BVNDIT’s debut album is titled “BVNDIT, Be Ambitious,” yet it’s anchored by a title track so generic and workmanlike that it becomes difficult to recall once it’s over. There’s a special level of irony in that. 2019 has already been a year flush with rookies, making it difficult for yet-to-debut groups to stand out. BVNDIT … Continue reading
1TEAM are yet another 2019 debut group, hailing this time from Liveworks Entertainment. Some of its members will already be familiar to fans, as they participated in both BOYS24 and MIXNINE. Neither of those programs spawned the kind of sensation that Produce 101 does, so it’s gratifying to see an official debut for the guys. … Continue reading
KARD debuted just at the right time. In late 2016, K-pop’s appetite for tropical pop was still high, and the group rode that trend to great international success throughout their first year. Things stalled a bit last summer, just as their sound began to feel more generic. No matter how successful a group may be, … Continue reading
So, let me get this straight, 100%. You’re going to tackle a retro concept and not give Sweetune a call? I mean, talk about a missed opportunity! For a few brief months in 2016-17, the guys met their perfect producer match in the form of Sweetune. After parting ways, their music has become the definition … Continue reading
The year of debuts rolls on, but not every rookie will hail from a huge agency with tons of pre-debut hype. For every ITZY or TXT, there will be dozens of new acts struggling for recognition. These groups often do not have the budget necessary for elaborate teasers or expensive music videos, but it doesn’t … Continue reading
SHINee’s Key is slated for his mandatory military enlistment soon, but before going on hiatus he’s teased a repackage of his excellent debut album. Cold is a prelude to that, digitally released as part of SM Entertainment’s Station project. But unlike the retro-pop and EDM found on his album, the song is downbeat and emotional. … Continue reading
I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed a Greyish track on this site, but their name has always made me chuckle. Of all the possible colors, they just had to pick the blandest of them all (technically, it’s not even a color). The word conjures equally bland music, but that hasn’t been the case so far. … Continue reading
