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.
There’s a lot of stomping going on in Dreamcatcher’s new album. So much so, that there’s even a track called “STΦMP!“. This style of percussion crafts a sonic through line that keeps the energy anthemic but relatively measured. I wonder if this was intentional?
Regardless, [VirtuouS] is another solid album from the group. From the b-sides, my ear was instantly drawn to the dramatic 2 Rings. This song stomps just as ferociously as the two preceding it, wasting no time laying out its clap-along groove. There’s plenty of texture in this instrumental. It feels at once gritty and polished, highlighted by a searing guitar loop.
Of all its segments, I’m most drawn to 2 Rings‘ chorus. This melody compliments the stomping energy, forging the girls’ vocals into a percussive weapon. The arrangement here is brilliant, giving the song a larger-than-life appeal. I especially like the clipped vocal outro, which blurs the lines between vocal and instrumental. The song is a bit of a one trick pony, but that trick is really satisfying.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
9
Bias
8
RATING
8.5