A week after its release, I’m feeling pretty ambivalent about Stray Kids’ Maniac. Like many recent tracks, its plusses and minuses cancel each other out and result in music that’s perfectly… fine. This indifferent impression carries through the entire mini album. The songs are generally okay, but there’s nothing pulling me back for repeat listens … Continue reading
After debuting with a steady (and fun!) sound, VERIVERY’s music became more hit and miss. Fortunately, their last single Trigger was a big hit for me. Alongside an all-killer, no-filler mini album, their edgy electro reinvention had me ready to board the VERIVERY train once more. New single ‘O’ marks another sonic shift, but its … Continue reading
Much has been written about the “girl crush” branding that’s taken over K-pop these past few years. Songs within this style have been around for decades, so I’m not sure we can call this a new sub-genre. But, the general template for a “girl crush” track has quickly become oversaturated, making it easy for these … Continue reading
T1419 have developed a knack for building songs from off-kilter references. First, we had the cosplay-friendly Dracula. Then, there was last year’s Red Light, Green Light (which sort of grew on me, btw). Now, they’re heading to Austria for Edelweiss (에델바이스). The title alone makes me think of The Sound of Music, which would be … Continue reading
CRAVITY’s delayed comeback is marketed as the second half of their first full album, an interesting strategy that essentially amounts to two lengthy EPs. The group has released a wealth of music since their 2020 debut, but I haven’t connected with much of it. Their biggest hurdle has been a lack of unique musical identity, … Continue reading
I’m not sure where calling 119 would get me in the States, but I’m about ready to call 911 on INI’s discography (metaphorically, of course!). I have a strong affinity for this group, having watched them form through Produce 101 Japan and following some of their post-debut variety. But, the guys have yet to be … Continue reading
Counting their time as Beast, Highlight have been releasing music for thirteen years – a stunning length of time for any idol group. Daydream is their fourth full album, though their first under the Highlight moniker. Given how past albums resulted in insta-classics like Fiction, Shadow and Ribbon, expectations for this new title track should … Continue reading
It’s the year 2022 and Red Velvet’s “ReVe Festival” remains open for business. The group first unveiled the carnivalesque concept in 2019 but took a break for last year’s Queendom. Now, the festival queues are bustling once more as the ladies invite us to feel their rhythm. Given the song title, you might expect an … Continue reading
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the first few years of NCT. How exciting they were! The project felt like an excuse for SM Entertainment to throw everything at the wall. They weren’t confined by genre, members or concepts. But somewhere along the line, the NCT brand became less about trying something new and more about … Continue reading
Miyavi’s Strike It Out premiered at the very beginning of this year, and I assumed it would remain an OST without additional promotion. I don’t often write “buried treasure” posts for J-pop, but this would have been an easy contender. All’s well that ends well, because I get to cover Strike It Out months later … Continue reading
Each time I write about a Stray Kids comeback, it feels like the group’s popularity has grown by leaps and bounds. It’s daunting to watch these idol fanbases multiply. For my part, I’ve been a rather casual Stay. I loved their debut, absolutely adored their 2019 material and thought that 2020’s Go Live album was … 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. Brave Girls’ new mini album is … Continue reading
A Xia Junsu comeback is always cause for celebration. No matter what genre he tackles, Junsu’s captivating presence and commanding vocals demand attention. Last we heard from him, he indulged his dance pop side with 2020’s excellent Pit A Pat. With new single Hana (하나), he’s embraced “tropical” moombahton sounds – despite that genre no … Continue reading
Last time we heard from boy group WEi (Universe releases aside…), they gave us the upbeat, summery sounds of Bye Bye Bye. It was a sudden shift in style, embracing upbeat power pop rather than the angstier material they had debuted with. New track Too Bad follows this pattern, cementing the group’s transformation. And unsurprisingly, … Continue reading
Nearly two years since her solo debut, Mamamoo’s Solar has returned with her first mini album. Just like 2020’s Spit It Out, she continues to subvert expectations by embracing upbeat grooves rather than the balladry some might have imagined. For better or worse, Honey (꿀) follows in the footsteps of many recent Mamamoo singles – … Continue reading
Following the release of Japanese solo albums, the members of TVXQ (or Tohoshinki, as they’re known in Japan) have joined forces for new EP Epitaph. The guys haven’t released a full or mini album since 2019, making this feel like a momentous occasion. Here’s hoping their recent Japanese blitz is a harbinger for upcoming work … Continue reading
When Astro’s Moonbin and Sanha made their sub-unit debut in 2020, I was smitten by the funky pop of Bad Idea. I didn’t think much of the album itself, but that song seemed to offer a great template for future work. New mini album Refuge was preceded by last month’s Ghost Town — a trendy, … Continue reading
As popular as Monsta X have become, the members haven’t released much solo music. And when it comes to individual name recognition, I hadn’t expected Kihyun to get the push. As the main vocal, he’s more than deserving of solo spotlight. And rather than pursue the predictable route of a balladeer, debut single Voyager embraces … Continue reading
All good things must come to an end, and Nu’est have decided to bow out on their own terms. The release of Again, Spring (다시, 봄) marks their final single before disbandment, couched within a greatest hits album. It’s difficult writing about a song like this because the focus is directed more toward sentiment than … Continue reading
With its members in various states of pre and post military enlistment, Winner is currently in a bubble that’s allowed them to schedule a full-group concert for later this spring. I wonder if they’ll release new music to go along with this milestone? For now, we’ll make do with a solo single from the group’s … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 