A little-known Swedish synth-pop duo called The Sound Of Arrows released an epic 2011 album called Voyage. It’s probably my favorite representation of this genre, at least within the last decade. Even years later, the Fear of Tigers remix of There Is Still Hope still reduces me to a shaking, sobbing mess in the corner … Continue reading
Boyhood’s Retro Love has slowly inched its way toward becoming one of my favorite 2020 K-pop tracks. Much of that is due to its quirky character, but I’m also predisposed to enjoying 80’s nostalgia. I’m hopeful that he will continue along this sonic route, though new single Boring Home (집에 없자) moves in a more … Continue reading
If you’ve been following Korean pop culture for a while, you’re probably already familiar with I Believe. But… you’ve never heard the song arranged in this way! The original is a quintessential OST ballad – a huge, enduring hit in its own right but even bigger when paired with the massive success of romantic comedy … Continue reading
As part of their recent online concert, ONEWE unveiled new digital single Parting (소행성). While I’ve enjoyed quite a bit of the band’s music so far, I’ve often noted that many of their songs feel like idol group material that just happens to be performed by a rock band. When it comes to title tracks, … Continue reading
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m baffled by Top Media’s plans for UP10TION. The group has two members who gained huge popularity through Produce X 101 and could inject some life into this struggling brand, yet the agency has pulled them away for solo work while having the rest of the guys continue … Continue reading
After a 2019 that was flush with diverse boy group debuts, most of this year’s new acts have emerged with a similar sound. The recipe seems clear: a pinch of Monsta X’s lumbering EDM/hip-hop, a sprinkling of trap beats, and an overall concept that favors dark sets and mysterious, multi-album storylines. When GHOST9’s debut was … Continue reading
XUM is the rebooted name for three-fifths of disbanded girl group Neon Punch. In my opinion, their fun music never needed a reboot. But, XUM has arrived, and their name stands for… drumroll, please… “Xumething Unlimited Move.” So… there’s that. For the record, Neon Punch was a much cooler name, even if it became threatened … Continue reading
Nearly every song on Cignature’s debut mini album has a sound effect title, and that pretty much says it all. Nun Nu Nan Na, ASSA, Daldalhae, HingHing… we’re in full-on aegyo, nursery rhyme mode here. And, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. ASSA was a fun little concoction, comfortable in its own silliness. … Continue reading
Despite the international success of KARD, co-ed groups are still a rarity in K-pop. And with member J.Seph enlisting soon, that may become even more the case in the coming months. Enter: Checkmate. Composed of three men and two women, the newly-debuted group seem to have their eyes set on a similar trajectory. If I … Continue reading
Stray Kids have always been an idol group with a heavy focus on hip-hop, and their new repackaged album leans into that hard. I tend to prefer when their music takes an electronic bent, so I’m having a hard time connecting with many of the new songs. But true to form, the guys are unveiling … Continue reading
Whatever happens going forward, I will always have a soft spot for Snuper. At their prime, the group delivered some of the best K-pop of this past decade. The frustrating irony is that most of that music has gone underappreciated and unknown, lost in the wake created by a-list acts with much bigger followings. But … Continue reading
For better or worse, YG Entertainment has spawned its own sub-genre. We’ll call it “Teddysound.” It involves high octane verses underlined by aggressive electronic beats, a second verse rap switch-up, a hollow, chant-like chorus and a tacked-on, anthemic finale. At this point, it’s unwise to expect anything different from a YG title track, so we … Continue reading
After a 2019 reinvention that climaxed with the throbbing club track Sunset, KNK have been absent from K-pop’s comeback slate for over a year. They’re the kind of group I always find myself rooting for – the guys who have been through so much and seem destined to finally catch a break. To an extent, … Continue reading
Thus far, Ha:tfelt has run the gamut when it comes to song style, making it difficult to imagine how her new music might sound before hearing it. Maybe that’s why new singles always feel like an unexpected surprise, unleashed upon the world to little fanfare but great curiosity. New single La Luna (라 루나) is … Continue reading
Over the course of the past few years, Apink have settled into their place as elder stateswomen of K-pop. While most of their peers have gone on indefinite hiatus or disbanded, they continue to reinvent themselves to great success. This transformation includes solo releases of varying genres. Jeong Eunji has been releasing her own music … Continue reading
I feel like 2020 has seen a big influx of under-the-radar girl group debuts. While debuts from major agencies have been relatively scarce, these smaller companies are just cranking out the music. With limited promotional support, it’ll be a struggle for any of these acts to become anything more than a footnote in K-pop history, … Continue reading
After a jam-packed 2019, CLC have been absent from the comeback slate this year. It’s not great timing, as they seemed to be building momentum. But, judging from their first-day album sales, fans were willing to wait. New single Helicopter skirts right past the throwback pop of prior single Devil and thrusts the group back … Continue reading
Right now, Lovelyz are in the same spot their agency seniors Infinite were in 2016: about a year from their contract renewal date and plagued by an infrequent release schedule. That’s not to say the individual members haven’t been busy. Kei and Sujeong each released solo albums, and the irresistibly-extra Mijoo has become something of … Continue reading
As a K-pop fan, it’s hard not to get caught up in imagined futures. That’s why I always try to urge myself to temper expectations, because as soon as I hear news of a comeback I picture what it could be – what I want it to be. And since I have no telepathic line … Continue reading
Under-the-radar boy group M.O.N.T have been steadily releasing music these past few months, whether as a trio or soloists. Most of it has drawn more upon hip-hop influences than the funk-pop of last year’s Rock Paper Scissors. But, even the most melodic tracks in M.O.N.T’s discography have always relied strongly on rap. Shadow is no … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 