ASC2NT debuted earlier this year with the groovy Love Me Do, displaying an impressive set of vocals and a relatively old-school approach. New single Sweet Devil gives them a bad boy makeover, mixing rock and hip-hop elements into the brew. While this showcases their versatility, the song tends to blend with many similar boy group … Continue reading
Kiss Of Life have quickly become one of K-pop’s buzziest acts and their ascent seems to have come about naturally. They’re not from a major agency, but their producers seem to have their finger on the pulse of popular sounds. In a K-pop summer devoid of big hits, their Sticky became an emblem of the … Continue reading
It’s always interesting to measure the lag between a very popular western pop song and the inevitable K-pop progeny. I’m not sure Lisa’s solo material can be considered “K-pop” given its language and her nationality, but you can definitely hear how new single Moonlit Floor echoes the approach of Sabrina Carpenter’s breezy global smash Espresso. … Continue reading
ATEEZ have kept a relatively consistent style between their Korean and Japanese work, even when collaborating with J-pop act BE:FIRST for a couple of songs. New single Birthday doesn’t upend this pattern, keeping their core production team and riffing off elements similar to their past few albums. The problem, of course, is that I didn’t … Continue reading
WayV released their first Japanese mini album all the way back at the beginning of August, but weeks later they’ve unveiled a music video for its promoted track Go Higher. I’m not sure what the plan was behind this delay, apart from the fact that J-pop often takes long breaks between various promotions. Either way, … Continue reading
I’ve written about NCT Wish nearly every week in September. Their first mini album has been preceded by two pre-releases and now we’re finally hearing the official title track. Steady is co-written by longtime SM Entertainment talent Kenzie and sees the group tackling their trendiest material yet. Both UK garage and Jersey Club have become … Continue reading
With QWER’s TBH still riding high on digital charts, the group is back with a new album. This was preceded by the comedic Fake Idol, which featured (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon in its video. This time around, she’s active behind the scenes, co-writing/producing new single My Name Is Malguem (내 이름 맑음). QWER’s Manito mini album showcased … Continue reading
You know… P1harmony’s music really frustrates me sometimes. They’ve developed this habit of hiding excellent material as b-sides while promoting their most gimmicky tracks. February’s Killin’ It album was quite strong, but the title track didn’t feel representative or fresh. Judging by the highlight medley for their newest comeback, I fear this pattern continues. Sad … Continue reading
“SOS” feels like a strange but fitting title for this Fifty Fifty comeback (re-debut?). With controversy and calls for boycotts swirling around this new configuration, everyone involved — from past members to current members to agency underlings — likely have “SOS” swirling around their heads. I’m sure some will be upset that I’m writing about … Continue reading
It’s been about a year since we heard from Hwasa with the gimmicky (but somehow enduring?) I Love My Body. On new single NA, she’s traded that song’s retro trappings for a more modern house beat. It’s a welcome jolt of energy within her discography, even if the track spends too much time talking when … Continue reading
The Chuseok-related K-pop drought ends today with the first solo debut from popular group TXT. Over the years, Yeonjun has become a sort of ‘it boy’ within his generation, so it’s no surprise that he’s given the chance to showcase his skills as a soloist. As always, I’m most interested to see what his music … Continue reading
We rarely hear K-pop groups promote ballads anymore, usually making them a pre-release (if they’re released at all). A.C.E have a history of this approach with their excellent 2020 track Stand By You. They definitely have the vocal firepower to pull it off, and special single Anymore takes advantage of this skill. Rather than Stand … Continue reading
Xdinary Heroes continue their blitz of 2024 digital singles with a real coup. They’ve managed to get Yoon Do Hyun from venerated rock group YB as a duet partner for iNSTEAD!. I was delighted to see this, as I love Do Hyun’s voice and A Flying Butterfly is one of my all-time favorite K-rock songs. … Continue reading
When it comes to music I love, there tends to be two categories of songs. There are instant hits that capture my attention on first listen. Then, there are ‘stealth bombers’ that reveal their charms more gradually. Every single BOYNEXTDOOR song has fallen into the second category. In the long run, it doesn’t mean they’re … Continue reading
I’ve been hot and cold on xikers’ music so far, usually finding at least one b-side I enjoy but often wishing their title tracks went a different direction. Making matters worse, I found the preview of new single Witch (위치) the least compelling clip on their album’s highlight medley, forgoing their freewheeling rock energy for … Continue reading
As the Twice members slowly begin to develop solo careers, it’s interesting to see which girls release music first. Nayeon has become the most prolific, delivering two solo albums. Leader Jihyo also made a solo debut last summer. Now, Tzuyu is the next to follow in their footsteps. As a casual fan, I’m not familiar … Continue reading
L5ST are a newly debuted group from Macaroni Media — one of the most enjoyable K-pop company names we’re heard in some time. They’re also set to appear on Abema’s upcoming Re:Born series. I guess being “born” once through debut isn’t enough these days! Their first single Only One sees them tackling a light rock … Continue reading
September is the month of SHINee solos, with three of four members releasing music or mvs over the next few weeks. It’s interesting to hear what they’re up to under new management, and for Onew the change seems to have ignited a sense of groove. When I think of his solo work, I’m more liable … Continue reading
Nine years into their career, it’s amazing how immensely popular DAY6 have become. Their 2019 title track Time Of Our Life has (rightfully) become a sleeper hit on the charts, while newest single Welcome To The Show has also experienced a boomerang over the past few months. The group boasts a robust back catalog, and … Continue reading
With mega-hit songs like aespa’s Supernova and TWS’s Plot Twist sucking up the oxygen for female and male idol groups this year, we can’t forget to mention the incredible fortunes of QWER’s latest single TBH. Hailing from a little-known subsidiary, this all-female rock group has been lodged in the top ten for much of 2024. … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 