Kpop: BTS - Fire & I Need U

Well, I am catching up on my kpop boy band deficiency, and what better than to write again about BTS as they released two excellent songs this last week. "Fire" has their usual attitude intensive (over...)posturing but the song delivers so it is well and OK, but my favorite is the more sober "I need U", a ballad that touches my heart (wonders of all wonders).

• BTS - I Need U
• BTS - Fire (불타오르네)
• BTS - Dope (Because - the video!)

Kpop: NCT U (일곱)

Even though many Kpop groups have had sub-uits debut after a while, it has been more of a Japanese thing to actually create groups, or rather collectives, that from the start are meant to mostly perform in sub-units. WIth NCT on major label SM Entertainment, this seems to be changing, as their debut song is one from their sub-unit NCT U. My guess it is simply a way to diversify and match different markets (like the Chinese vs the Korean), so it will probably become more and more common. I liked their debut "The 7th Sense" that had a rather daring sound for a debut, and the 2nd single "Without You" isn't bad either.

• NCT U - The 7th Sense (번째 감각)
• NCT U - The 7th Sense (performance ver)
• NCT U - Without You

Kpop: VIXX - Dynamite (다이너마이트)

VIXX has always had nice beats and this time around it is actually the slower cleaner moments between the refrains and during the build up that is the most interesting.

• VIXX - Dynamite (다이너마이트)

Jpop: Naomirusty (ナオミラスティ)

I don't know the real name behind the pseodonym NAOMiRUSTY, but the latest msuic video from the relatively new artist is a charming 80s piece.

• Naomirusty - La Niña Night (ラニーニャ夜)
• Naomirusty - Tourism (観光)

Jpop: Cicada (シケイダ)

Magic and soulful, the five members of Japanese band Cicada delivers a sound that is vibrant with mellow and tranquil feeling. The voice of Akiko Kido combines with soft electronica that I hope promises much for the future.

• Cicada - Yes
• Cicada - Shake Your Fingertips (ゆれる指先)
• Cicada - Door
• Cicada - Naughty Boy