K-Release Review Thread

[PD101 Rep: BoA]

 

Putting this in the random section just in case it flops and then I'll feel less salty. 

Let's open up a positive discussion to rate and review any and all new Korean releases. This thread is open for anyone to review whatever they choose. Or it might just be a place for me to review things all by myself. I'm fine with flopping. I'm too grown to worry about hit threads. Leggo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4Minute - Act 7 



Continuing their streak of maintaining a powerful, aggressive image following the success of "Crazy", and the news of a possible departure from Cube, 4Minute make this a pivotal time in their career with what is probably their best overall musical release to date.

Track 1. Hate

3.5

This song had me torn in between two strong emotions. On the one hand, I really like it. The energy is high, the beat is interesting, and I appreciate the masculinity of the track as a whole. It upsets me that everyone complains so much about it being "jarring" and "messy", because these are usually the same people that complained about songs like SNSD's "IGAB" and then go on to celebrate the monotony of many releases we're seeing elsewhere. On the other hand though, I do actually see where the complaints are coming from. I would have far preferred if the energy remained at a steady build, and I definitely believe this song would have benefited from perhaps putting Sohyun's part toward the end as that is the only section that truly takes the energy where it needs to be. The ".5" is truly thanks to Sohyun, otherwise this song would be squarely decent. Not bad, not great, but a lead single isn't supposed to be the best thing a mini-album has to offer so I'm not that bothered.

Track 2. No Love
2/5

I am not a fan of this song. The only thing I truly enjoy are the lyrics, which do a fantastic job at describing the dissolution of a relationship. I especially enjoyed the "Next to you I'm always lonely, next to me you're always sorry." line thanks to Sohyun (coming in again at the clutch, girl!), but otherwise 4Minute lack both the technique and the conviction to make me feel the way this song is intended to. 

Track 3. Blind
4.5/5

This is the 4Minute I never knew I was waiting for, but can't describe how much I love. Unlike the previous song, where they attempt to play their hand at sorrowful and alone, here they move on to the next phase of the break-up process and look back at what they experienced with spite and bitterness. Jiyoon's voice carries the chorus with just the right amount of anger that carries the track without overpowering the production, and even Gayoon is able to rev her vocals up a bit without teetering towards the ends of shrill like she has in the past. Truly, everyone plays to their best strengths here. If this is truly 4Minute's last mini-album, this is the way to go out. 

Track 4. Canvas
4/5

Surprisingly, what this is another song where the lyrics really come out to shine in a way I didn't expect. I was truly surprised to find that they all used "Canvas" in wordplay throughout the entire track in a series of very effective and provocative metaphors. The production also suits the theme like a glove; subtle and gliding to perfectly align with the majority of the vocals (sans Jiyoon's rap) you'll hear on the song. The only thing that I didn't like about this song is the chorus, and not even because of the lack of lyrics. The chorus itself is gorgeous, but as per usual in K-Pop, a chorus that leaves that much room for choreography rarely ever receives it, as showcased by the live performance where they spent the entirety of it thrusting. Problem? Not really. Jihyun has spent this entire comeback looking gorgeous, but I still wished for more. 


Overall Comeback Score: 3.8/5
Overall, they came back with power. The live performances were consistent, the outfits suitable for the masculinity seen on the track, and a mini album that mostly showcased the majority of their strengths. The only issue I have with this comeback is that I truly wish they would have utilized "Blind" in some regard, as it truly does seem a trend with these girls to ignore the best songs their mini albums have to offer (see: Tickle Tickle). Other than that, a job well done. I really hope they survive the mess Cube is currently experiencing, because if this is the kind of music I can expect from them in 2016, now is not the time for things to end. 

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Debut Review: KNK "Knock"

Score: 4/5

I love everything that I'm seeing here. Upon a cursory glance of the MV, they have everything I enjoy; attractive members, interesting and dynamic choreography, an addictive chorus, and vocal ability. Sharing a company with YNB, who also houses Bestie, is originally what caught my attention and nearly guaranteed they'd have something to offer. Upon further inspection, this was only further confirmed by the fact that several of the members have all trained with larger agencies such as JYPE and Big Hit. I love the conviction and precision they carry with them in their choreography; many of these moves would look very off-kilter with a lesser group but they execute their moves with the confidence befitting off the big labels they originate from. I would say that my only gripe is the verses outweigh the chorus for me, lyrically speaking. The song opens up very poetically, with lines like "I won't go, I'll be right here, I'll stay right inside your heart." while the chorus is typical showboating and "We're KNK!" announcements. I understand the point (Sistar spent the early half of their career reminding us who they were.) but I still wish the impact would have stayed consistent. It's a minor complaint though, because everything else is exactly what I needed. This is not the typical "dandy" debut, neither is it the cliche faux-posturing many boy bands try to pull off. With a sound that rings similarly to the ingenuity History showcases, and choreography that matches Vixx's level of theatrics, KNK definitely has earned my attention and should earn yours as well. I can't wait to see what they pull off with a higher budget next time around. Note that this score isn't even based on production quality so much as it's based on the fact that it's finally something different from a boy group debut as well as creativity, so I'm excited to see what I can later on down the line.

 

[Elly_]

This is cool, could be an OH press article lol My opinions on Act 7 is kind've polarizing but agree with Hate.

 

...Also tbh Random threads get buried really quickly so  you might get more views on Music

[NateSparda]

are you serious?

I respect your opinion but I think No Love was the best track of Hate

are you serious?

I respect your opinion but I think No Love was the best track of Hate