A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
Dreamcatcher can always be counted on to deliver solid b-sides. On each album, there tends to be at least one song I prefer over the title track. My taste often veers toward the more electronic side of their music, but this time their mini album is much more rock-focused. Of the new tracks, Demian stands out.
I can imagine many fans hailing this as their favorite song of 2023, and I’d understand that enthusiasm. I’m not quite there myself — mostly because I long for a more taut arrangement — but Demian spotlights Dreamcatcher doing what they do best. The guitars flip-flop between rhythmic and pulverizing, but the transition makes sense in context of the track. I love the gritty texture and punchy energy of the chorus. In fact, I love it so much that I wish it played out more consistently throughout the track. I get why the producers opted for slower breaks during verse two and elsewhere, but the ever-changing structure messes with the momentum.
Even with those quibbles, Demian confidently joins the lengthy list of “Dreamcatcher b-sides that should have been title tracks.” I imagine it will only improve in a live setting, so hopefully the group will promote it with follow-up performances.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
im beyond obsessed with this song !!! and the lyrics, “memories chasing me / now it’s time to break free” gave musical theatre vibes fr im literally obsessed
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same, I’m obsessed with those lines too!
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For me personally, this album is their weakest but I still like it. This song is great.
“Even with those quibbles, Demian confidently joins the lengthy list of “Dreamcatcher b-sides that should have been title tracks.” I imagine it will only improve in a live setting, so hopefully the group will promote it with follow-up performances.”
I agree with you 100% on this
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They plan on a three week promotion this time, I’m sure we’ll see something at live stages. Honestly I’ve been really enjoying this album, didn’t realize how much I’ve missed the rock sound since they’ve switched to more electronic in recent years. Every b-side is pretty solid, personal preference towards Propose as I like the angstiness of it, not to mention the drop sounds like Radioactive. But Demian is very well composed too, that screamo prechorus is always a pleasure to hear. Dami embracing her inner heavy rock side this comeback era
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My favorite B-Side of the album, purely because of Dami. Her “ARRRRGH!” is everything. Propose is also incredible, but Demian will have a special place in my heart and playlist.
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This song is bonkers and I adore it. I get wanting to tighten it up, but I think the whiplash is kind of the point of this song and that they do pull it off when a lot of other producers don’t, mostly because of the strength of the individual components and hooks. Glad you featured this though!
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Demian and Propose are really goood!! And I absolutely loved the live showcase of those!! ❤ I definitely think I’m more enchanted by these bsides than the title!
Also on the matter of live performances : I remember you mentioning how The Wind’s Island was nice gfriend vibes but without the vocal firepower – I checked out their live on music bank today though and I thought it was really good! Yes they are still very youthful voices, still I thought that the song as a whole was really enhanced in the performance!
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This is what i imagine an ideal Albanian Eurovision entry would sound like. Demian would really pop in a live show setting, and the structure changes are still accessible for most people to follow. Dami prechorus FTW!
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