Even if Park Jimin never gets the type of mainstream recognition that seemed possible coming off her ‘K-Pop Star‘ win (and 15&), at the very least her vocal ability should …
Read More »[Review] Pentagon’s sound successfully evolves on “Sha La La” by invoking “Energetic”
After last September’s “Naughty Boy“, I feared that Pentagon might end up chasing their own tail on a never-ending quest to replicate the structure and energy of 2018 hit “Shine“. …
Read More »[Review] KARD seem to put themselves back on the right track with “Bomb Bomb”
KARD felt like they had run out of steam last year, and they weren’t given much of a boost by their company DSP Media either. While I seemed to be …
Read More »[Review] Taeyeon’s “Four Seasons” is an amiable mid-tempo, though it feels like one of her album tracks
It’s been a long wait for new material from Taeyeon, and even longer since she’s actively promoted in Korea. With the release of digital single “Four Seasons“, it doesn’t seem …
Read More »[Review] VAV’s “Thrilla Killa” is like a release from 2013 and in the best way
In this day and age, I’m always impressed if I can get through a K-pop title track without a single trendy synth flourish. The tropical squiggles of yesteryear have warped …
Read More »[Review] MOMOLAND’s “I’m So Hot” plays it safe, misses usual standout chorus
MOMOLAND had a stellar 2018, propelled by the surprise smash of their hit “Bboom Bboom” and its copy-and-paste follow-up “BAAM“. Now, the real test begins. Having one breakout single is …
Read More »[Review] The T-Bird make debut with surprisingly simplistic “Rock Star”
I’m in love with the idea behind The T-Bird and The Pink Ladies — two project groups taking on a musical theater concept. K-pop is ready for some new sounds, …
Read More »[Review] Stray Kids blast forward with ambition with “Miroh”
At the end of last year, I picked Stray Kids as my top rookie of 2018. However, that was largely based on the incredible strength of their March debut. By …
Read More »[Review] Everglow debut with an energetic treat in “Bon Bon Chocolat”
Everglow, whose members include two ‘Produce 48‘ members and a member of ‘Idol School‘ , have debuted under Yuehua Entertainment. Their debut single, “Bon Bon Chocolat“, marks a bold, energetic, …
Read More »[Review] DIA’s “WOOWA” is a Shinsadong Tiger retread, which continues to be a good thing
When it comes to girl group DIA, each comeback feels like a minor miracle. I’m not sure they’ve ever released new material that hasn’t suffered some sort of delay or …
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