Repeats of the Week – November 3, 2017
- waekpop
- Nov 3, 2017
- 3 min read
TWICE – LIKEY
Twice is back, dear Onces! And I don’t just mean for their comeback.
Looking back on Twice’s singles since their debut in 2015, it’s clear that their mega-success lies in their long-lasting, ear-worm-quality productions. Their bubbly sound is defined by their charted hits “Like Ooh-Ahh,” “Cheer Up,” and especially “TT,” all thanks to producer-duo Black Eyed Pilseung who are known for their addictive beats and unpredictable hooks.
Since then, Twice diverged from their signature production team for their 2017 singles “Knock Knock” and “Signal” – both of which just didn’t quite do it for me. Both attempted to adhere to Twice’s unique quirkiness, but they missed the mark in terms of having any interesting composition. So I’m excited to see that BEP is finally back with Twice for their title-track, “Likey." The electro-pop sound is bright and vibrant at the get-go, with a pleasantly unexpected beat drop and an energetic dance break choreographed by Momo.
- Julie
ASTRO (아스트로) – Crazy Sexy Cool (니가 불어와)
ASTRO is back with a new, more mature look and sound. When ASTRO debuted in February 2016, the groups youngest member, Sanha, was only 15 (international age). But now, nearly two years later, the group is moving away from the boyish concepts they've been known for. And so far, it's working.
"Crazy Sexy Cool" is the title from their fifth mini album, Dream Pt. 2. It's a nu-disco pop track with a synth beat that makes you want to dance. I was blown away by the vocalists, especially the huge improvement in Sanha And Eun-woo.
The MV feels like a mellowed-out version of their debut MV, "Hide and Seek." There's a magical, going-through-the-wardrobe-to-Narnia, feel. We bounce around from set to set and each one feels a bit like a high-fashion photo shoot. But my favorite part is at the very end. I won't spoil it, but I nearly died laughing.
- Laura
JBJ – Fantasy
"Fantasy" is the title track from new boy group JBJ's debut mini album, Fantasy. The six members were contestants from Produce 101 season 2. JBJ stands for "Just Be Joyful." With a name like that, you'd think the MV and song would be lighthearted. Nope. The song has a super addicting hook and a reverberating bass line that pumps you up. The MV, with the dark background, suits, and sharp choreo gives me VIXX vibes. The group has solid vocals and rapping, great visuals, and some on-point dance skills. I definitely plan to keep an eye on them.
- Laura
GroovyRoom (그루비룸) – XINDOSHI (feat. Sik-K, Loopy, MASTA WU, Kim Hyoeun)
We typically focus on newer songs in RotW, but I had to include GroovyRoom's "XINDOSHI." Earlier this week, the production duo's label H1GHR MUSIC announced a 15 city tour across the U.S. and Canada. The tour will feature label artists, including GroovyRoom and H1GHR MUSIC's founder and Co-CEO Jay Park.
"XINDOSHI" is a song off GroovyRoom's debut album, EVERYWHERE. It's my personal favorite song on the album and features Sik-K, Loopy, MASTA WU, and Kim Hyoeun. Sik-K's rap matches perfectly with the strong beat as he leads you through the song and bridges Loopy and MASTA WU's verses. But the song throws you for a bit of a loop in the third verse when Kim Hyoeun comes in. When a song surprises me, it's a safe bet it'll wind up on my repeats list.
(A/N: Spot the Jay Park cameo!)
- Laura
Rad Museum – Tiny Little Boy (feat. Dean)
Rad Museum, formerly known as Camper, is a member of the hip-hop collective, Club Eskimo. He wears many hats as an artist, not only in music production and singing, but also in more obscure professions, as a tattoo artist and interior designer.
"Tiny Little Boy" is a track off his debut mini album Scene, appropriately named as each song paints the picture of a different moment in life, with Rad Museum as the main character. "Tiny Little Boy" is about the death of a life long friend. Of all the songs on this album, it has the most interesting instrumental build-up. It begins with a plucky guitar, followed by a bass drum and snare kick in over that, then we hear a gentle horn slide in. All the while Rad Museum's vocals float over this. It all drops away when Dean's verse starts and then reboots back to full instrumental and both vocalists for the bridge and final chorus.
"Tiny Little Boy" is a jazzy, smooth song that has impeccable flow. It is one of the most satisfying listens I've had in a while.
- Kerry