Limelight leapfrogged up my “Top K-pop Rookies” list last year on the strength of one song. Madeleine emerged last summer as shimmering counterprogramming to many of 2023’s trends. Its bold melodies and propulsive sound only grew more addictive with time, and made me long for… Read More »Song Review: Limelight – Ta Da
Hailing from Dublin, The Risen Dread are six years into their existence with an EP and full-length under their spiffy stage clothes and available for public consumption. Drawing influence from death metal and metalcore, the band have scattered the scenes at home in Ireland and… Read More »The Risen Dread’s New Single/Video Recounts a Harrowing Tale of Forced Isolation
The month of January has a reputation for being pretty dry when it comes to K-pop, right? This week has been anything but, and has certainly kept me on my toes when it comes to new releases. Next up is Lee Chanhyuk from AKMU, with… Read More »Song Review: Lee Chanhyuk (AKMU) – 1 Trillion
Whether working with Teen Top or on his own, Niel’s voice instantly conjures nostalgia. It’s very recognizable and rich with character. And on new single Say Goodbye (이별하러 가는 길), it’s quite versatile as well. The song is largely mid-tempo, but with an energy that… Read More »Song Review: Niel (Teen Top) – Say Goodbye
After 2022’s Vagabond, I found myself paying more attention to Trendz. Their agency smartly paired with producer LEEZ, who painted the group’s music with many sounds I loved in ATEEZ’s early discography. But though their songs were all very solid, none grabbed me with enough… Read More »Song Review: Trendz – Go Up