Rookie rock group Dragon Pony’s Pop Up impressed me last year, so much that they nearly climbed the top of my 2024 rookies list. Powerful vocals paired with strong songwriting will always appeal to me no matter the genre. Pop Up also managed to house a hook so anthemically pleasing that it became undeniable. Follow up Not Out isn’t as airtight, but it packs a few wallops that pull it over the line.
In contrast with the bounding energy of Pop Up, Not Out plays its hand more furtively. The verses are more downbeat and sentimental, leaving the chorus to do the heavy lifting. The song really comes to life during its power notes, where vocalist An Tae-gyu’s commanding tone is allowed to flourish. This is Dragon Pony’s strongest calling card and I’d love to hear more of it. So much of the indie rock scene in Korea focuses on gentler, more OST-ready sounds. Dragon Pony have the goods to go full-on pomp rock.
Since Not Out‘s lopsided sound makes for a much less instantaneous rush than their debut, I’ll be curious to see how the song ages. Though I find myself slogging through the verses to get to the chorus, the fact that there are still highlights worth waiting for bodes well.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8