This Week in Kpop is brought to you by the newbies! Not quite rookies, these returning groups are trying to find their way in the confusing Kpop sphere. Will they succeed? We're not sure if we can answer that yet, but we can certainly get started, so let's get on with it!
Purfles' "A Bad Thing"
"A Bad Thing" may not be the hit comeback we wanted from Purfles, but maybe it's the comeback we deserve. It's true that we've been anticipating their return since their debut last year with "1, 2, 3," a rookie debut that was so impressive that it rivaled Mamamoo's stellar entry into the Kpop world. A debut so impressive that we're just gonna place it here for you to enjoy all over again:
Bad ass charisma, a killer song (with a memorable hook), and those vocals tho. What more could you ask for in a rookie group?
And then Purlfes up and disappeared. For nearly a year. It was terrible. Many Kpop fans missed them, questioned if they disbanded, bemoaned their small, inefficient agency. But did we storm their offices? Protested on the streets? No, we mostly got over their absence, and for our lack of sincerity we've been awarded "A Bad Thing," which is in no way a bad thing, but a song that is more downbeat and has not capitalized on the hereafter lost momentum. Which is to say, "A Bad Thing" is hurt by our expectations, unfair expectations wrought with the passage of time.
If "A Bad Thing" came out soon after "1, 2, 3," or accompanied the single in a mini-album, we'd find the song a sexy, stylish companion piece that shows another side of Purfles while still showcasing their powerful vocals. But as a standalone song that we feel like we've been waiting forever for? We can't help but feel a bit disappointed.
2Eyes and GI
2Eyes and GI came back this week...or did they?
Look, we get it. Newer groups in smaller agencies have to sometimes dramatically alter their concepts to get attention and see what sticks. And 2Eyes' "Don't Mess With Me" was so random that their next song was destined to be a departure. The Pipi Longstocking look may cement them as one of the most random group ever.
"Pippi" actually takes an interesting turn about a minute and twenty seconds in, giving the song, and the video, some much-appreciated attitude and personality.
But GI's "DoliGo DoliGo" is just heartbreaking. The group has shed their tomboy image, one that led to the criminally underrated, "Beatles."
Instead we get something far more generic, and rather unseemly (the mouse cursor waving around BUTT and the excessive lollipop licking is not as charming as the producers may have thought). We're not ones to decry the decline of Kpop's morals or reminisce for simpler, more wholesome days, but this release feels cynical and leaves a bad taste in our mouths. It makes us sad.
Ladies' Code
Speaking of sad...we're going to just leave this here for you. No commentary. It still feels too raw.
MV of the Month: SHINee's "Married to the Music"
We were a bit late in announcing our MV of the Month for August, but better late than never, right? SHINee takes the crown for "Married to the Music," but don't take our word for it, check out why they deserve the recognition right here!
Why I Hate Music Shows, Part Three: The Format
Zander continues his analysis on just why he hates Kpop music shows. This week he takes apart the format. Want to see what his problem is? Check out his latest piece here!
August 30-September 5, 2015
And that was This Week in Kpop! We took a look at some of the smaller releases this week and how these newer groups are trying to find a place in Kpop. But next week? Red Velvet may just dominate. And we'll be there. Until then, have fun and be safe!
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