Since debuting early this year, the JYP-adjacent dodree has gained interest due to their blend of historical and modern sounds. This leveraging of traditional elements isn’t new to K-pop, but it’s been awhile since we’ve seen a group push so hard into this realm.
New single HAWWAH (夏渦) is about what you’d expect from dodree’s music at this point. The instrumental is filled with traditional percussion, yet carries hints of electronic dance music as the track grows. The vocal delivery is heavily classical, yet the “you better run” vocal lines have roots within K-pop’s current girl groups. It’s a successful blend of eras in many ways, yet I struggle to find the context where I’d actually reach for this on a playlist. It feels better suited to a festival and is very tied to its visual performance. As a piece a music, HAWWAH is more curious than compelling. As with songs of any era, it needs to build toward bigger moments of payoff to stand out.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5