Given that this week is Chuseok, there have been way more K-pop (and K-pop adjacent) releases than I’d expected. Even so, today is empty until a trio of soloists return at midnight. Luckily, I missed a song from yesterday. Kwangmin is a member of Boyfriend (now known as BF) — one of K-pop’s most underrated idol groups. If you’re a fan of Sweetune‘s production, you’re in for a treasure trove of goodies when exploring their discography.

Solo track Mayday could have done with some of that robust production. Instead, it pairs Kwangmin with BTOB’s Yook Sungjae — an idol from the same K-pop generation. Though I imagine they’re friends in real life, they make for an odd duo on record. As BF’s main rapper and lead dancer, Kwangmin’s singing doesn’t live up to his ability in other areas. And placing Sungjae’s confident vocal within the same song only highlights that further. Mayday‘s sparse funk beat doesn’t do much to accentuate the strengths of the performance, making the song feel a bit rough in places. It’s a pleasant groove, but lacks the oomph to make its mark.

Grade: C