As 2018 draws to a close, I can’t help but think the year has been short on memorable debuts. Sure, there were the big ones (LOONA, Stray Kids), but even …
Read More »[Review] Gugudan have hopefully found their sound going forward with “Not That Type”
Gugudan’s unique “acts” concept has allowed them to explore a variety of styles since their debut in 2016. While this diversity can be exciting and unpredictable, it makes it difficult …
Read More »[Review] TWICE rise above listener fatigue with peppy, mature “Yes Or Yes”
Whenever a group is as active as Twice has been this past year, they run the risk of succumbing to listener fatigue. Between Korean and Japanese releases, the girls’ brand of quirky cute has been omnipresent. …
Read More »[Review] EXO’s “Tempo” is fun, creative, memorable mix that deserved a better hook
Though members of EXO have kept busy with solo projects and sub-units, it feels like forever since we’ve been treated to a full comeback from the group. Their new album, …
Read More »[Review] BLACK6IX’s “Swamp Of Despair” is a mess but at least it’s an ambitious one
Though they’ve yet to enjoy mainstream success, rookie group BLACK6IX have drawn on K-pop’s past to release a pair of solid singles. This refreshing adherence to a 2011/12 sound continues …
Read More »[Review] IZ*ONE’s “La Vie En Rose” needed a dynamic chorus but debut hints at better to come
As the years have gone on I’ve become a bit disillusioned with the whole ‘Produce 101‘ format. The show is still an absolute juggernaut, with a far-reaching shadow that touches …
Read More »[Review] Golden Child eschews darker trends, returns with pop bliss in “Genie”
When it comes to boy groups, it seems like the majority of international fans prefer a darker, more brooding concept. I’m the exact opposite, which makes Golden Child a gift …
Read More »[Review] BTS’s RM makes the raw, introspective, lo-fi “Forever Rain” work
The K-pop industry has always had a tricky relationship with mental health. Its performers put on an impossibly cheerful façade, so much so that media training is almost as important …
Read More »[Review] N.Tic surprise with quite the banger out of nowhere with “Do You Know Who I Am?”
What’s up with this month’s strongest boy group tracks going to acts so under-funded that their management can’t even properly encode a music video? Seriously, the video for N.Tic’s second single, …
Read More »[Review] Soya breaks out with the confident, jubilant “Artist”
Thanks to my daily publication schedule, there’s very little in the K-pop world that passes me by. But every once and awhile, I miss a song that deserves my attention. …
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