Dreamcatcher (드림캐쳐) – JUSTICE
Review
“JUSTICE” is a brilliant, insanely good, epic, heavy metal masterpiece. The song begins with minimalistic verses, accompanied by percussion hits and claps, and background chanting vocals. The tension builds gradually until the pre-chorus and explodes on the chorus, which provides a cathartic release and a sense of grandiose. “JUSTICE” plays as a dramatic, bombastic battle song, transitioning from a rumbling refrain into a soaring belting of “justice makes me fight, justice makes me alive.” The anthemic element feels built for a live performance, with sparse lyrics and drawn out notes. The music video is full of lore and Easter egg references to the group's past works, while the plot depicts defiance about standing against evil and for oneself.
“JUSTICE” feels like an exciting return to form for Dreamcatcher, with heavy metal melodies, bombastic choruses, layered harmonies, extra distorted guitars and mini guitar solos. The group's vocals are once again beyond exceptional with Dami delivering the highlight of the song with her deep, sultry voice. With “Justice” the group shows that they are still at the top of their form even after 7 years on the scene and numerous releases. There aren't many groups that can claim that every new release is their best one yet. 
Release Info & Mini Bio
Dreamcatcher, the seven-member girl group under Dreamcatcher Company that debuted on January 13, 2017 with the single “Nightmare”, made a comeback today on July 10, 2024 with their tenth mini album “Virtuous” and the song “JUSTICE” as the albums' title track. The album will contain five tracks and the physical release will come out in twelve versions: one photobook/CD Limited Edition (B version), four photobook/CD Standard versions (R, E, A and K version) and seven member-specific POCA Album versions (QR card). This album is the follow-up to the group's ninth mini album “Villains” that was released November 22, 2023 with “OOTD” as the album's title track, although in the meantime they released their fourth special digital single “[Luck Inside 7 Doors]” (released on March 8, 2024 with “The Curse Of The Spider (2024 Concert Ver.)” as the single's title track.)
Track List
- “Intro : 7' Dreamcatcher”
- “Justice”
- “StΦmp!”
- “2 Rings”
- “Fireflies”
TWICE – DIVE
Review
TWICE are back with a new Japanese release, “Dive”, a little more than a year after their last Japanese single “Hare Hare”. “Dive” features a mid-tempo, vaguely retro pop sound that has been trending for a while, with smooth, easy-listening and nostalgic vibes and a summery, dreamy mood. Musically there isn't anything that stands out, not even the chorus, but there aren't any weak points either, making the listener strangely attracted to it and coming back again and again never getting full of it.
The visuals are beyond astonishing, with the costumes and the backgrounds actually being the highlights of the music video. Their vocals are once again extraordinary, elevating a rather bland song into an exceptional experience. “Dive” showcases the new, mature side of the group with its laidback and unbothered feeling and intricate melodies. This isn't a summer dance pop song, this is a window into their mature era for the Japanese and international market. Twice they are here to stay, even if the members are reaching their third decade of their lives.
Release Info & Mini Bio
Track List
- “Beyond the Horizon”
- “Dive”
- “Ocean Deep”
- “Love Warning”
- “Aqui estoy”
- “Inside of Me”
- “Peach Soda”
- “Echoes of Heart”
- “Dance Again”
- “Hare Hare”
BEAUTYBOX – COME TO ME (일루와)
Review
“Come to Me” is a captivating track that captures the essence of longing and the thrill of new love. The lyrics, a blend of sweet confession and longing, are a testament to the universal language of love and the human desire for connection. Musically, the track is based on playful brass instruments and layered harmonies and contrary to what you might expect from a small group is very well produced. The song never feels empty and there isn't anything that hinders its momentum. Even the rap section feels integral to the track and not an afterthought. The outro, a series of “Knock Knock Knock” sounds, adds a quirky element to the song, ending it on a high note and leaving a lasting impression, making the song memorable.
The song “Come to Me” by Beauty Box is a testament to the group's talent and versatility. The lyrics are a blend of sweet confession and longing, a testament to the universal language of love and the human desire for connection. Overall, “Come to Me” is an unexpectedly good comeback with a bright, colorful and bubbly song that fits the mood of the season perfectly.
Release Info & Mini Bio
Track List
- “Come To Me”
- “Come To Me (Inst.)”
- “Shine On”
- “Shine On (Inst.)”
