Big Ocean debuted back in 2024 as K-pop’s first hard of hearing group. I’ve never covered their music before, but teasers for new single One Man Army caught my eye. I’ll always be up for some good old-fashioned drama in K-pop, and this song seemed to promise a whole theater show. The actual song is a bit less ambitious than I’d like, but still easily the best thing released today.
One Man Army employs a strings-assisted stomp to suggest bigness. The song is too leaden to truly soar, but it’s trussed up by enough bombast to keep things interesting. In this way, it reminds me of Chaser’s debut last month, which has actually grown on me since release. The guys do a nice job with it, their voices front and center for maximum effect. What’s really missing is a sense of spontaneous life. Songs like this have clearly been programmed and perfected to death on a computer and would actually benefit from the thrilling imperfections of human-played instruments. Still, I appreciate that the group has expanded their sonic playground. I’m curious how far they can take this style.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I enjoy Big Ocean’s music, so I’m happy to finally see a review on here! As for my thoughts, I think the song is okay.
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Compared to everything else released today, ,this one sounds like a symphony.
That said, the vocal production is essentially “Ok, everyone, all in unison” and nothing much more. The vocal landscape is just so limited.
It is also the nth kpop song this month that bears a resemblance to old Imagine Dragons styling. (The Imagine Dragons revival we never thought or knew we never needed.)
Rating is about right, and actually its a relief to have an 8 today.
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This groups is dear to my heart. My husband went deaf following an illness and had to have bilateral cochlear implants (one of Big Ocean’s members also has them). Until that I had never given any thought to what it would be like to be deaf in a hearing world or that there were deaf people passionate about music. So when I learned about this group I was really taken with them.
I was able to see them at a festival in the fall, and they were wonderful performers with a really appreciative audience. This song is very different from their last shimmery single. Full of drama, like you say. I looove the integration of sign language in their choreography. Sign language is already so rhythmic and expressive it enhances their performance while making it more accessible. Also, now and then a gesture reaches out of the frame in the mv, which is so cool!
They use AI to assist with vocals and pitch correction, which is necessary because of their hearing. What they do to perform without hearing is fascinating. They use vibrating watches, flashing lights, and feeling the beat physically to help them stay on point. Anyone interested should check out some interviews.
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That is so much hardwork. Kudos to them!
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