With 2024’s resurgence in popularity for idol band DAY6, I wonder if Korea is at the forefront of rediscovering their love for band music. Rock was a major force during the 90’s and early 2000’s, but like most music markets (apart from Japan!), the genre has ceded power to more modern sounds like hip-hop and EDM. New band Dragon Pony are here to throw their hat in the ring with a boisterous debut that explodes with youthful energy.
The group hails from Antenna, a well-respected agency in indie circles. They self-compose and produce, ensuring their musical perspective is placed front and center right from the start. Judging from Pop Up, the guys have drawn on decades of lively, punk-influenced rock. It’s not particularly unique, but the song is performed with a sense of polish and excitement that makes them sound like they’ve been kicking around for years. The vocals are powerful and convincing and the band shreds with the best of them, offering an instantly memorable riff and pummeling energy. They also understand tension, as the second-verse build-and-release exhibits. I’m excited to hear where they go next. This is a very solid debut.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Shameless plug: As far as new rock music goes, nothing for me can overshadow the fact The Cure have a new song, their first in 16 years! And that it sounds amazing:
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The grownups showing the kids how its done.
Hubby played the Everything but the girl album from last year a lot, more than a lot. The Tears For Fears was good too. Also Billy Idol came back as if no time had passed at all.
I myself thought the Depeche Mode “Ghosts Again” was a solid return to form.
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Slightly different era from the 80s, but I’m also excited for a new Oasis album that’s apparently coming soon…
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Day6 is back (so back🥹), Xdinary Heroes are getting better, Qwer is also popular, and to me Plave has always had this kinda rockish sound too (not to mention how Eclipse, the band that only exists in the drama, has it’s OSTs *everywhere*). This is really a solid debut, and something’s cooking about rock, I know it’s not just me😅
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This song too! It’s from two years ago but I feel like I must show it to people😂, it’s great!
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The lyrical content of the verses doesn’t match the majorly major key instrumental. Strangely happy clappy song singing about how sad you are. Maybe if they had switched from major in the chorus to the corresponding minor for the verses, it would fit better.
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