Earlier this year, I spent much of my review of Hyoyeon’s first DJ HYO track bemoaning its lack of structural risk-taking. It slavishly followed the standard EDM, beat-drop archetype. And the …
Read More »[Update] Simon Wiesenthal Center denounces BTS, based at least partially on questionable info
As the ongoing mess with BTS is now spreading internationally through the media, problematic things from their past are cropping up. In what I can only characterize as a surprise …
Read More »[Review] BLACKPINK’s Jennie makes “SOLO” debut, which feels surprisingly empty
The solo debut of BLACKPINK‘s Jennie with “SOLO” always seemed a bit confusing, both the timing of it by YG Entertainment and the rather vague buildup for it through the …
Read More »[Review] H.U.B pick up on Latin trends to comeback with satisfactory “Finale”
H.U.B, who you may only know through Hyosun‘s light popularity on ‘The Unit‘, are taking another stab at the charts with comeback song “Finale.” Or maybe you only know that Rui is hot …
Read More »‘Music Station’ cites atomic bomb shirt in postponing BTS, but issues with Japan & nationalism run deep
BTS were scheduled to perform “Fake Love” and “IDOL” on TV Asahi‘s ‘Music Station‘ on November 9, but recently this was cancelled. Big Hit Entertainment released a vague statement about …
Read More »[Review] DreamNote debut with unfortunately inauthentic-sounding “Dream Note”
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 »Kris involved in fandom mess that escalates into UMGC defending him & Scooter Braun getting apologetic
There’s been quite the fandom mess going on recently, which only got more ridiculous thanks to involvement from people within the music industry. Basically, Kris recently released his ‘Antares‘ album …
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, …
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