In contrast to most K-pop releases, BTS’s upcoming album is following a months-long roll-out schedule reminiscent of American acts. My feelings about this aside, the approach is gradually offering hints …
Read More »[Review] Red Velvet returns to r&b with predictable “Psycho”
Red Velvet’s ReVe Festival series has seem them blitzing through a variety of styles with all the whiplash of a good carnival ride. Though I wasn’t too hot on it …
Read More »[Review] Lim Jimin is a bit like Taemin-lite on “Who, You?”
So many male soloists have used Taemin’s slinky dance pop as a template for their own work. From Kim Donghan to Lee Gikwang, and Park Jihoon to Kang Daniel, a …
Read More »[Review] LIMITLESS set down a better path with “Wish Wish”
I was not a big fan of Limitless’ summer debut. In fact, at this point I can barely recall it at all. I know that it was vaguely tropical, but …
Read More »[Review] EXO’s “Obsession” is a risk that doesn’t quite pan out
Despite SM Entertainment’s occasional ambivalence when it comes to promotions, EXO comebacks still feel like events. Even with the group down to six members thanks to military enlistments, the arrival …
Read More »[Review] IU’s upbeat, playful “Blueming” is a refreshing hit
IU is a force of nature in Korean music. No matter what else is going on, you can depend on IU releases to be dominating the charts. “Blueming,” her latest …
Read More »[Review] WJSN thrills with the compelling “As You Wish”
Though I wouldn’t have predicted it when they debuted three years ago, WJSN have slowly become one of my favorite girl groups of their generation. In many ways, they’re filling …
Read More »[Review] ASTRO’s “Blue Flame” surprisingly uninspired
Well, this seems to be the week where all my favorite, once-bright boy groups go dark. I’m not sure what alternate timeline I’ve stumbled into, but I want out. With …
Read More »[Review] MAMAMOO’s “Hip” represents a sensible progression in their sound
Fresh off their success on Queendom, MAMAMOO are back with their second title track of 2019. This has been a fruitful year for them, particularly Hwasa. Her name has been …
Read More »[Review] NATURE switch gears with sure-to-polarize “Oopsie”
Since their debut last year, NATURE have gone on to develop a quirky, off-kilter sound that sets them apart from other rookie groups. Fans seem to be taking notice, bringing …
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