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Thursday, November 12, 2015

VIXX - Chained Up


Although never completely warming up to them personally, VIXX has always been a group that reliably delivers the goods when it comes to music. Because of this, I was so excited for their new album. Unfortunately, I'm finding myself underwhelmed. Maybe it's because their 2013-2014 releases were so flawless that I had set my expectations too high, but I just can't help thinking that they are capable of better. Chained Up is a perfectly serviceable title track. I certainly don't dislike it, but something feels lacking -- particularly during the verses. I think I'll have to chalk it up to personal taste, as many have been raving about the song. The chorus is catchy, for sure, but it definitely feels smaller than past tracks like Error, Eternity, Hyde or GR8U. Still, I'm giving it multiple spins in the hope that it'll grow on me.



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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Kate Boy - Midnight Sun


It's been awhile since I posted something from Sweden. Actually, the singer of Kate Boy is originally from Australia, but the group as a whole is a Sweden-based entity. Their music reminds me of La Roux meeting Icona Pop after an energy drink or two. The album is filled with uptempo electropop that specializes in big, singalong choruses and powerful vocals. Midnight Sun opens the album and is probably my favorite track. Its beat alone is a real aggressive suckerpunch to the gut. The melody is simple, straightforward and more than a little reminiscent of the 80's. It's also very stark and Swedish, with enough of a hook to become huge worldwide.

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Monday, November 09, 2015

Brown Eyed Girls - Brave New World + Warm Hole


I can't pick between these two videos today. K-Pop royalty Brown Eyed Girls came back with a new album last week. It's mostly very boring, except for these two brilliant singles. They're very different from each other, despite both being throwback in sound. Brave New World is intense and experimental, with a disco string section seemingly lifted straight out of Michael Jackson's Don't Stop Til You Get Enough. The trippy, fierce video is one of the year's best. Warm Hole, on the other hand, (and yes that's the actual title) is full-on 60's striptease, with a hilarious (very unsubtle) video. I'd argue that its hook is even stronger than Brave New World's, even if it is understandably a more lightweight track. Taken as a duo, these two songs are an incredible end-of-the-year push for a group that had every right to rest on their laurels and rely on their name instead of continuing to push boundaries. It's just a shame that the rest of the album isn't as strong.



(If you decide to buy K-Pop physical album releases -- and my god you should, because they're awesomely presented -- try catchopcd for some of the best prices out there. Use this link to get 5% off your first order!)

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