Indie K-pop artists are a dime a dozen, but the vast majority make music that sounds indie. Small ambition, subdued energy, etc. You know… coffeehouse vibes. Every once and awhile someone comes along with a bigger vision — often emerging from unexpected places. That’s happened here with Fairy Mai, once part of girl group eite who released exactly one (very good) single in 2023. She’s back with a new moniker and an exciting dance sound. Digital single Light Please easily eclipses the vast majority of K-pop’s 2025 offerings.
Light Please answers many critiques I’ve had with current K-pop trends. It’s energetic, involves vigorous singing and stretches far over the three minute mark. The song finds its drive early on and never lets up, climaxing in an addictive guitar-led drop. What it lacks in killer melodies it makes up for in sheer bounciness. Much of the track is invigorating in its energy and Fairy Mai makes for an engaging tour guide through the whirlwind.
If I’m being picky, (and you know I always am) Light Please still lacks the suckerpunch melodies that turn a strong dance track into an all-time classic. The chorus’s refrain plays second fiddle to the instrumental, and it’s hard to blame it when the rhythm is so addictive. The verses are similarly generic, though once Mai stops talking and starts singing the song becomes more satisfying. Still, this is a very easy 2025 highlight when girl groups in particular are struggling to bring the high-octane goods. Her earlier collaboration Lipstick is also worth checking out!
Hooks
8
Production
10
Longevity
9
Bias
9
RATING
9