K-POP 2024 ANNUAL REVIEW
NMIXX – See That? NMIXX’s second EP of 2024 is even better than the first, and the first single See That? is as distinctive a mash up of styles and arrangement strategies as anything on this no skip EP. Also, that closer Love is Lonely is well strong. Along with Billlie and ARTMS, NMIXX are becoming one of our favourite left-field acts.
TAEMIN – Sexy in the Air. Never been a big Shinee fan, but every solo release by TAEMIN is essential, and the Eternal EP is no exception. The leading single showcases his distinctive multi-octave voice range and virtuoso dance skillz, like a love child of Freddy Mercury and Michael Jackson, without the attendant issues that might suggest. Reliably brilliant.
YOUNG POSSE – Ate That. Another YOUNG POSSE EP, another bizarre heist involving food products and stupid retro computer game CGI. Their grandmother reappears during the ensuing chaos. Very classy act.
LE SSERAFIM – CRAZY. This is the moment when the Fimmies broke the year to pieces. The title prepares you to expect craziness, but you weren’t expecting those hats, or those fake glitches, or indeed all of that vogueing. Three thumbs up!
LISA x Rosalía – NEW WOMAN. ROCKSTAR earlier in the year would have been sufficient to ensure most acts place in the annual firmament, but coming back with Spanish pop star Rosalía shows huge attitude as does everything in this production. Almost enough to make this the best BLACKPINK solo this year…
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