[REVIEW] LNGSHOT's 'S.W.I.S.H.' Has More to Offer Than Its Title Track

LNGSHOT's second EP "S.W.I.S.H." is worth listening to beyond its title track. "Bananas" delivers an infectious chorus and plenty of energy, but the B-sides leave a stronger impression. With their laid-back grooves, smooth vocals and playful rap deliveries, they offer a clearer picture of what the four-member group does best.

Released on Nov. 10, "S.W.I.S.H." arrives roughly 10 months after LNGSHOT debuted with "SHOT CALLERS" in January. The five-track EP features "Masterpiece," "Bananas," "Wanna Go," "Up & Away" and "Beep Beep," with members OHYUL, RYUL, WOOJIN and LOUIS contributing to the songwriting and composition.

"Bananas" is an energetic dance-pop track built around shifting beats and a repetitive "Go Bananas" hook. Rap and melodic sections alternate throughout, keeping the song lively and well-suited for performance. The chorus is simple but undeniably catchy, making it easy to imagine audiences singing along.

Still, the song becomes fairly predictable despite its beat changes. With so much emphasis on the chorus, the members' individual vocals and rap styles have fewer opportunities to stand out. It is an enjoyable title track, but the group's hip-hop and R&B influences come through more naturally elsewhere on the EP.

"Wanna Go" is a particular highlight. Its restrained synthesizers and steady groove give the members room to move comfortably between singing and rapping. Rather than relying on dramatic changes, the track maintains a relaxed rhythm that never feels dull. The vocals sit naturally within the production, recalling the sound LNGSHOT established on their debut.

One of the EP's best moments comes when "Wanna Go" transitions into "Up & Away."

As the repeated "Right on time" phrase fades toward the end of "Wanna Go," the synthesizers of "Up & Away" take over almost seamlessly. The transition is smooth enough that the change between tracks can be easy to miss.

The two songs have different moods. "Wanna Go" is more restrained, while "Up & Away" feels brighter and lighter, driven by arpeggiated synths. Yet their shared rhythmic feel makes them work particularly well together. Listening to them back-to-back is noticeably more satisfying than hearing either track separately.

It is a small detail, but one that encourages listeners to pay attention to the album's sequencing. In an era of shuffled playlists and title-track-focused listening, LNGSHOT gives audiences a reason to hear the songs in order.

"Beep Beep" is another standout, pairing a rhythmic beat with the members' distinctive vocal deliveries. Its repeated hook is memorable, but the real appeal lies in how the members play with the rhythm, moving between rap and vocals without disrupting the groove.

Producer Cha Cha Malone, a longtime collaborator of Jay Park, contributed to the track. His involvement reinforces the hip-hop and R&B foundation that has defined LNGSHOT since their debut. The production carries the relaxed, groove-driven quality associated with his work while leaving room for the members' individual styles.

The previously released "Masterpiece" takes a softer approach. Built around smooth R&B melodies and layered harmonies, it places greater emphasis on the group's vocals. Without dramatic beat changes or an explosive chorus, the song lets the members' voices carry the music.

Although the B-sides share a hip-hop and R&B foundation, each approaches it differently. "Masterpiece" highlights vocal harmonies, "Wanna Go" favors a restrained groove, "Up & Away" brings a lighter synth-driven sound, and "Beep Beep" focuses on rhythm and delivery.

Compared with their debut EP "SHOT CALLERS," the new release also pays more attention to how songs fit together. Their first project introduced LNGSHOT through individually distinctive tracks, including "Moonwalkin'." This time, the seamless connection between "Wanna Go" and "Up & Away" adds another dimension to the listening experience.

The EP is not entirely cohesive, however. "Bananas" stands apart from the more relaxed material, both in its dance-pop sound and busier arrangement. Still, that contrast shows LNGSHOT experimenting with a more performance-oriented style without abandoning their musical roots.

The members also remain involved in the creative process. All four contributed to the writing and composition of "Wanna Go," while OHYUL, RYUL and WOOJIN worked on "Up & Away." Every member received writing credits on "Beep Beep."

Jay Park and Cha Cha Malone's musical influence remains evident, and developing an identity that feels distinctly their own will be important as LNGSHOT grows. For now, the group sounds most convincing when it embraces the relaxed rhythms and natural interplay between vocals and rap that characterize its strongest B-sides.

There may also be a broader approach behind the group's releases. "SHOT CALLERS" already demonstrated that LNGSHOT had worthwhile material beyond its title track, and "S.W.I.S.H." follows a similar pattern. "Bananas" offers immediate appeal, while the remaining songs reveal more of the group's musical character. Whether intentional or not, it is an effective way to encourage listeners to explore the entire EP.

At a time when it is easy to hear a title track and move on, LNGSHOT has delivered another release that rewards a full listen. "Bananas" is fun and catchy, but the B-sides are what make "S.W.I.S.H." worth returning to.