I often write about K-pop groups needing to find a “signature sound,” but that doesn’t mean the sound is always for me. Boy group POW have taken an oddly subdued approach with their music, leaning on elements of downbeat jazz to fuel their aesthetic. It hasn’t worked all that well commercially, but at least their … Continue reading →

While they initially (pre) debuted with a promising pop/rock sound, rookie group POW’s music has become more subdued and forgettable since. They seem to have tons of promise, but the music just isn’t doing it for me. This regrettable trend continues with Being Tender (다정해지는 법) — a plonky mid-tempo that feels almost designed to … Continue reading →

When last we heard from POW, they were interpolating the chorus of Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend to middling effect, diluting that song’s power with too many overused K-pop tropes. Now they’re back with a special digital single that’s much more of a stripped back affair. If this month was delivering new K-pop comebacks with any regularity, … Continue reading →

Rookie group POW burst out of the gate with the solid pop/rock of Favorite last year, but have struggled to find songs as equally strong since then. So rather than reinvent the wheel, they’ve embraced a proven hit with their remake of Avril Lavigne’s 2007 smash Girlfriend. The guys have K-popped the whole thing, cribbing … Continue reading →

After a promising pre-debut single, rookie group POW’s subsequent songs didn’t hit me as hard. Their agency seems to be throwing many different sounds at the wall, which is always a tricky prospect when a group is first starting out. New single Valentine switches things up yet again, playing around with tempo and tone but … Continue reading →

After two pre-releases with contrasting energies, boy group POW have finally made their official debut. Judging from their album’s highlight medley, last month’s Favorite (a grower!) sounded like the best they had to offer, leaving title track Dazzling as a curiously subdued pop track. Of course, “subdued” is in vogue this year so I guess … Continue reading →

Boy group POW’s pre-release Favorite has been a grower for me, and judging by their album’s highlight medley it may end up being the strongest track the guys have to offer. But before they make their official debut, POW have delivered another pre-release in the form of Amazing. Like Favorite, Amazing is built upon rock … Continue reading →

POW may not be debuting for another month, but they’re following a recent K-pop trend by pre-releasing a track to familiarize audiences with their style. This tactic may muddy the waters a bit, but it feels like a good way to announce yourself with relatively low risk and start building a fan base before that … Continue reading →