New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (September 15, 2024)
Feature

New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (September 15, 2024)

In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading

Song Review: AMPERS&ONE – Broken Heart
Review

Song Review: AMPERS&ONE – Broken Heart

It’s a well-worn K-pop trope for bright, happy-go-lucky boy groups to eventually turn dark, brooding and shouty. However, this transformation usually doesn’t happen within the space of a one comeback! After bursting into listeners’ hearts with the buoyant On And On last November, AMPERS&ONE have already succumbed to mind-numbing shout-chanting on new single Broken Heart. … Continue reading

Song Review: SF9 – Bibora
Review

Song Review: SF9 – Bibora

It seems SF9 have settled into a once-a-year-comeback pattern, giving them less chances to hit it out of the park. Last January’s Puzzle had its heart in the right place, but I found the repetitive rhythm of its chorus difficult to fully embrace. Bibora accepts Puzzle‘s baton but ups the tempo and maintains its focus. … Continue reading

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2023: Part One  (Brand New, Cube, DSP, FNC, IST, Jellyfish, KQ)
Feature

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2023: Part One (Brand New, Cube, DSP, FNC, IST, Jellyfish, KQ)

Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what any other fan would know. The purpose of these articles is to examine how well these agencies are serving their artists and the general K-pop fan-base. If you’re curious … Continue reading