What does a rock song composed and produced by Sweetune sound like? Well, if IZ’s May release Eden was any indication, it doesn’t sound like Sweetune at all. Their partnership with IZ has been one of the year’s biggest surprises. I’m not unhappy about it (unless it’s preventing more classic Sweetune music from being released…), … Continue reading
Apink have quietly become one of the longest running girl groups still active in today’s idol industry. They rarely make waves (at least internationally), but have sustained their popularity over eight years — an eternity in K-pop. When it comes to solo material from the group, main vocal Eunji is probably the first member to … Continue reading
With another year of KCON behind me, I’m feeling recharged. This is something I needed after a lackluster K-pop summer. Though KCON seemed a bit cursed at the beginning (both ONEUS and Chungha had to cancel, following Everglow who pulled out weeks earlier), it turned out to be a great year. It’s my fifth KCON … Continue reading
With YG Entertainment in continual freefall, the company seems unable to release anything but threadbare solo albums from its artists. BLACKPINK’s stuck in a one-per-year promotional schedule, iKON is in limbo after losing its leader, and Treasure 13’s debut has been postponed for who knows how long. In their place, YGX (an agency subsidiary) has … Continue reading
In K-pop, it’s all too common for little-known rookie groups from smaller agencies to switch wildly between concepts in the hope that something — anything — will help them stick in the public conscious. Unfortunately, this approach very rarely works, and usually feels more inauthentic than exciting. There is no perfect road-map to K-pop success, … Continue reading
This April, The Boyz explored lighter territory with the bubblegum pop of Bloom Bloom. While I will always be leading the charge for more bright boy group material, Bloom’s incessant catchiness was almost too sugary to stand as one of the Boyz’ classic title tracks. New single D.D.D pulls back a bit, coming across as … Continue reading
In a year flush with debuts, Everglow’s Bon Bon Chocolat stood out thanks to its edgy sound. I wasn’t as enthralled with the song as others seem to be, but I’m always eager for more girl groups who push against the grain. New single Adios continues this approach, borrowing from BLACKPINK’s repertoire to craft what … Continue reading
