displaying development and complexity in their tracklist genres. However, what can be noted from the style of the music is how it follows in the footsteps of NCT-esque songs, though very slightly. The repetitive electronic beat that kicks off “Maverick” is both similar and different in some ways to NCT 127’s “Sticker” (although this track is quite a hot topic among NCTzens at the moment). 

And <THE SHOW> Choice for November 9th is… #THEBOYZ ’s #MAVERICK ! Congratulations #THESHOW @Creker_THEBOYZ pic.twitter.com/EeybaUbp3Y

— THE SHOW (@sbsmtvtheshow) November 9, 2021

In light of the group’s high-budget MV, Cre.Ker went above and beyond to accentuate the boys’ acting, dancing, and performing skills. Despite being a very dark concept, the group steps up to the plate with its unique concept. Although rough at first listen, the song slowly grows on you with its catchy rap-focused verses and bridge that accentuates the group’s vocal abilities. The Boyz have experimented with a very dance-heavy track before, and “Maverick” is no different, proving that they can properly show off their refined performance abilities to a much wider range of fans. 

After the conclusion of Road to Kingdom and Kingdom: Legendary War, The Boyz gained massive worldwide attention. They placed first in Road to Kingdom and second in Kingdom: Legendary War, outcompeting groups like ATEEZ and IKON with massive fanbases. 

Despite there being only two B-side tracks, “Hypnotized” and “Russian Roulette” it brings the whole comeback together. They are the glue that holds down the experimental title track and keeps fans listening for longer. The Boyz’ music can sometimes be a hit or miss with many listeners, especially their full-length albums where many of the songs are drowned out by the others—as in REVEAL.  

This time, the three songs are unique and intriguing in their own way, so listeners can have a connection with each song. Many groups, who prefer to release singles or EPs with only a few tracks on them are often bombarded by requests for a full-length album. However, in the K-pop industry that is dictated by fleeting trends and temporary interests, releasing more constant comebacks with shorter tracklists proves beneficial.

Keep up with The Boyz’ content by following their Instagram and Twitter accounts.