+(KR)ystal Eyes is not some weirdly-structured math formula… it’s the second sub-unit from sprawling girl group tripleS! Their debut album (and delayed mv) were quietly released this week, heralded by the stylish Cherry Talk. The TripleS rollout is giving me strong LOONA vibes, not only from its multiple sub-units but from the nature of the … Continue reading
SM’s Station releases are often forgettable little trifles, but at their best they offer the chance for the agency’s artists to stretch their wings and record a song that wouldn’t fit on a typical idol album. Hybrid is a meeting of two giant voices. TVXQ’s Changmin is known for his powerful high notes, while Guckkasten’s … Continue reading
Days after hitting us with pre-release Tantara, iKON have delivered their first album under new management. And if title track U is any indication, the group is in a very happy place. This is their most upbeat single yet, offering their take on the popular disco-party sound. Given the song’s co-write from member Bobby, I … Continue reading
It’s been a tricky few years for us Kisumai fans, as new music trickles out in frustrating fits and starts. We became too spoiled with a full album and multiple singles each year, but the agency’s support of their music seems to have lessened as newer groups emerge. I suppose this is natural for any … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. When listening to LE SSERAFIM’s new … Continue reading
Bang Yongguk has proven himself a strong solo artist and excellent producer for other acts. His music is more varied than I would have expected, blending rap, pop and rock into a mix that’s all his own. New single Ride Or Die harnesses elements of the popular synthwave trend and twists them to Yongguk’s own … Continue reading
Ahead of their album release next week, aespa have returned with the evocative Welcome to MY World (yes, the capitalization of “MY” is intentional!). Rather than hitting us over the head with intense hyperpop sounds, the track offers a more languid energy. Welcome to MY World builds gradually, moving from downbeat, rock-influenced trap-pop to symphonic … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Most of Taeyang’s new album feels … Continue reading
EPEX have cobbled together a colorful discography over the past few years. I never know what we’re going to get from them and my reactions to their music have been polarized. With a sound that’s constantly in flux, it’s hard to maintain an enduring interest in the group. Sunshower (여우가 시집가는 날) is another shift … Continue reading
It’s been a long wait between February’s pre-release Abyss and this new Woodz album. His albums have become increasingly rock-focused, unveiling an artist with a unique vision. He rarely promotes the strongest material as title tracks, so I’m eager to dive into the b-sides. I’m quite surprised Journey was chosen as the single this time … Continue reading
It’s time to see what iKON can do on their own! Tantara is the first taste of a post-YG future for the group, released ahead of their upcoming album. They’ve always had a hand in their own production, so the continuity between this song and the last isn’t surprising. Tantara isn’t so much a reinvention … Continue reading
The title “Macarena” conjures a ton of memories for this 90’s kid. Most of them include unenthusiastic, teacher-directed dancing at school. Even as an impressionable youth, I never enjoyed the song. It always felt too much like forced fun. I can’t imagine what reference point a group like Blitzers could have for the word. The … Continue reading
Much of the news surrounding Seventeen’s FML mini album has highlighted its incredible sales. They’re breaking records left and right, standing as one of the industry’s most well-loved acts. I wouldn’t call myself a mega-fan the way I was back in 2015-17, but you can’t argue with quality. Their success has been built upon consistently … Continue reading
I can’t say I’m enamored with Xikers’ debut mini album. Most of it still sounds like ATEEZ Jr. to me (which makes sense given its producers). But, the rollicking Rockstar easily stands as the group’s strongest moment so far. I’m glad it’s being promoted with a music video and would love Xikers to harness this … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. On Monday, we had a triple … Continue reading
I enjoyed Suga’s pre-release track People Pt.2 more than expected, but much of that was thanks to its lovely IU-sung chorus. As anticipated, the new album’s lead track boasts a harder edge. Haegeum is tailor-made for fans of BTS’s rap-focused side. First off, I love the stylized music video. I’m a sucker for cinematic mvs … Continue reading
After the slam dunk success of double a-side Tapestry/W earlier this year, I’ve been less enthused with the tracks Snow Man are promoting for their upcoming album. It’s only natural they’d want to showcase different facets of their sound, but neither last week’s Aikotoba nor yesterday’s Slow are the style of songs I love from the … Continue reading
Whenever an artist scores a top spot in my year-end countdowns, my ears are wide open for their follow-up. More often than not, I’m underwhelmed. That’s just the way these things go. Alice’s Dance On is a difficult track to improve upon, and Show Down doesn’t come close. But, it still retains the group’s upbeat … Continue reading
Even though they’ve been around since 2019, I’ve never written about MUSTB before. On busy K-pop days, I don’t often get to the industry’s more underrated groups, but that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of releasing good music. With no expectations going in, I’m actually quite charmed by Royalty. Its piano loop and full-throated vocal performance … Continue reading
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Highlight’s Gikwang. For me, his solo career has been a mixed bag with strong title tracks and so-so albums. 2019’s Don’t Close Your Eyes (D.C.Y.E) is a personal favorite, but new single Predator gives it a run for its money. Gikwang has found his sweet spot in … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 