just got back from ph-1! it was amazing except that i stupidly decided to stand next to tall people and i could only see half of the concert through my phone but that didn’t stop me from having fun!!
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what the hell is going on in H1GHR MUSIC
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MID YEAR ROUNDUP: ALBUMS & EPS
‘As always, I’m finding less and less time to write reviews but I just wanted to get some thoughts out on a couple of albums I’ve been really loving now that we’re just coming up on the halfway mark this year. In no particular order below, are five of my favorite albums so far in 2022.
TAEYEON - INVU
Continually shaping herself as one of the industry’s most compelling idol soloists, Taeyeon’s full-length effort in 2022 came in swinging with gorgeous production and as expected, killer vocal performances. Curating from prevailing pop trends but never feeling contrived, Taeyeon and her team understand how to bend and shift these sonic influences in a way that allows Taeyeon to really feel natural over the array of tasteful production found on the record. ‘INVU’ plays like a comprehensive summary of Taeyeon as a solo artist, and it just so happens to be an extremely entertaining and compelling summary at that.
YOUNHA - END THEORY: FINAL EDITION
Now repackaged with new additions, 2021′s album of the year continues to shine through 2022. Younha’s most narrative-driven record yet, the songstress graces her way through a series of tracks that all deal with the concept of endings and goodbyes. Through the lenses of love, friendship, time and beyond, Younha’s deconstruction and dissertation on how it feels, and what it means for things to come to an end feel so intimate, but also universally relatable. From the heart-shattering ‘How You Doing’, which can be interpreted in so many different ways, to the much more optimistic ‘Oort Cloud’ which is one of a handful of space-themed references as a symbol of looking towards the unknown, Younha appropriately covers a lot of ground over an idea as sprawling, but also as simple as ‘the end’.
‘End Theory’ is best encapsulated by a series of lines from the aforementioned ‘How You Doing’ which read: “I’ve grown enough to embrace them, The kids going through the same things, I’m proud of myself.”
Lil Moshpit - AAA
Hwimin of Groovyroom’s solo debut as a lead artist not only comes in strong, it may well be 2022′s rap album of the year. The producer-artist assembles an all star set of features that are carefully placed on some of the most inspired and immaculately produced beats of the year. There’s not a single weak performance found on ‘AAA’, with standout showings from Big Naughty and SAAY on the filthy ‘BO$$’, to Leellamarz closer on the mesmerizing ‘On The Block’ and even Sik-K of all people on his solo feature on ‘Slatty Slut’. Hwimin aka Lil Moshpit fully distinguishes himself from his work with Groovyroom, the grimy and often trippy production is vividly realized and he demonstrates a fantastic ear for feature placements as well.
FANA - Fanatiic
Partnering up with DAYTONA who have definitely taken a different approach to establishing a label, FANA makes a long overdue full-length return with ‘Fanatiic’. One of the most technically proficient emcees in the game, FANA sounds better than ever through ‘Fanatiic’, which features some of the best beats he’s ever rapped on. The production is infectiously groovy with all kinds of catchy instrumental rhythms being thrown in, which serves to further color FANA’s unique brand of rap. FANA at this point has nothing to prove to those well-vetted in Korean hip-hop, but on ‘Fanatiic’ he still raps like he’s the new kid on the block and shows that when it comes to albums, far and few have the ear for production and consistency that he does.
VIVIZ - Beam of Prism
VIVIZ’s debut EP is a pretty spectacular little package that definitely feels like a spiritual successor to GFRIEND’s work, though not in a way that detracts from VIVIZ’s identity, more so in a way that feels like carrying on the baton in their own way. Sonically, ‘Beam of Prism’ is a little bit scattered, one part GFRIEND tribute, one part synthpop and one part just taking swings in the park - but all of these moments really do work; ‘Love You Like’ is a pretty unique take on the acoustic pop ballad, with its very subtle hyper-pop sensibilities that add so much character. The spacey ‘Tweet Tweet’ is heavy on atmosphere, with its deep mix and lighter-than-air vocals. Lead single, ‘BOP BOP!’ is aptly titled, the grooves and hard hitting production are absolutely killer. VIVIZ radiate charm over their excellently crafted debut EP, and it feels like they’re now free to carry on the mantle of GFRIEND to wherever they see fit now.
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