The idea of a “healing song” must seem especially attractive in a culture like Seoul’s, which values the kind of non-stop work ethic that has resulted in massive technological advancement …
Read More »[Review] April takes a risk and manages to make it work with “Oh! My Mistake”
A sense of innocence has tethered all of April’s music together thus far, but that’s too much of a simplification when it comes to talking about their discography. Structurally and …
Read More »[Review] “Hello Tutorial” unfortunately doesn’t give its stars Zion.T & Seulgi much to do
Zion.T’s release schedule has slowed drastically since signing with YG Entertainment subsidiary The Black Label, but Korea seems poised to enthusiastically embrace his material all the same. As if his …
Read More »[Review] VAV need better than thoroughly uninspired “Senorita”
VAV is one of those groups who just keep plugging away. I don’t see their name mentioned much in K-pop circles, nor are they a huge presence on music shows. …
Read More »[Review] Weki Meki’s “Crush” is hesitant at times but still represents a step forward
Weki Meki have been circling the girl crush concept since their debut last year, nailing the attitude but struggling to find songs that fully harnessed their talent. The group’s work …
Read More »[Review] AlphaBat ride deep house sound and wonderful chorus on “New World”
I would never have predicted it, but low-budget, perma-rookie boy groups are kind of having a moment right now. Without the means to hire trendy, big-name producers, acts like Seven …
Read More »[Review] Fromis 9 make progress with frenetic and jubilant “Love Bomb”
Cutesy concepts aren’t for everyone. Personally, I can go either way when it comes to the lighter side of girl group K-pop, but once we get into coochie-coo-chirp-chirp-meow-meow-type aegyo it …
Read More »[Review] Lee Hongki and Cheetah team up on the rather bizarre “I Am”
Lee Hongki’s 2015 solo album was a surprisingly diverse affair. It may have been led by a big, theatrical ballad in the vein of his group’s 2013 hit “Severely“, but …
Read More »[Review] IU provides intrigue & depth with “BBIBBI”, which is her version of a diss track
IU has returned with the surprise release of a digital single in “BBIBBI“, which she says is for her 10th anniversary. It’s described as alternative r&b and definitely has a …
Read More »Hara’s ex goes to press claiming he wasn’t threatening Hara & wasn’t going to send it to Dispatch
Hara‘s ex (who identified himself as Choi Jong Bum) is now facing charges on making threats and blackmail over a sex tape of himself and Hara, and I guess with …
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