Repeats of the Week - September 8, 2017
- waekpop
- Sep 8, 2017
- 3 min read
Lee Gikwang - What You Like
"What You Like" is the title track off Lee Gikwang's first solo mini album, ONE. If you don't already know, Gikwang is a vocalist in the group, Highlight (formerly BEAST).
There's still a subtle hint of Highlight in the track, but that's not something we mind. The album was produced by Good Life, who also produces for Highlight (and includes group member Yong Junhyung.) The hook in this song will get stuck in your head, and it has the tropical sound that's been popular all summer. The MV is as light and fun as the song and filled with explosive colors. But seriously, who wears a fanny pack like that?
(Pro Tip: If you're looking for the album on Spotify, type "LEEGIKWANG.")
– Laura
Pentagon - Like This
Pentagon is back with their new mini-album, Demo_01. The title track, "Like This," is a chilled out electronic track, which apparently are two things that are not mutually exclusive. The leader of Pentagon, Hui, wrote the lyrics of the song, which is no surprise as many members of Pentagon have numerous production credits to their name. By using a simple backing beat, the listener is allowed to focus on the soaring vocals, of which there are many examples. A favorite of ours is Hui's powerful vocals during this verse. Please, we're swooning over here.
The ability to incorporate each of the 10 members seamlessly throughout this song is also translated into the choreo. The choreography is simple, but keeps moving from formation to formation. Even when the members are simply walking, they're creating a dynamic energy as they weave amongst each other. The triangle formations they create at the beginning of the song are my favorite part as they change from one shape to the next in a chain reaction, shifting focus to each new singer. It perfectly fits the song by being powerful but not complicated. Take a look at their comeback stage here!
– Kerry
BTS - Serendipity
BTS's comeback trailer, which is also their intro song for their upcoming album LOVE YOURSELF: Her, was released earlier this week. For BTS, the intro song functions as a teaser of the rest of the album, hinting at what themes and concepts are going to be explored. The past three intros were done by the group's rapline members, beginning with leader Rap Monster's "What Am I To You?" followed by Suga's "Never Mind" and then J-Hope's "Boy Meets Evil."
This intro, "Serendipity," marks the first vocal line intro and we swear we could hear ARMY's collective fangirling at 12 AM KST. Park Jimin, the main vocalist of the group, takes on the responsibility this time. Written by Rap Monster, Serendipity is one of those songs that you could listen to over and over again without getting sick of it. The beat is incredibly infectious and Jimin sings with such a powerful sweetness. We can't help but get goosebumps when we listen to this song!
The music video is also a visual masterpiece. One of our colleagues wrote an off-the-cuff review of the "Serendipity" MV last week, which touched upon the duality of human existence portrayed through the cinematography. Check it out!
– Laura
Moon Yirang - Aphasia
Formally known as Graye, Moon Yirang released “Aphasia.” It’s a simple song with a future soul flavor, but Hoody’s smooth vocals takes it to another level blending perfectly with the groovy sound. Even the music video is understated – just two plastic chairs artfully framed in a beautifully rendered scene.
– Julie
HYUKOH - Wanli
Korean indie band HYUKOH kicks off their 8-stop North American tour today, and we’re excited to relive their first full studio album, 23, released just four months ago.
“Wanli" is the epic soundtrack to a larger-than-life MV filmed in Mongolia. The instrumentals alone set the bar, starting off with the sound of marching until all the other different parts come in -- the distorted guitar, thumping bass and drums, and rhythmic guitar. On top of that, Oh Hyuk’s Mandarin lyrics build up to a massive chorus set against gorgeous visuals of a sandy desert.
We’ll be at their NYC show next Monday 9/11, so be sure to follow us for live coverage!
– Julie