After two pre-releases with contrasting energies, boy group POW have finally made their official debut. Judging from their album’s highlight medley, last month’s Favorite (a grower!) sounded like the best they had to offer, leaving title track Dazzling as a curiously subdued pop track. Of course, “subdued” is in vogue this year so I guess … Continue reading
Though past reviews might not suggest so, I’m very eager to board the Xdinary Heroes train. I’ve got my ticket on standby, waiting for the right song to coax me into the train car. After all, I love idol rock music and — judging by DAY6’s output — JYP Entertainment actually has a decent track … Continue reading
Despite only releasing music for about a year, the tripleS universe has already spawned a sizable catalog. These releases have mostly been split into units, though the overall aesthetic is pretty similar across the different groups. Fans of this cohesive vibe will be delighted to see another new unit make their debut. For me, many … Continue reading
Cube Entertainment’s girl group that’s not (G)I-DLE continues their ‘one comeback a year’ streak. I don’t mean this as a diss to LIGHTSUM — more as frustration with agency’s ability to promote them properly. How are you supposed to develop a fanbase with such infrequent releases? Making matters worse, their ranks are down to six … Continue reading
As the LOONA universe continues to fragment, members are moving on to new things. We’ve seen the return of unit Odd Eye Circle and the debut of Loossemble. Now it’s time for a solo debut from member Chuu. She’s been a fan favorite for years and has a great chance of breaking out as a … Continue reading
Freed from the clutches of YG Entertainment, iKON and its members have a newfound freedom of expression that’s resulting in a wide variety of music. Bobby’s solo work has run the gamut, at times melodic but often combative. f is driven by rock energy, and the punchy guitar makes for an ideal setting for Bobby … Continue reading
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard Ailee’s immense vocals, especially on something other than a ballad. But today, she’s made a long-awaited return and brought bombastic dancefloor drive with her. Ra Ta Ta takes EDM, hip-hop and Latin elements and throws them into a blender. It’s at its best when firing on all cylinders. Ailee’s … Continue reading
Good things come to those who wait, and in the case of INI that means better music. I’ve been a fan of the group since their Produce 101 days, but their first year of releases left much to be desired. However, they’ve been on a roll in 2023, kicking off with digital single New Day … Continue reading
As K-pop’s boy groups rediscover rock music this year, Just B enters the fray with an advantage. Since their debut, they’ve traded in rock sounds — most notably on standout b-side Get Away. Their take on the genre tends to be a bit more bombastic than many of their peers, and that continues on new … Continue reading
Lim Young Woong is a chart behemoth in Korea, but I’ve never featured his music on the blog before. His beginnings in trot music marked him as someone just outside the idol landscape, but as soon as the first teaser dropped for new single Do Or Die my interest was piqued. He’s made a complete … 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. Though ONF’s new album is reliably … Continue reading
A few months ago, (G)I-DLE previewed their first English-language EP with I Do — a synthy, atmospheric slow burn that worked well for the group. That sound didn’t turn out to be an indication of where the EP would go, as (G)I-DLE explores a multitude of genres. The dancefloor drive of I Want That is … Continue reading
NCT 127 secured a Bias List first with the only “buried treasure” post published before an album was released. That’s thanks to b-side Angel Eyes, which was pre-released alongside a special performance video. To be honest, that song is much more my speed than most of the group’s recent title tracks. At this point, it’s … Continue reading
Combing through my archives, I was shocked to find the last time I wrote about a Jennie song was way back in 2018 with Solo. That’s pre-pandemic, folks! You & Me marks a welcome return for the BLACKPINK member, though the song has been kicking around for a few months after being performed live. You … Continue reading
IVE’s I Am remains a triumphant 2023 highlight, raising expectations for how the group’s music will evolve. Their new EP will be out in a matter days, and we’ve now heard two of its tracks. Pre-release Either Way wasn’t designed to be a knock-your-socks-off showpiece, but even within its genre I found the song pretty … Continue reading
2023 has already seen a ton of boy group debuts, and the stream keeps on coming. Many of these acts have introduced themselves with a pre-release, building anticipation before unveiling their title track. 82MAJOR has a few familiar faces, including participants from Fantasy Boys and Show Me The Money. Sure Thing follows what I’d like … Continue reading
Boy group POW’s pre-release Favorite has been a grower for me, and judging by their album’s highlight medley it may end up being the strongest track the guys have to offer. But before they make their official debut, POW have delivered another pre-release in the form of Amazing. Like Favorite, Amazing is built upon rock … Continue reading
Looking back at EPEX’s discography, I’ve rarely clicked with their music. They pinball between ultra-bright and ultra-aggressive sounds, making it difficult to get a foothold on their concept. New single Full Metal Jacket is a complete 180 from this spring’s buoyant Sunshower, stuffed to the brim with distorted guitar and combative chants. I’m largely on … Continue reading
It was incredibly smart for ONF to enlist in their mandatory military service together, assuring they would return as a full group within two years. So many boy groups choose a staggered approach, which is fine if you actually release music during these configuration changes. But too often, this simply results in diminished returns. If … Continue reading
K-pop artists have a history with League Of Legends‘ themes and I don’t usually write about these songs on the blog. However, everything NewJeans touches seems to become a colossal smash so I feel a certain obligation to cover as much of their music as possible. And refreshingly, the anthemic Gods is a big sidestep … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 