Tuesday 1 January 2019

[E-MAG] Season's Sounds

                                   Read the full Winter E-Magazine here 


We’re taking a look back at some of the best releases of September 2018 onwards!

100% - ‘Heart’



It has been a rough year for 100% as their leader Minwoo sadly passed away in March from a cardiac arrest. Despite this, it’s nice to see the group focus once more on Korean promotions given their success in neighbouring Japan. ‘Heart’ is a smooth dance track with a beautiful aesthetic in the music video.


Girls’ Generation Oh!GG -  ‘Lil Touch’


A titan in the K-Pop industry, this girl group have also had their fair share of unrest with changes in contracts causing members to part ways, though not writing off future reunions. What came out of it all was Oh!GG – a group made up of the remaining 5 members. ‘Lil Touch’ is a fast-paced number that wouldn’t be out of place within European charts in its ambient club sound.


SUNMI – ‘Siren’


SUNMI’s songs seem to me to have a real power about them. They are undeniably catchy and she always brings forth a femininity and style that is unusual and refreshing. ‘Siren’ completely fits into this framework – she is unapologetic in her presentation and explores unique imagery in bold colour. She is a female soloist that will surely stick in anyone’s mind.

iKON – ‘Goodbye Road’


Topping the huge popularity of ‘Love Scenario’ is always going to be hard for iKON. However, ‘Goodbye Road’ has merit of its own. It’s a beautiful ballad with iKON signature, authentic sound. I am always impressed with iKON’s ability to walk the line between soft and tough in their image. They also manage to maintain rawness in their music that is often missing in many a K-Pop groups’ sound.

San E – ‘Wannabe Rapper’


San E creates his own version of Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’ for this track. Within it, he criticises Korean politics and people on issues like division, gender equality and people always thinking they are right. He also points out the flaws in hip hop and rap culture as a whole.


IU – ‘BBIBBI’



As IU has matured in the spotlight, we have seen her content mature along with her. She now frequently discusses issues in her songs such as self-image and expectations put on her as a female celebrity. In this track, she firmly asserts her boundaries to those that always try to delve into her business and criticise her for every move she makes. She has been able to maintain her cute and sweet aesthetic, but a real strength now lays within it. It seems she is using her music as a form of communication to those who need to be put in their place. There is an authenticity to her that comes from her speaking her mind and confronting these feelings in her work.

RM – ‘forever rain’



As always, RM doesn’t shy away from tough topics and feelings.  He raps about a feeling of immense loneliness and how the rain provides a sort of company and reassurance for him in a tough and unfeeling world. Hopefully it gives many listeners comfort in that they are not alone if they feel the same way, but we also hope he is doing okay himself!

IZ*ONE – ‘La Vie en Rose’



This newly debuted Korean-Japanese girl group is already making waves in the K-Pop industry. They were formed through the Mnet competition reality show ‘Produce 48’ and it will be interesting to see if they are able to create the same success as their predecessors and, perhaps, surpass it.

EXO – ‘Tempo’



Though many people were surprised at how little promotion this track received, I’m sure it didn’t mess up the tempo (sorry) for this K-Pop juggernaut! As slick and polished as ever, the boys of EXO show off some fast rap-like lyricism and switch it up frequently with harmonies. Typical of SM to keep it mixed and unpredictable!

TWICE – ‘YES or YES’




Speaking of K-Pop juggernaut, here is another. TWICE came back with their special brand of sweet and cute pop music. This track was likely getting fans bouncing from day one, and as always, the members give us some great choreography in the MV.

Key – ‘Forever Yours (Feat. Soyou)



How did it take this long for SHINee’s Key to be given a solo gig?! As you would have probably guessed, given Key’s love of bold fashion choices, the MV is full to the brim with colour. It has SHINee’s now signature surrealist flavour and Soyou’s additional vocals are always beautiful.

Jennie – SOLO



The long-awaited solo from BLACKPINK’s Jennie came along and was very well received by BLINKs everywhere. As expected, she shows off her beauty and attitude in this aptly titled track.

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