Midweek New Music Roundup :: March 12th - 19th

[hitokage]

Bringing the queer love early this year because I said so. Plus some other tweaks as I continue to feature multiple artists each week - just seems the most fair, considering I'm regularly rounding up 45-60 tracks a week. And while it's probably already Thursday for you reading this, I'm counting this as On Time anyway because I need the win, okay? Okay then...

So yes, we've got another full week of releases for your browsing pleasure! Want to dance? We've got poppy comebacks from such groups as STAYC and The Wind, plus EDM from Ten (NCT) and Bibiana Kim. Looking for something more relaxing? There's soft rock from donburi, folk rock from ULUV, R&B from Min Jiwoon and OVAN, or even neoclassical from LIZIN. Looking for something more in your face? There's new self-composed rock/hiphop from ATEEZ's Mingi, NEWBEAT are on the hiphop side this week, and ASH ISLAND has a new rock track collab with ZICO. Not sure what you want? Grab a treat and take your time making your way through the list in whichever order feels right to you!

Banner slots this week went to Mingi of ATEEZ (left) and NMIXX (right), with additional picks going to Min Jiwoon, OVAN, LE SSERAFIM, Ten (NCT), and The Boyz. Is that too many featured picks? Probably. Do I care? Not at all. 😆😉

Releases for the week of March 12th - 19th:
ASH ISLAND - It's Okay (feat. ZICO) *
Lim Jaehyun - Love Sick
Seo actor - Psycho
Lee Changsub (BTOB) - Coward (audio only)
ROSESIA - HERO.
ROSESIA - Summer, Bummer *
ROSESIA - Psycho
NEWBEAT - HICCUPS *
Hoshi x Woozi (SEVENTEEN) - STUPID IDIOT *
Chaeryun - Let's Love (audio only)
Jeon Youl - I wanna (audio only)
MooSamStation - Sleep (An Inconvenient Practice)
AEONIT - Endless Dream
Jeong Dongwon - Heung! (feat. HAON) *
OVAN - Church OPPA (feat. BOBBY) *
Say My Name - ShaLala *
OVAN - Flower *
From.Us - Carbonara (audio only)
ULUV - school, those days
Chloe Char, Benny Char - Kryptonite (feat. Henni) (audio only)
kiimsunha - When Spring Comes (audio only)
LE SSERAFIM - Hot *
LIZIN - Question Mark *
Mingi (ATEEZ) - AUTOBAHN (feat. Yunmin (TOUCHED)) *
DD! - GOTTA LET IT GO *
Kim Jungyeon - You look prettier today *
Solji - If you're gonna hurt me like this
Seol Hoseung (SURL) - Break Through (Buried Hearts OST) *
ChoNam Zone - Don't Say Goodbye *
tia - Saturday? (feat. DAVII) *
Kim, JinSeong - Erasing You (audio only)
donburi - That I want to remember (audio only)
HORI7ON - COLD *
MOST - could not say a word (feat. way2bliss) (audio only)
Vintage Blue - Back (audio only)
mellow button - Because I keep having trouble sleeping (audio only)
Dane - She Said *
Na Hoon-A - Teary Dumangang (audio only)
Bibiana Kim - SWAN (audio only)
LE SSERAFIM - Hot (English ver)
NMIXX - Know About Me *
The Boyz - VVV *
The Wind - Only One *
Min Jiwoon - If You Were the Rain (feat. Crush) *
TEN (NCT) - Bambola *
tearliner, Sunnie - My Romantic Waltz (Riding Life OST)
Sugar Rain - Diet (audio only)
Heewon - Dialect (audio only)
Candy Shop - Tip Toe *
STAYC - BEBE *
ROCKY - Ba Ba Bye *
Song Yerin - The way we were (History of Scruffiness OST) (audio only)
SWAN (Purple Kiss) - My First Light (Lord of Heroes OST) *
Ahn Ye-eun - There (무한의사신키우기 OST) *
nnn - Marionettes *


key:
* content warning - see item below for specific warnings

The Mea Culpa section continues to be empty this week.

note: Despite appearing separate in the list above, releases by a single artist have been pulled back together in the links below to make them easier to find.
note 2: I'm still experimenting with how to handle surrealism, but it did seem less frequent this week, so...


ASH ISLAND - It's Okay (feat. ZICO) https://youtu.be/lBlj0VSO49U
genre: rock
cw: flashing effects (various and frequent), drinking
note: Zico is Sir Not Appearing in This MV. Which completely makes sense for the storyline ... that also left me feeling homesick because MVs set in Tokyo apparently do that now, regardless of the plot.


Lim Jaehyun - Love Sick https://youtu.be/ITJWZTJpw_k
genre: soft rock


Seo actor - Psycho https://youtu.be/ZA7VK_GC7U4
genre: dance


Lee Changsub (BTOB) - Coward (audio only) https://youtu.be/hzzPIp1ECmw
genre: folk rock (ballad)


ROSESIA - HERO. https://youtu.be/jhky2ZLAKYs
genre: soft rock (ballad)
note: more lyric video than music video, the animation (that isn't the lyrics) is quite subtle (which rather fits the song, actually)

ROSESIA - Summer, Bummer https://youtu.be/vRuKuY7-Idc
genre: R&B
cw: physical abuse, psychological horror
note: had to watch the whole video twice before I could figure out how to write out the content warnings and even with that I feel like I'm on shaky grounds.

ROSESIA - Psycho https://youtu.be/vHgItbK8XFo
genre: adult contemporary (ballad)
note: I'm noticing a theme this week and I'm not sure I like it.... Animation is basically the same as from her "HERO." track, just with a different color flower.


NEWBEAT - HICCUPS https://youtu.be/PUmBzV4v9TI
genre: hiphop
cw: surrealism, camera motion
note: I don't even know how to quantify the surrealism, but the talking shoes were...too far. :p


Hoshi x Woozi (SEVENTEEN) - STUPID IDIOT https://youtu.be/hbZZmSb2I-s
genre: hiphop
cw: camera flashes, flashing/strobing club lights
note: this video has been formatted/optimized for mobile screens. Boys definitely had a party with this one, but they also say "stupid" and "idiot" a lot, so take that as you will


Chaeryun - Let's Love (audio only) https://youtu.be/E0ApytwEE54
genre: R&B
note: the cover art on this one is a little... surrealist? something (I tend not to give the cover art a whole lot of attention for these types of releases, but it felt worth making a note this time)


Jeon Youl - I wanna (audio only) https://youtu.be/iSvyUvLm1e0
genre: soft rock (ballad)


MooSamStation - Sleep (An Inconvenient Practice) https://youtu.be/mMd7aem2dB8
genre: jazz/spoken word/hiphop
cw: animated surrealism (mild), animated jitter
note: the papercut style is something different all right. and yeah, the genre tag's a bit ... the uploader tags this as hiphop, but it doesn't feel quite right? It's not necessarily wrong, either, though, so....


AEONIT - Endless Dream https://youtu.be/DDTkBTZevTo
genre: R&B
cw: unsteady cam
note: 1st comeback for this group of virtual idols - meaning real talents behind animated avatars.


Jeong Dongwon - Heung! (feat. HAON) https://youtu.be/SUmiSDKKsv8
genre: trot
cw: flashing lights, physical violence
note: our protagonist is being just a bit creepy ... or is he? You'll have to watch to find out the truth!


OVAN - Church OPPA (feat. BOBBY (iKON)) https://youtu.be/oHyzyV1qOVY
genre: rock
cw: flashing/strobing lights
note: oh look, it's That Diner and That Gas Station and That Motel again. 😆Bobby is also Sir Not Appearing in This MV (presumably this track was originally recorded many months ago, since Bobby's doing his mandatory military service and has been for awhile now).

OVAN - Flower https://youtu.be/pqUqaBC_2lk
genre: folk rock (ballad)
cw: lens flares, wedding
note: I don't know if this is staged or footage from his actual wedding day, since I'm not sure when it is he was supposed to have gotten married (to his non-celebrity gf/wife). Either way, it's all kinds of adorable.


Say My Name - ShaLala https://youtu.be/rPEfIvfmCxM
genre: dance pop
cw: flashing, supernatural elements (magic)
note: sticking with the cutesy concept is probably best for these young ladies


From.Us - Carbonara (audio only) https://youtu.be/0MlsSUdKxGs
genre: rock


ULUV - school, those days https://youtu.be/Xzn80GRotwc
genre: folk rock


Chloe Char, Benny Char - Kryptonite (feat. Henni) (audio only) https://youtu.be/TIL2ifo_YSo
genre: R&B/hiphop
note: another borderline case, where a bit torn on how to tag, so you get both cuz it's kinda both


kiimsunha - When Spring Comes (audio only) https://youtu.be/ubRQODPKmzA
genre: adult contemporary (ballad)


LE SSERAFIM - Hot https://youtu.be/r9AEGPB6qIU
genre: dance pop
cw: aggressive flashing/strobing lights, surrealism (melting human figures)
note: the strobing hits the point where it could potentially trigger photosensitivity issues, even though it's not really sustained. The briefness is how I made it through without trouble, but I'm also having a good day today, so... take caution as needed.

LE SSERAFIM - Hot (English ver) https://youtu.be/sLMXW_Dij50
genre: dance pop
note: two videos now and I'm still not sure what they're trying to suggest with "Bonnie and Clyde it," but I can't help thinking that wasn't the best metaphor


LIZIN - Question Mark https://youtu.be/BJfudbEWG0U
genre: neoclassical instrumental
cw: lens flares, water glare
note: If you're going straight down the list, this is liable to give you some genre whiplash all right, especially considering what's on either side of it. But if you feel the need for a pause, here's a good moment of pause. Between the city park and the beach, very restful.


Mingi (ATEEZ) - AUTOBAHN (feat. Yunmin (TOUCHED)) https://youtu.be/M3TnAn9uVEI
genre: rock/hiphop
cw: aggressive flashing/strobing lights
note: Points to the team for putting a warning at the head of the video, before anything starts even! The triggery flashing does start at the beginning, calms for a bit, then gets really bad again in the back half, so if you know you're having a sensitive day you'll have to give this one a pass. (Im)patiently waiting for the full mixtape


DD! - GOTTA LET IT GO https://youtu.be/KMiuKmQZDx8
genre: R&B
cw: unsteady cam


Kim Jungyeon - You look prettier today https://youtu.be/nF9hqaXG8ZI
genre: folk rock
cw: flashing


Solji - If you're gonna hurt me like this https://youtu.be/F2Xq3Kt3WHA
genre: adult contemporary
note: potential hanky warning?


Seol Hoseung (SURL) - Break Through (Buried Hearts OST) https://youtu.be/ZmjN9Zo_skU
genre: rock
cw: blood/injury, guns, attempted murder, organized crime, character death???
note: video is clips from the drama, so may contain spoilers.


ChoNam Zone - Don't Say Goodbye https://youtu.be/qtiwPhaPuJU
genre: folk rock
cw: medical, flashing stage lights, drinking (bar), lens flares


tia - Saturday? (feat. DAVII) https://youtu.be/IozC1HHvkRk
genre: dance pop
cw: static flashing/snow (beginning and ending only)
note: the subs are mostly unreadable, which is almost an accomplishment given they're in bright mint and pink


Kim, JinSeong - Erasing You (audio only) https://youtu.be/IDkEkX78m3k
genre: adult contemporary (ballad)
note: according to the uploader, the artist romanizes his name with that comma so I'm doing the same.


donburi - That I want to remember (audio only) https://youtu.be/z6dkXqbHYS0
genre: soft rock


HORI7ON - COLD https://youtu.be/6lKNuvZK2oA
genre: dance pop
cw: flashing effects (various)
note: ... did he say spanking? Surely I'm hearing that wrong, especially with the schoolboy styling....


MOST - could not say a word (feat. way2bliss) (audio only) https://youtu.be/0RbdsG7hA34
genre: hiphop


Vintage Blue - Back (audio only) https://youtu.be/0xApJ9xDOCk
genre: R&B


mellow button - Because I keep having trouble sleeping (audio only) https://youtu.be/5xet2D71Imw
genre: neoclassical instrumental
note: another good interlude point if you're looking for a bit of rest and palate cleansing.


Dane - She Said https://youtu.be/VcFFXL0BhCQ
genre: rock
cw: lens flares


Na Hoon-A - Teary Dumangang (audio only) https://youtu.be/il7wSMz5TWU
genre: trot
note: Yes, that cover looks straight out of the 70s...because this is pulled from a 20th anniversary re-release. I almost pulled it, but "sings again" implies re-recorded and really, y'all need more trot in your lives. 😆


Bibiana Kim - SWAN (audio only) https://youtu.be/tC6kr2f3sE4
genre: EDM
note: If you recognize the base melodies, then you know how this got its name.


NMIXX - Know About Me https://youtu.be/aFrQIJ5cbRc
genre: dance pop
cw: surrealism (impossible spaces), flashing lights
note: airports as liminal spaces is a thing all right. Battleship Yamato reference what?


The Boyz - VVV https://youtu.be/5sulSfWKV4Q
genre: dance pop
cw: flashing lights, boxing, police, blood/injury
note: New era's starting off hard, taking no prisoners. Cautiously optimistic things will go well for them, even as I'm so not ready for them to be starting their military era oh god (leader Sangyeon enlisted this week, I am not okay with this! They are babies! My babies!)


The Wind - Only One https://youtu.be/DQOAdWoCuBY
genre: dance pop
cw: flashing, lens flares
note: and another instance of whiplash, these guys going all soft, sweet boys in sharp contrast to TBZ's concept.


Min Jiwoon - If You Were the Rain (feat. Crush) https://youtu.be/yww6-DdwshY
genre: R&B
cw: stalker-y behavior
note: another MV in which the featuring artist doesn't appear


TEN (NCT) - Bambola https://youtu.be/epm28dP3HhM
genre: EDM
cw: unsteady cam, glitch effects
note: Ten knows he's got everyone wrapped around his little finger, but I'm not sure saying it so plainly is such a good idea. Not me taking the whole video to realize I recognize that house from another MV (I.M's Lure).


tearliner, Sunnie - My Romantic Waltz (Riding Life OST) https://youtu.be/QaKwJQz2ST0
genre: folk rock
note: video is clips from the drama, so may contain spoilers


Sugar Rain - Diet (audio only) https://youtu.be/WW-OuiW4-Zc
genre: folk rock (instrumental)
note: why the uploader felt the need to tag this "new age," I really can't imagine


Heewon - Dialect (audio only) https://youtu.be/q4ieM5A-JZw
genre: folk rock


Candy Shop - Tip Toe https://youtu.be/46Ay-eOtylg
genre: dance pop
cw: lens flares, flashing


STAYC - BEBE https://youtu.be/hXcHdgDnSVE
genre: dance pop
cw: aggressive flashing


ROCKY - Ba Ba Bye https://youtu.be/AxCkfMBTlAg
genre: R&B
cw: flashing, police, gun violence
note: the utter fantasy that police would respond that quickly and then not behave worse given the "facts" of the situation... 🙄


Song Yerin - The way we were (History of Scruffiness OST) (audio only) https://youtu.be/5lruyQz-HMI
genre: adult contemporary


SWAN (Purple Kiss) - My First Light (Lord of Heroes OST) https://youtu.be/CcEvz0_aQMA
genre: dance pop
cw: flashing, supernatural elements (magic)
note: video is animation related to the game


Ahn Ye-eun - There (무한의사신키우기 OST) https://youtu.be/ON_s0GLTKKM
genre: folk
cw: flashing, supernatural elements (magic, supernatural creatures)
note: video is animation related to the game


nnn - Marionettes https://youtu.be/z6j2zArEnwo
genre: rock
cw: trippy/psychedelic visual
note: this is an old school kind of visualizer, with minimal movement that instead uses color shift to go with the flow of the music.

Look at that, you made it to the end! Which were your favorites this week? Any surprises? Let's chat!




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