Girl group Primrose have had an interesting history, moving from duo to quartet and switching genres each time they’ve made a return. Last year’s Steal Heart was their most promising venture yet and new title track Cinema continues that winning streak despite an ultra-cheerful aura that could rub some listeners the wrong way.
There are many aspects I love about Cinema. The full-throated singing that characterizes both the verses and chorus recalls earlier generations of K-pop and the instrumental has a chugging intensity that feels optimistic and fun. Things switch up nicely for the post-chorus as punchy synth gives the track unexpected verve. I could do without the hyper-cheerful chanting, but even this feels refreshing in a girl group landscape that’s currently muted and way too cool for school. As cheesy and Disney-fied as Cinema feels, it’s ultimately the strength of its melodies, performance and energy that win the day.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
i’m always bowled over by your knowledge of nugu groups and it always seems that you do your research. this constant display of prior knowledge is actually very admirable and respected. but i def agree with what you said, the lyrics are so cheesy but in a rewarding way. thanks for another addition to my playlist!
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oh yea i shared this blog to my friends and told them to read this as their reading material on assembly days and they actually started reading it RELIGIOUSLY every day. it’s also perfect for them as they are avid fans of K-pop and although they prefer the more yk…. newer and subdued groups(enhypen, illit and katseye) they def did expanded their scope of music discovery abit!
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OOF i just remembered a funny time where i asked one of my friends to rate infinite the chaser and they gave a 6.5/10 because they didn’t like ‘messy’ songs??? and yet they had the audacity to rate katseye gnarly an 8/10
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like if anything, my friend could’ve clicked on h2h the chase but that’s highly unlikely because that song def isn’t messy enough… but yea i told my friend to be more objective and expose themselves to actually good songs because that 6.5/10 struck two nerves, not one.
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I am concerned for your friend.
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Yeah the chanting throughout the track is just a bit too much for me— with a little more restraint I’d have liked it more. It’s a fine effort though.
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Nick, your blog is really good and I love reading your reviews.
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I listened to their back catalog, and while not my favorite, I appreciate the unique sounds they brought to the table and most of their songs were decent if not good.
I previously also only had Steel Heart saved, so I’m happy to have been exposed to more of their material.
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Definitely not as high on this track, it sounds dated which isn’t something I say often. I appreciate what the track offers ditching sing talk and a nice chugging instrumental (that I associate with nugu groups). I really like these ladies and how they sing. On that note, you really gotta find a different way to say full throated cause what does that even mean? They use chord closure? The opposite of airy? They’re not sing talking. It’s humorous in a way I don’t think you intend and there has to be a better way to say what you mean
I really liked steal heart and while I didn’t expect them to continue down that route, it would’ve been nice. I have no idea where they’re going next
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