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 »[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 »[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 »[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, …
Read More »[Review] BLACK6IX’s “Swamp Of Despair” is a mess but at least it’s an ambitious one
Though they’ve yet to enjoy mainstream success, rookie group BLACK6IX have drawn on K-pop’s past to release a pair of solid singles. This refreshing adherence to a 2011/12 sound continues …
Read More »[Review] IZ*ONE’s “La Vie En Rose” needed a dynamic chorus but debut hints at better to come
As the years have gone on I’ve become a bit disillusioned with the whole ‘Produce 101‘ format. The show is still an absolute juggernaut, with a far-reaching shadow that touches …
Read More »[Review] Golden Child eschews darker trends, returns with pop bliss in “Genie”
When it comes to boy groups, it seems like the majority of international fans prefer a darker, more brooding concept. I’m the exact opposite, which makes Golden Child a gift …
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