Dreamcatcher are currently working on new material, and main vocalist Siyeon’s first solo release arrives as a nice treat to tide fans over. She gained attention last year through vocal competition series V-1, but if you have even the slightest familiarity with Dreamcatcher, you’re going to recognize her voice. Her powerful performance provides the backbone to so many of the group’s tracks, making her a natural choice for a solo career.

Thankfully, Paradise pairs Siyeon with frequent Dreamcatcher collaborators (and Bias List producers of the year) LEEZ and Ollounder. The song feels like an extension of her group’s work, arranged with her specific talents in mind. It’s not quite a ballad, but I certainly wouldn’t call it a dance track. Rather than opt for the same mushy blend of piano and strings favored by too many solo releases, Paradise brings in electronic influences to give the instrumental some edgy texture. While it’s a solid production, I think I would’ve preferred an even more dynamic arrangement. The synths could’ve hit even harder, giving her vocals more to chew on.

As it stands, Paradise feels like a very solid b-side. You can hear so many of the classic LEEZ/Ollounder touchstones in its dramatic melody, which moves from reserved, emotive verses to a more bombastic chorus. The song doesn’t feature one of their great hooks, but the guys clearly know how to bring theatricality to any genre they tackle. Siyeon’s take-no-prisoners performance style is an excellent match for this type of material. She brings the power without going overboard, and her nuanced vocals keep the repetitive structure from feeling too stale. I don’t think that Paradise will compete with most of Dreamcatcher’s full-group work, but it’s a welcome appetizer before the main course.

Be sure to add your own rating by participating in the poll below!