TAN debuted earlier this year with the groovy Du Du Du. That track went on to be a big grower, refreshingly old-school in its approach with a focus on slick vocals. Better yet, its intro Fix You pointed toward a group capable of making excellent dance music. The guys have pushed further in that direction with follow-up Louder, bringing intensity with hard-hitting EDM.
I want to love this song so much. I’ve been missing big, maximalist dance music in K-pop – songs that just keep building and building. And up until its central beat drop, it seems Louder might be headed in that direction. The verses borrow the groovy nature from Du Du Du but elevate the energy. The rhythm has a swagger that drives momentum forward. TAN sound great when singing in unison. Their vocal blend feels more distinct than many of their peers, which is surprising given their origin on a survival series. I guess sometimes it’s just pure luck.
This potential makes Louder’s beat drop chorus all the more disappointing. A drop could have worked very well here, but the tempo-shifting nature of this one leaves much to be desired. It feels so generic compared to its surroundings, as if the producers gave up two-thirds of the way through and browsed a library of EDM stock music instead. It’s not entirely unsuccessful, and will probably benefit from more listens. But, it’s frustrating – and I’m so tired of K-pop tracks feeling frustrating. I mean, how hard is it to write an actual chorus?
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I got a very good laugh out of this song, with its cause I’m alvatroaz chrous 😅😅
I can get used to it but I would rather an actual chorus but at least I left the song laughing instead of crying. Like usually
LikeLiked by 2 people
wow it really does sound like i’m an albatraoz
LikeLiked by 1 person
The other day I showed darling daughter the actual music video of Wonho performing his latest release, since she has only played his recordings in the car she was not aware of his physicality. In the typical avuncular teenage style, she commented “Interesting”, and wandered off.
I feel the same about this song. Interesting. Interesting in a good way, possibly, probably.
As if they “browsed a library of EDM stock music instead” indeed. I am not sure if the drop chorus annoys me more than I enjoy the other parts to on balance be OK or OK enough. The English lyrics are more than a bit cliché. But as I have listened to the song several times already, I think the answer is it’s fine.
On an semi-related note. Ulala Session. Who are these people? This song from last week popped up in my suggested feed today, and its all good groovy stuff. Yes more of this please! Only 5,000 views, what?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh, I like that! I might have to write about it later.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s like the producers made great verses and a surprisingly great pre-chorus, then halfway realized “Oh! We were supposed to be making Kpoop music!” and put some stupid drop in the middle. It could have been at least bearable if the bridge wasn’t so languid, but alas.
Really, somebody replace this chorus with Chiquita’s or Love Me Right’s – man, this could have been such a great song.
LikeLiked by 4 people
UGH. I agree with you here. The verses and prechorus are great but the drop is irritating. Ruins the momentum and has some really irritating high frequencies (reminiscent somewhat of Hot Butter’s version of Popcorn but in the worst way possible).
I’d rate this a 7 out of spite, but I’m also having a headache and probably irritable.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I came here to mention Popcorn by Hot Butter because that’s immediately where my mind went as well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
ANOTHER GOD-DAMNED FRANKENSONG. True to 95%of boy groups this year the title is hopelessly flawed and the B-sides are glorious. I did enjoy the sultry 2nd gen fishing net couture though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also, Rocket Punch’s Louder is superior, consistent and noisy fun.
LikeLike
Yeah, I feel the same. This song kind of feels like wasted potential. It has many good elements but collectively it doesn’t really work IMO. I like the instrumental at 5:13 tho. LOL.
LikeLike
I have no idea what to think. I don’t love it but I don’t hate it????
I’ll probably forget about it in a few days
LikeLike
I was rolling my eyes at beat drop at first but I think I kinda enjoy it? Everything surrounding it is definitely a winner. We’ll see how it ages
What’s up with the video though?
LikeLike
I love the beginning of the video — it’s such a cinematic concept! But, that storyline quickly disappears, and the dancing crowds are sooo awkward.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erm…
I don’t even know what to think about this one.
The verses were great. But, that’s the only reason I like the song. ISN’T IT JUST SO FUCKING HARD TO WRITE AN ACTUAL CHORUS SO THAT WE COULD NO MORE HEAR THESE ULTRA-DULL BEAT DROPS?!…🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
Probably low-7’s for me (6,8,8,7).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually kind of really dig this? TAN really the dark horses of 2022 for me.
LikeLike
i might be super late to this song but i absolutely love it. including the chorus. the production, switch ups here and there, noisy chorus but not in an uncreative buzzing way 9-10 for me actually
LikeLike