Music I Liked: May 2023

Seventeen - Super

Vast stadium-ready anthems are a soft spot of mine, and it was a matter of time before Seventeen's Super would gain a spot on my playlist. While it might be a little repetitive, the moment where the chorus explodes into a vast chant is well worth the price of entry. Special kudos to the thundering bass.

LE SSERAFIM - Unforgiven

LE SSERAFIM's first full-length album is definitely a joy to hear. Not only does the album contain some of the group's best tracks from their first two EPs. With Unforgiven, every major LE SSERAFIM track from Blue Flame to Antifragile appears in one nice compilation.

Amongst the new songs, title track Unforgiven has garnered the most controversial opinion. Once you let go of the expectations the names of Nile Rodgers and Ennio Morricone bring, it is easier to appreciate the fun western brawl provided by the track. Yunjin in particular dominates here and through the album, while Kazuha and Eunchae have strong moments through the pre-chorus, though Kazuha telling "Let me tell you about LE SSERAFIM" makes me ready for some MLM marketing.

Among the b-sides, Between you, me and the lampost and No Return are highlights. Of course, the best of all songs here is Eve, Psyche & The Bluebird's Wife. While it never reaches the highs that it conceptually teases, it proves to be an absolute blast, merging psychedelic pop influences with catwalk club beats to make something special.

Alex Banin - Doc Whiler

A sentimental indie pop number merging through genres with a unique soundscape? Count me in! Doc Whiler is one of the most unique songs all year, but it never forgets the emotional melodrama that makes music so intense and personal. In that way, Banin reminds of Cwondo in the best way possible, and Doc Whiler is an instant highlight.

Cwondo - Tae

Speaking of the man himself, one of the most talented indie musicians in the world just released a new album, and I cannot recommend Tae highly enough. Normally I would write about what makes Cwondo's sound stand out, but a brief listen would tell that. Its merging of abrasive samples and off-beat percussion with heart-wrenching melodies creates an experience unique across the world. This album, especially from tracks 4-12, is incredible and highlights like jpc and Natural Kibun are instant standouts.

Susan Darvishi - Mockingbird

Initially hearing Mockingbird, I expected a dull and emotional ballad till the chorus hit. In hindsight, forgetting Darvishi's musical craft was an error, and the heavy-rock elements of the chorus merge with the Until I Found You verses for a great experience, merging between hard and soft individual moments for a strong effect. As always, Darvishi's lyricism is rock solid.

Image Source: Soompi