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 article looks at releases and comebacks from July 2-4 2018.

Yang Da Il, Wendy – One Summer
Released: June 2

As far as collaborations go, this one has been hyped up so much that it was near impossible to watch a Korean TV show, music programme or watch any charts without a teaser trailer for this release being shown, but does it add up to the hype? Power couples are the trend for duos this year, but sadly we do feel this duet are slightly missing the mark. The song itself isn’t bad, but it’s very familiar with its style and vibe. It doesn’t have any unique qualities about it. Vocally, their voices work really well together, but there isn’t near enough of their vocals together, instead, they have their own parts and throw in some ad-libs. Visually it’s pretty but seems to be a bit lazy. Overall, we feel the hype going around possibly lead us to feel something big, exclusive and unique was going to happen, but we feel kind of let down. But it’s still a nice calm song.

Yunpa – The Night You Fall
Released: June 2

With strong Zion T vibes breaking through, Yunpa has us covered for those lazy rainy days. Vocally his vocals have a slight femininity about them that creates a great unique sound when mixed with the soft jazz backing track. The music video has obviously been done on a low budget, but it truly does fit with the mood of the song and lyrics. We also feel that Yunpa has moments where he is channelling his inner Michael Jackson, and we can’t help but swoon slightly.

REX.D – Off-White
Released: June 2

REX.D is throwing punches once again with his trendsetting rapping style, DJ remixed backing track and strong lyrics. The video features glitch visuals, hip-hop camera angles and coloured lighting, which reflect the feeling of the song’s lyrics perfectly. There is a repetitive beat throughout the song, and without even trying you will learn the chorus pretty fast, but we feel this is one of those songs where you will either like it or hate it (AKA: The Marmite effect).

Apink – Im So Sick
Released: June 2

Changing their style completely to fit with the latest trend in music, Apink has made a strong comeback for summer. Upbeat, bright and fun, the song has a dark undertone lyrically but keeps a consistently fast and upbeat tempo. Visually the music video is that of an Instagrammers dream, with pink, black and white being the main colours. We have been tapping our feet along with this release and love the dark backstory with the joyful music as a frosting.

KOLAVO – Salaryman
Released: June 2

We always go on about how much we love something unique, and the K-indie scene is always able to deliver. This time with a Ska backing track, KOLAVO have bought a feel-good vibe to a comical and the slice of life music video. We aren’t going to lie, but when you look at the band you do get the feeling they are your typical Korean office Salaryman, but as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover. We honestly love the mix of ska, rock, hip-hop and pop throughout the song, which is easily able to pick your spirits up and allow you to release your stress of the day.

Sinstealer – Summer Beer
Released: June 2

Once again lo-fi is becoming the transitioning trend for Korean artists and is becoming a predominant part of a lot of indie artists backing tracks. Sinstealer has always had his own vibe but seeing him mix it with the latest trends is actually great music to our ears. Mixing smooth jazz, busy cafe sound bites and an addictive continuous beat, it all comes together to create something you can listen to at any part of your day and still enjoy its rhythm.

Jinho (Pentagon), Rothy – A Little Bit More
Released: June 3

As far as the story goes in the K-drama What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, it is a love story with many funny moments and some great twists and turns along the way, but you can’t have a great love story without a memorable love song. This is where Jinho and Rothy’s new release plays a huge part. With soft vocals from both singers, a whole new love story unfolds, and we find ourselves emotionally attached to the characters in the drama as well as in the love song itself. A perfect duet, and a great combination of orchestral and power ballad backing.

Teen Top – Lover
Released: June 3

Taking their fans on a behind the scenes tour of their photo shoot for their latest album, Teen Top have released their latest song Lover. With an EDM beat that is perfect for the summer charts, the boys show off their colourful and matured looks for the music video, keeping relaxed and looking like they have had a lot of fun putting their latest album together. We also get the same feeling when listening to the song which remains calm, yet has a summertime sparkle that is perfect for those long car journeys in the sun with the windows down.

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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