UNB - Only One
This song caught me off guard a few weeks ago. I was already late to the UNB debut news since I’m not a particularly avid survival show follower. If you’re like me, here’s the scoop: UNB is comprised of idols from other previously-debuted groups who competed on KBS’s survival show, The Unit. The group’s contract will last 13 months, with the first 7 months of their contract being exclusive with UNB, and the remaining 6 months allowing the members to promote with their original idol groups.
Thanks to their combined years of experience, they already sound like seasoned artists in their debut album, Boyhood. In comparison to the energetic "Sense/Feeling," "Only One” is the much softer of the two title tracks, hitting all the classic pop ballad sweet spots. But in both tracks, holy powerhouse is the force of Chan (A.C.E) and Jun (U-KISS)! The group is clearly tailoring their sound to their strongest vocalists. The music video is a long (almost seven and a half minutes!), yet beautifully cinematic composition that lets each of the members shine. Listen all the way through and you’ll be gifted with a beautiful acappella harmony that really highlights the sentimental feeling of the song.
- Julie
(G)I-DLE - LATATA
From Cube Entertainment (HyunA, CLC), another girl group is born. The new 6-member ensemble debuted this week with their album I Am, starring moombahton trap track “LATATA”. While we’ve heard this trendy sound from other groups before, it’s their stunning stage presence and interesting vocals that hooked me in. Watch their street busking videos and media broadcast performances and you’ll see that these ladies are just radiating with charisma. And it’s not surprising, given that some of the members have been around for a bit.
You might recognize leader and rapper Soyeon from her time on Produce 101 and Unpretty Rapstar 3. Vocalist Miyeon was previously a YG trainee with Blackpink’s Jennie. I liked that the line distribution for “LATATA” was pretty balanced, letting each members shine and giving us a good introduction to each of them. I was particularly drawn in by Yuqi’s unexpectedly deeper voice, which I think will really set (G)I-DLE harmonies apart from other girl groups. Overall, the group had a pretty solid debut, and I’m excited to see how they develop and differentiate themselves from their Cube sister group, CLC.
Fun fact: the masked cat at the beginning of “LATATA” is revealed to be the same masked person in Soyeon’s “Jelly” and “Idle Song”.
- Julie
Crush - Bittersweet
On his birthday, May 3rd, Crush released a new single, entitled “Bittersweet.” The song is spot-on R&B, complete with a soft bass line, steady snare and snaps in the instrumentals. Crush completes the perfect picture with his hushed vocals, smooth with a bit of a raspy quality. It feels like the boy is whispering directly in your ear which is enough to send shivers right down your spine.
The MV is interesting, depicting Crush alone in different scenes. He is first seen on a train, then in a corridor, and finally in a room covered floor to ceiling with pictures of insects. As it jumps from scene to scene, Crush sings of being haunted by a past love, and of the moments at night, when memories of their time together won’t leave him alone. He sings about the struggle to move on and forget, saying, “Just when I’m about to get over you, you come to me, just when I’m about to erase you, I’m lost and looking for you.” This torturous love that won’t leave him alone is mirrored in the MV. It’s as oppressive as the endless insect pictures that surround Crush, and holds him captive even as the world moves on, just as he stands still as the train moves forwards, or as he sits in a chair and the room around him pulls away.
As an extra birthday present to Crush, this song quickly achieved a Perfect All Kill shortly after release! I guess many people can relate to that bittersweet memory of a love gone by.
- Kerry
HALO - O.M.G.
HALO, a six member boy group out of Histar Entertainment, has returned after 10 months with a new dance track titled “O.M.G.” While this group debuted in 2014, I haven’t seen too much coverage on them and to be honest, they only popped up on my radar with this comeback. (Any HALOVE out there, please let me know what I should be listening to!)
This song is pure pop catchy goodness, with a funky backing track guaranteed to get your foot tapping. The MV showcases their excellent dancing skills, with some neat tutting thrown into the choreography and a sharp point dance that I’m sure fans have already started to learn. As always, I am completely sold by any kind of unique choreography and the inclusion of tutting, which is well executed, drew me in 100%. “O.M.G.” is sure to get stuck in your head after a listen or two, and it’s most definitely NOT a bad thing. I’m excited to learn more about HALO as they promote.
- Kerry