Reviews
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The group name THE SSYNDROME (더씬드롬) combines 'Share' and 'Syndrome,' meaning 'sharing a syndrome together.' The band aims to convey comfort by exploring inner worries and emotions through their unique worldview and music. THE SSYNDROME is a new five-member boy band featuring Seok Junho (Keyboard, Vocal), Yang Heegyo (Guitar, Vocal), Do Mingyu (Bass), Jung Jiyoung (Drums), and Shinsei (Guitar). They record the anxieties, comforts, and moments of resilience we face in life. They aspire for their personal music to create an expanding 'syndrome of empathy' among listeners. Their first syndrome is the Digital Single ‘ALIVE,’ an alternative rock track that carries their core message: "The Syndrome is awakening now, Take off and fly." The song powerfully expresses the desire to fully accept oneself and soar with dignity. The track's appeal comes from the powerful drums, cool guitar riffs, and THE SSYNDROME’s distinct vocals and performance. 'ALIVE' captures the band's energy as they take their first step and directly conveys their message of 'soaring.' With this pre-debut single, THE SSYNDROME reaches out to listeners to share their new musical world.
Blue.D is preparing to open a new chapter by resuming full-scale activities with her latest single, which is being released approximately one year after her last. She plans to meet with fans through various promotions for this single. Previously noted as a rookie with a unique vocal tone, who gained attention through numerous featuring collaborations, she reveals a new musical spectrum through this release. With high-quality production, this single will once again engrave Blue.D's name in the music scene. Featuring a free-spirited and witty energy, much like a cat, the single will be the definitive signal announcing Blue.D's official comeback.
JUSTB's fifth EP [SNOW ANGEL] was produced by Creative Labs ‘808hertz®’ and Executive Producer O Kwon. Rising global hyperpop and alt-R&B artists like Forgotten Melodies, heyzuko!, Meiiny, and Pank contributed. JUSTB members were also heavily involved: GEONU (production), Bain (visuals), SANGWOO & LIM JIMIN (choreography), and DY (composition). The album presents a new sensory world, clashing K-pop's refined sensibility with hyperpop's digital chaos—balancing distorted synths and metallic drums with crystal-clear melodies. It aims to break K-pop formulas, revealing real emotion amidst noise by reinterpreting hyperpop's aesthetic. [SNOW ANGEL] tells a story of conflicting emotions—warmth/cold, love/loss, human/digital.
Jessi's "Newsflash" is an unapologetic and fiery anthem of independence and self-affirmation. The song frames her return to the public eye ("Guess who's back") as a major media event, positioning her as the center of the "spotlight" and "makin' headlines" simply by living her life. The track operates as a bold declaration of autonomy, especially with lines like "Walkin’ out of the deal / With a new bag," suggesting a triumphant exit from a previous situation. Lyrically, "Newsflash" blends general defiance against public scrutiny ("I don't read what they type") with a pointed, confrontational diss. She dismisses the "hype" and media chatter while directly targeting a "grown man acting like a bitch," warning that "karma won't miss you." Ultimately, the song is a powerful statement of resilience and empowerment. Jessi reclaims her narrative, turning "his story to her-story," reinforcing her status as the "UNNI" and the "real deal," and concluding with a confident shout-out to her fans ("Jebbies").
Lee Juck offers his signature vocals for "Le Solitudinaire," the first OST for JTBC's "The Story of Mr. Kim." The track serves as the main theme, featuring lyrics by Lee Juck and composition by Jung Jae-hyung. It attempts an interesting contrast, pairing somber lyrics about wandering with a bright, waltz-like arrangement intended to feel dreamy. The song builds predictably from acoustic guitar to fuller orchestration. While Lee Juck's performance is as emotive and professional as expected, the overall result feels like a standard, by-the-numbers K-drama ballad. It's pleasant and adequately supports the show, but likely won't be particularly memorable.
The collaboration <HYPERDRIVE> between Poppin Hyun Joon and IN&CHOO unfortunately falls short of expectations. Despite aiming for a masculine, rough K-pop sound, the track feels somewhat generic and doesn't quite capture the intended edginess. The attempt to fuse trendy idol-style music with powerful popping performance feels awkward; the elements seem disconnected rather than synergistic. Neither the electronic vocals nor the popping truly gets a chance to shine, resulting in a track that relies more on the artists' reputations than on compelling musicality. For K-pop fans seeking something impactful, <HYPERDRIVE> might lack the necessary originality and cohesion.
"Picture Book with Songs" is a project blending sweet melodies with storybook-like visuals, presenting each track as a page exploring love, memory, and longing – a 'Music Book Cinema' series. Its second page, "Want to Hate You and Pretend Not to Know You," draws inspiration from 'Beauty and the Beast'. It delicately portrays the complex emotions between love and separation, exploring the irony of deep love causing deeper scars, yet leaving an unforgettable affection. Built on a lyrical piano melody and emotive vocals, the song immerses listeners in a scene of parting, leaving a lonely yet beautiful, lingering resonance.
Koonta's "유행가 (Popular Song)" is a raw, introspective track steeped in cynicism and personal struggle. He critiques societal pressures ("Follow the trend"), online negativity ("Murderers overflow online"), and superficiality, dismissing easy answers about "mentality." The lyrics expose deep inner turmoil, referencing dark memories, identifying with the hidden pain behind Yuma Asami's smile, and finding resonance in Berserk's themes of forgiveness. The repeated, almost desperate questioning of "What's your dream?" highlights disillusionment. The ironic title contrasts sharply with the dark, confessional content, suggesting this raw honesty, despite its bleakness, is Koonta's authentic "popular song."
&TEAM released their first Korean mini-album, 'Back to Life' marking a new leap onto the global stage after three years of growth since their 2022 debut. The album embodies their strengthened bond, challenging spirit based on 'Wolf DNA' and HYBE's 'Global DNA', and showcases an expanded musical range. The six-track album features the title track 'Back to Life', the cheerful 'Lunatic', confession song 'MISMATCH', powerful 'Rush', rock ballad 'Heartbreak Time Machine', and sincere 'Who am I'. World-class producers contributed, including Bang Si-hyuk, Soma Genda, Latin Grammy nominee JULiA LEWiS, Tyler Spry, Scotty Dittrich, Mick Coogan, and Park Moonchi. The title track 'Back to Life' is an intense Rock Hip-hop song expressing the nine members' resolve and positive energy as they aim for a bigger world. Its driving beat and explosive rhythm highlight their challenging spirit. The performance choreography vividly portrays the members' energies uniting and reviving, powerfully moving forward. It dramatically conveys emotions ranging from intense power and passion to the pain and pressure encountered during challenges, allowing viewers to feel the energy, emotional shifts, and narrative.
Lee Ba Da returns with bolder, sophisticated R&B, exploring hazy boundaries between sensuality/destruction, love/obsession. This five-track album blurs sensory limits like a hallucination. Starting with the cinematic "killing me softly," it blends Art-pop, Jazz-pop fusion (title track "Ttakkeum"), trap, and electronic R&B. Lee Ba Da's delicate vocals over sharp beats and intense melodies stir deep desires. Each track, a dream and nightmare, forms a sensual fantasy pulling listeners into deep, unsafe emotional waters.