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.
There’s a lot of stomping going on in Dreamcatcher’s new album. So much so, that there’s even a track called “STΦMP!“. This style of percussion crafts a sonic through line that keeps the energy anthemic but relatively measured. I wonder if this was intentional?
Regardless, [VirtuouS] is another solid album from the group. From the b-sides, my ear was instantly drawn to the dramatic 2 Rings. This song stomps just as ferociously as the two preceding it, wasting no time laying out its clap-along groove. There’s plenty of texture in this instrumental. It feels at once gritty and polished, highlighted by a searing guitar loop.
Of all its segments, I’m most drawn to 2 Rings‘ chorus. This melody compliments the stomping energy, forging the girls’ vocals into a percussive weapon. The arrangement here is brilliant, giving the song a larger-than-life appeal. I especially like the clipped vocal outro, which blurs the lines between vocal and instrumental. The song is a bit of a one trick pony, but that trick is really satisfying.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Wholeheartedly agree with your Buried Treasure pick. That intro riff has wormed its way into its head, it’s so damn catchy and is something I’m gonna be jamming once I get back home and have access to a guitar again. That chorus is great too, questionable lyrics and all.
I do miss the electronics that come with LEEZ’s best B-side work (we’ll probably never get another “Poison Love” or “Silent Night”), but I guess Ollounder and co. are making the best they can of his departure by just straight up leaning into the rock sound.
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Hey, Nick, did you listen to Orange Caramel’s “Lipstick” album back in 2012? Just found an absolutely incredible b-side “Milkshake” (prolly my fav song this month) so I’m curious if you already know this, imo a Battle of B-sides with Orange Caramel would be cool
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I was hoping this would be the buried treasure! I’ve been obsessed with it since it came out, and at this point I think I’ve listened to it more than Justice. Dami’s growl in the second chorus has me in a chokehold.
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My favourite track in this EP. I stopped by to see if you had written about it and I found out that you did, what a nice surprise!
The energy of the song doesn’t hold back for a second to show its charm, I like that, and it may be a snack that is gone in the first bite but how delicious it is. It’s worth it.
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