I’m admittedly a fan of BTS‘s body of work to this point, but that can be a double-edged sword in a way, at least in the sense that expectations ride …
Read More »[Review] Rookie group NTB showcases some potential with “Dramatic” debut
With the constant influx of rookie groups to K-pop’s already crowded marketplace, you’d think you’d want to give your act a unique name that helps them stand out. New boy …
Read More »[Review] LOONA YYXY adds an actual chorus to a familiar formula on delightful “Love4eva”
LOONA‘s 500th sub-unit, LOONA YYXY, consists of members Yves, Chuu, Go Won, and Olivia Hye. Notably, their debut with “Love4eva” also has contributions from Grimes, though unless she worked on …
Read More »[Review] 24K’s “Bonnie N Clyde” is a lot of noise just for the sake of being noisy
Oh, 24K. We’ve had a rough history together. For every impressive “Only You“, there’s been a disappointing “Bingo“. I appreciate this group’s passion and I respect any idol act who contributes to …
Read More »[Review] AOA’s “Bingle Bangle” is solid summer fun, but oddly lifeless chorus holds it back
So many veteran idol groups have gone through changes these past few years — some of them losing members and some disbanding altogether. Seventeen months after their last comeback, AOA …
Read More »[Review] SHINee set high bar for trilogy refreshing & galvanizing “Good Evening”
Three years ago this month, SHINee released their masterful “View“, which would go on to become one of 2015’s most enduring songs of summer and jump-start K-pop’s fascination with 90s …
Read More »[Review] PRISTIN V is a sub-unit success thanks to addictive & well-executed “Get It”
PRISTIN have already turned to a sub-unit called PRISTIN V, which consists of Kyulkyung, Nayoung, Roa, Eunwoo, and Rena. Their debut is with a track called “Get It“, and at …
Read More »[Review] Boyfriend’s “Sunshower” is an overly sentimental, paint-by-number anniversary song
Boyfriend are the latest group to find themselves at that precarious seven year mark, where contracts are up and the guys are forced to decide whether to stick together or …
Read More »[Review] Bolbbalgan4 get poppier with “Travel” to create a summer classic
Bolbbalgan4 have been an absolute force in the Korean music scene ever since their 2016 breakout hit “Galaxy“. Yet even as their music has become ubiquitous, I’ve continued to consider …
Read More »[Review] VICTON try hand at emulating “Spring Day” with “Time Of Sorrow” but miss the mark
Despite releasing a steady stream of material since their debut in late 2016, Victon have never really connected with me. That’s not a critique of the guys themselves, it’s just …
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