Back in 2012, K-pop found itself lodged within an EDM trend. But, it didn’t sound like today’s EDM, where stop/start structures and instrumental drops abound. This particular trend tethered huge …
Read More »[Review] NU’EST return to the tried and true deep-house well for “Love Me”
Since 2016, NU’EST’s title tracks have been emblematic of what I would call the Pledis Entertainment “house sound.” Each one was co-composed by the agency’s own producer Bumzu, and adhered …
Read More »[Review] TXT’s bold, occasionally fanciful “Run Away” another step in right direction
It’s been a long road to TXT’s first comeback. Originally scheduled for August, “Run Away” arrives after two postponements, increasing anticipation for where the group’s music would go next. TXT has …
Read More »[Review] BTOB’s Hyunsik elevates “Dear Love” above standard ballad fare with unique edge
I think I may have been underrating this Lim Hyunsik guy. I never covered his 2017 solo track “Swimming,” and I kind of want to time travel and give past …
Read More »[Review] AB6IX’s “Blind For Love” is effortlessly enjoyable
Of all the K-pop songs that have grown on me this year, AB6IX’s Breathe has had one of the most impressive climbs. I was dismissive of the track upon release, …
Read More »[Review] ATEEZ’s theatrical “Wonderland” is a standout success
ATEEZ have taken 2019 by storm, releasing a steady stream of music that has now culminated with their first full album. The fact that all of this has been accomplished …
Read More »[Review] Super Junior hit highs and lows on “I Think I”
Over the course of the past eight years, Super Junior have offered a template for how to deal with Korea’s mandatory military enlistment. Though they’ve promoted almost every year, the …
Read More »[Review] “Firework” is ironically LABOUM at their least explosive
Girl group Laboum were at their commercial and musical peak from 2015-2017, book-ended by the pop brilliance of singles Aalow Aalow and Hwi Hwi. There must be something lucky about …
Read More »[Review] TWICE continue to refine their sound on “Feel Special”
TWICE have had a transformative 2019 so far, embracing a more refined sound while maintaining their immense popularity. Fancy has slowly become my most-played title track from the group, eclipsing …
Read More »[Review] KARD’s “Dumb Litty” is certainly hype, though to an uncertain end
With a title like “Dumb Litty,” the only feeling I could muster around the lead-up to KARD’s new single was morbid curiosity. How bad would it actually be? Yeah, I …
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