K-Music Week In Review Part 2: Amber, Halo, IZ and more

K-Music Week In Review Part 2: Amber, Halo, IZ and more

0 comments 📅03 May 2018, 14:21

 

With so many releases happening each week, we have split our weekly review into two articles to make things more convenient. Our Weekly K-music Review posts are here to give you a helping hand and a quick look back to the notable releases from Korean artists in a weekly format. This looks at releases and comebacks from 30 April – 2 May 2018

Amber – Rogue Rouge: Get Over It
Released: April 30

Another mixtape release from Amber of SM Ent girl group F(x), and yet another very powerful message. Personally, we feel the lyrics aren’t so much aimed at a love story like some would believe, but more towards SM Entertainment and their restrictive ways. Its no secret that Amber has spoken out against the company and we get the feeling with the powerful lyrics throughout this upbeat song, there is a hidden message. Definitely one of our favourite releases from her mixtape as it showcases her beautiful vocals perfectly.

Yun Ddan Ddan – Let It Flow
Released: April 30

As soon as we heard the acoustic guitar and the soft and dreamy vocals, we instantly became fans. there is a specific rawness about the idea of one instrument and the power of vocals to make a song – And it seems that Yun Ddan Ddan really wanted to be different and prove his talents. If you are having a lazy day, this song would be perfect to snuggle under the duvet and drift slowly into a sleep.

YunB – Y Sad (FEAT. Reddy)
Released: April 30

Predominantly in English, the song mixes chill vibes with the underground K-Hip-Hop sound with a continuous beat and the same toned vocals. Visually the video is like looking back at happy memories in an artistic manner. YunB is a growing rapper but we do think he is completely underrated and needs more attention – although the song is soft, it certainly helps to express the meaning behind the lyrics and the music video.

June One Kim – Art Of War
Released: April 30

The right way to listen to this song is on full blast whilst wearing headphones – The sound effect, deep base tones, and vocals will make you feel a complete inner peace. There is something about hearing the deep tones or organ music that reminds me of the Gospel churches when mixed with a mid-tempo beat and soft ghostly vocals that are barely above whisper, this is one song that could be used for ASMR. A great indie artist with powerful vocals and great music making ability.

Halo – O.M.G
Released: April 30

It is great to see the boys back in the charts once again, and this time sporting mature looks, great choreography, stronger raps and a huge growth in vocals. Whatever they have been doing whilst away from the K-pop scene, it as done them wonders, especially with this new release. The music video is simple, featuring the members dancing on a hele-pad in central Seoul with the beautiful mountains and buildings as a backdrop, some post editing has made the video extremely aesthetic when mixed with the members in their suits. The music certainly has a resemblance to some works by Daft Punk but obviously, with a K-pop twist. We love it!

Ha Hyunsang – Where Are You Now
Released: April 30

reminiscent of the singer James Blunt, a simple guitar, piano and violin is all that is needed when expressing emotions through vocals for Ha Hyunsang. There is a raw feeling of love and loss, the lyrics are hurtful as they express emotions many of us have felt. As the song progresses the music goes from acoustic to orchestral in tiny steps, building up to one outpouring of sadness and calmness. Vocally there is so much control, from a simple whispering conversation to belting out some long and high pitched chords. Yet again another stunning release.

Jay Park, Simon Dominic, Loco, Gray – Upside Down
Released: May 1

If you ever wanted a power collaboration of some of the biggest names in the K-Hip-Hop industry, we are delivering it to you right now. Four of the most talented rappers in the industry joined together for one song certainly caught our interest, and rightly so. What can we say, the song is an instant hit and a complete jam on many levels. The beat is sick, the raps are smooth when crossing over to each other’s personal style, and the music video mixes the guys having fun, smoke, and some trendy hot new Korean models. The song is a collaboration between the artists and Cass beer.

ii – Im Already You
Released: May 1

We are loving the use of classical string music and sharp vocals throughout this song, it is completely different in musical sound and style to anything we have ever heard – completely unique and enticing. The stoic and precise lyrics with the upbeat drums and powerful string music certainly gives a robotic feeling to the song but is a great contrast to songs that are around at the moment. We can’t wait to see what else ii has up their sleeves.

IZ – Angel
Released: May 1

Having released their first song Granulate earlier this week, Angel is the second song from the band to blow us away. Mixing K-pop with rock, soft metal and Hip-Hop, IZ are certainly a jack of all trades kind of band, proving their talents in song and music writing. Visually the music video is pretty, dark and features the band members looking lost and running a lot – slightly comical if we can say. But we are super excited to see more from this band, they are bringing something a little different to the scene, and certainly have their own style.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the first article for this week’s K-music Review and be sure to join us in the future for more K-music Week In reviews.

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