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.
In addition to strong title tracks, Vanner are developing a knack for delivering strong albums. Their work borrows equally from K-pop past and present, offering a diverse set of sounds. Their new album isn’t quite as strong as their last, but I’m quite taken with a couple tracks. After Party is similar to last week’s First Hooky by TWS in the way that it commits to one stellar groove all the way through. But instead of 90’s hip-hop, Vanner dive straight into early-2000’s Neptunes territory.
Based on the album’s highlight medley, I worried that Circuit would be another overly shouty boy group banger. But rather than shout-chanting, the song simply has an aggressive energy. It’s anchored by a pounding electronic beat and (more importantly) a few killer hooks. The chorus is commanding, echoing the intensity the guys are bringing to the song.
The performance has a dramatic flair reminiscent of K-pop’s theatrical second generation, utilizing the guys’ varying tones to maximum effect. The melodies don’t always have a ton of range, but Circuit piles on texture after texture. It only grows more addictive with each listen.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Yesterday on the drive home, Tokyo Gegegay “Top Down” came around on the shuffle. Awesome song, This one here reminds me of that vibe, the insistent persistent gritty stomp-stomp-stomp-stomp beat that clicks on and doesn’t stop.
Its a yes from me.
Posting “Top Down” here for everyone’s enjoyment.
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I totally hear the resemblance! It’s super close. Love this too, thanks for dropping it.
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Circuit and Afterparty were the two tracks that stood out in the highlight medley. I’m glad that bith are still my favs from the album with curcuit being my top pick. Also, now I realize why afterparty sounded so familiar to me…man I miss the Neptunes.
I’m glad that Vanner is continung to have steady success following Peak Time. They were always talented but now they can truly display that with a decent budget. Its like those videos you see..”you’re not ugly, you’re your just poor.”
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Thank you for doing a buried treasure, because I have not had the time or energy to go treasure-diving into albums for a while now.
This one is really, truly great. I can hear the 2nd gen ideas it builds on, but it still sounds modern in the end. Love the creativity and the fullness of this production. No more empty songs! I love this!
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Thank you for taking the time to review such a stellar buried treasure! I’ll definitely be adding circuit to my playlist based on your stellar rating and detailed praise.
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