Latest Entries
Song Review: LE SSERAFIM – Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife
Review

Song Review: LE SSERAFIM – Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife

Upon the release of LE SSERAFIM’s most recent album, the track Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife seemed to spark a lot of online discussion. So, I’m not surprised it’s been given a music video and follow-up promotions. While Unforgiven attacks with its central catchphrase, Eve maintains the stylish — almost monotone — air of … Continue reading

Song Review: KARD – Icky
Review

Song Review: KARD – Icky

Though KARD are quite successful in various parts of the world, they’ve expressed a desire to cement their fanbase in Korea. As one of the industry’s only co-ed groups, they seem perfectly poised to fill a gap in the market. But after the many high points of their initial rollout, I’ve struggled to connect with … Continue reading

Song Review: ENHYPEN – Bite Me
Review

Song Review: ENHYPEN – Bite Me

After a promising April, the K-pop industry has me back in the doldrums. Too many songs are feeling disposable these days — catchy and stylish but lacking the indelible melodies and striking centerpieces that forge a long-enduring classic. “Fast fashion” has never felt so apt a descriptor for the industry, and ENHYPEN’s new Bite Me … Continue reading

Song Review: Blackswan – Karma
Review

Song Review: Blackswan – Karma

Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve written about Blackswan! This group has suffered more member changes than I can count, and the current line-up is another refresh from their 2021 configuration. Only leader Fatou remains. This constant change makes it difficult to feel any kinship toward Blackswan. You don’t want to get too … Continue reading

Song Review: ATBO – Next To Me
Review

Song Review: ATBO – Next To Me

ATBO are one of a few newer boy groups whose music feels interchangeable to me. They’ve delivered one unique highlight, but their ever-changing sound is very much “Boy Group 101.” It’s as if their singles discography is a collection of songs from the concept round of an audition show. They could be performed by anyone. … Continue reading

Song Review: Ryugujo – Mr.FORTUNE
Review

Song Review: Ryugujo – Mr.FORTUNE

Last week, I called Avu-chan’s Year 0, Class 0 the best audition show I’d ever seen. That feeling has only intensified with time. And, it’s bolstered my interest in Ryugujo — the group formed through the series. They’re a self-proclaimed “alternative” act, which essentially means their music has a unique perspective and sound. Both songs … Continue reading

Song Review: YOUNITE – Waterfall
Review

Song Review: YOUNITE – Waterfall

After a super-strong pre-debut single, I’ve struggled to connect with anything else rookie group YOUNITE has released. Like so many current boy groups, their music so far feels like a lukewarm blend of tropes and trends without memorable songwriting to back it up. New single Waterfall hearkens back to the lighter sound palette of their … Continue reading

Song Review: The Wind – Island
Review

Song Review: The Wind – Island

I’ve been jokingly referring to newly-debuted group The Wind as “BFriend,” and I have a feeling that moniker is going to stick. So far, their music is a note-perfect re-creation of GFriend’s debut year. This alone scores them massive points from me. How refreshing to hear a new boy group do something totally different from … Continue reading

Song Review: (G)I-DLE – Queencard
Review

Song Review: (G)I-DLE – Queencard

After dropping their pre-release Allergy last week, (G)I-DLE are back with their newest title track Queencard (퀸카). These two songs are linked thematically, but their overall sound is also consistent. The group has built upon the success of last year’s Tomboy, taking rock elements and giving them a fashionable K-pop sheen. This works well when … Continue reading