It’s time to see what iKON can do on their own! Tantara is the first taste of a post-YG future for the group, released ahead of their upcoming album. They’ve always had a hand in their own production, so the continuity between this song and the last isn’t surprising. Tantara isn’t so much a reinvention as it is a restating of intent.
iKON have several distinct iterations of sound, and last year’s But You bucked past trends by embracing shimmering 80’s synthpop. Tantara pulls us back to the past by fast-forwarding a decade. It delivers a rollicking, 90’s style hip-hop track. And while it’s not up with the group’s best material, the track’s sense of loose fun is hard to resist.
Tantara’s instrumental holds plenty of surprises, from the 90’s west coast synth to the chugging guitar during its breakdown. The energy never once flags, buoyed by iKON’s amiable performance. Bobby starts us off with a commanding (loud!) salvo, and the song pinballs between members from there on. I would have loved a stronger, more melodic chorus. But, the overall energy is infectious. Longtime fans will definitely be pleased.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
iKon deserve a huge round of applause for successfully navigating label change with their wits and band seemingly intact. I hope the new label treats them well, can fund everything appropriately, because it seems like a tiny agency and they are the only big group they got.
The song. This one sounds like the mega-energy blast song that hits at a certain point in a big concert performance. Everyone going all rave all noise all energy. Volume set at 12. Whether it succeeds as a hit pop song on the charts is moot, though at 2:50 running time clearly they want to fish for the streamers. There are obvious places to stretch it longer for the concert dance breaks and runabouts.
For all that I say, well done iKon. Rating is about right.
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Honestly, this Performance Vid is like an MV of iKON in their previous label. Their performance video in YG are all in a practice room.
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Even though my first impression was that it was a little noisy, this song and performance video engaged me. It feels like a statement and I wish I knew what they are singing about. The more I listen to it the more I like it. I can’t wait for their album and US Tour!
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A very solid boom bap song
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Old school vibes are great. I’m just waiting for the day that iKON and B.I reunite
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it’s giving old school yg sound, like bigbang + 1tym + jinusean. sorta love it
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