Category: kpop

Review: GOT7’s DYE mini album

This is a comeback I have been building up my excitement for, from the preview photos to the preview of the song and mini album the boys were already impressing. Now the comeback is actually here, let’s look slightly deeper and review the all 6 tracks that are available on Spotify.

The title track ‘NOT BY THE MOON’ is definitely one that will get stuck in your head. It’s only been out a couple of hours and it has not left my mind. There are some crazy theories from what I’ve seen on Twitter, but mostly it follows the deeper story of Romeo and Juliet (or so it seems). The storyline is well thought out and the boys look as dashing as ever. We should also focus on the dance, from what the video gives away (this is written before any dance practise has been released), it looks so energetic and smooth. GOT7 serve looks well, and can we all appreciate Jackson with his crown?

I know a lot of fans were upset because once again, J.Y.P himself has written, composed and arranged their title tracks. We all know how quite often on albums their side tracks are more suitable for the title track but hey, we can’t change that unfortunately.

Even though there is a much deeper meaning to the video, the lyrics work so well with it. The whole album gives me some proper chill vibes, an album I would have on replay while doing university work or sitting in the garden chilling with my family and pets. Personally think that the line distribution throughout it has been pretty good too.

AURA

Written and composed by Choi Youngjae (also known as ARS), I was definitely expecting a masterpiece and our boy definitely delivered well. I like the rhythm and flow of the rappers within it.

CRAZY

Written and composed by our Jaebeom (also known as DEFSOUL), I think that this is one of the most catchy songs on the album. The chorus is so nice and upbeat, making you want to have a little dance along with it. I am really impressed (once again) with how well the rappers fit into this track, and for once they’re not given cringey English lines… we will get to that later ok.

LOVE YOU BETTER

This one is one that really hits me vocally, really enjoyable… though were we expecting any different? However, this is one where I wish our ‘double b’ got rid of the cringe lyrics, just personally don’t think it fits that well, GOT7 are at that stage where I’m sure they don’t need to do that. But hey, I’m no lyrics writer and Jinyoung did so well here, he’s definitely coming for me isn’t he..!

TRUST MY LOVE

Definitely one of my favourites on the album, since the preview this was one I was waiting impatiently for. It’s probably because music wise it’s the most up my street, let me get up and dance! I really hope to see it performed one day, let it make it a possible future tour, please. Vocals are so on point too, everything about this track just really works for me… I think it’s easily identified that it is my favourite.

POISON

BEAT. That’s all I want everyone to know. Please, Mark’s rap in this is something I am living for and want to see more of!

I am aware that there are 3 more tracks which are only available on the CD, if you guys would like then eventually when my albums do arrive I can add my review of those.

But for real, what did you think and which is your favourite?

Review: Wonho’s birthday event at Gaza Cafe in London

Happy birthday Wonho!

For Wonho’s birthday, @ukmonbebe and @london_mobebe (Twitter) collaborated together to organise an event at Gaza cafe Soho in London. Since I was already in London for SuperM (review coming soon) it was definitely on my to do list before I left.

It was well organised and not overcrowded as they only let in a few people at a time. That meant that you did have to queue a couple of times, but it was definitely worth it once you were inside the cafe. Before you even entered, the windows were decorated with banners and posters of Wonho, allowing those who walked past to wonder what’s going on. While in the queue, a few people did actually ask what was going on and what it was we were celebrating.

The moment I walked in I felt in awe. Honestly, it’s safe to say I shed some tears a few times… but it was beautiful. Little Wonho displays everywhere, tv playing ot7 performances and the atmosphere over all was so nice and relaxed. Many fans came to visit, ages ranging from children to adults showing the diversity of fans that Monsta X actually have.

A few photographs taken by myself and my friend Hissa at Gaza cafe in London on the 1st of March 2020.

For the day they had a special drink called ‘strawbunny melon ade’ which was very delicious. All the staff at the cafe and those working with the Monbebe accounts were ever so friendly. They even had post it notes and pen so we could write messages to Wonho which were going to get mailed to Starship (apparently), it was definitely a day fully dedicated to showing our love and support for our bunny boy Wonho.

  • A strawbunny melon Ade with the cup sleeve.
  • Some of the messages left for Wonho.

If you pre paid you were able to collect some Wonho goodies such as cup sleeves, photocards and badges. We were told that the wristbands would be mailed out to us at a later date.

For me personally, this was the first birthday event that I have attended and it’s easy to say that it’s left me wanting to attend more. My goodies are pinned on my board and in the back of my clear phone case. Thank you for all the hard work that has been put in to make this a visit to remember.

Here is a blurry moment to show my happiness at the cafe.

Did you go? What was your favourite part? Many thanks to those who organised it, and everyone who came and enjoyed it.

Monsta X – Alligator, how many wins can we get?

Monsta X dropped their brand new single ‘Alligator’ with a full album called ‘We Are Here’ in February, and are already conquering Korean music shows. Alligator has already received many reactions from their fans (monbebes), hyping it up and streaming constantly to keep them at a good position for music shows.

In Korea, when an artist releases new music, they promote the single or album on a variety of different music shows along side other artist releasing music at the same time. At the end of the show, depending on different statistics such as music video views, physical album sale etc, the artist with the most points wins the trophy and performs their song one more time.

Receiving an award is an emotional experience for most artists, especially if it’s their first win. They express their gratitude by thanking the fans for getting them the award and promising to keep working hard in the future.

For Wonho’s birthday, monbebes are doing their best to secure another win on a music show to make his day even more special. To help, please stream Alligator!

Before I go, Monsta X are already teasing with a world tour, so far only announcing Seoul (Korea) as a date. Just out of interest, where would you like Monsta X to travel to and why?

Interviewing students on whether they know about K-POP?

Korean Pop (also knowns as K-Pop) is highly listened to across the world, with international fan bases that can sell out venues in minutes.

As BlackPink sold out the SSE Wembley Arena in London within three minutes, I wanted to see how well students from Derby University knew about K-Pop, if anything at all.

Cassidy Bailey is a 22-year-old student from Birmingham that works as a retail assistant in the Student Union shop, was rather intrigued when it came to asking her what she knew about it.

Have you heard about K-Pop before?
‘Yeah, I have heard about it before, but never really listened to it myself.‘

If so, are there any artists you have heard of?
‘I have seen BTS on my Instagram feed as I was scrolling down and seen snippets of who they are.‘

Lastly, would the language barrier stop you from listening to this genre?
‘Probably to an extent, however if it’s good music I am likely to listen to it. However, not understanding is what is currently making me not want to listen as I can’t sing along and don’t know what they are singing about. It’s probably the reason I haven’t listened to any in the first place.’

This leaves us with a question of, how many people don’t even give Korean music a chance, just because they can’t understand the language? Let me know, how long have you been into K-Pop and what struggles did you have to overcome?

  • A Student Union flag within the shop where Cassidy works.
  • Cassidy Baileys, 22, working as a retail assistant.
  • A snippet from a GOT7 song ‘Lullaby’.