Ok-Pop’s first era is commonly referenced as the inspiration for the trade we take pleasure in now, however there aren’t sufficient good English-language sources that give its music the main target it deserves. I’m hoping to vary that with a seamless flashback collection, spotlighting private highlights from the period – each iconic and obscure.

The period in query is commonly thought-about to run from the debut of Search engine optimization Taiji & Boys in 1992 to the emergence of TVXQ in late 2003. The music featured on this collection will largely match inside that time-frame, give or take a couple of years on both facet.

It was a time of bonkers track buildings, wild trend, slamming techno beats, dangerous reggae impressions, flagrant use (theft?) of American hip-hop samples, hearty energy ballads, foul language, the growliest rapper tones you possibly can think about and an anything-goes scrappiness that’s unimaginable to pigeonhole. To borrow the title of a preferred second-gen act, these years have been the “massive bang” of an rising musical powerhouse, nonetheless discovering its footing and throwing every part on the wall.

Try different “Again to Ok-pop’s First Era” critiques right here.

Whereas techno was a passing pattern within the States, it was an enormous musical period in each Korea and Japan. For a couple of years within the early 2000’s, it looks as if each Ok-pop act was swept up within the techno craze. This style isn’t for everybody, however I’ve at all times beloved it and it’s enjoyable to have a treasure trove of music to discover.

Duke have an extremely strong discography. And regardless of their debut with the techo-tastic Starian, their work is definitely fairly diverse. From rock to ballads to funk to excessive power dance, their albums cowl the style gamut. It’s all held collectively by nice songwriting and the completely unimaginable vocals of Kim Ji-hoon (R.I.P). He began as a vocalist for the short-lived Two Two within the mid-90’s however actually discovered his footing right here. His howling energy notes on Starian are arresting of their undiluted confidence.

Starian occupies an area I like in Ok-pop. It’s a second the place ambition outstripped expertise, as evidenced by its hilariously over-the-top music video with its quaint pc graphics. Nevertheless, these have been the constructing blocks of the grand, high-budget Ok-pop we now know and love. Extra importantly, Starian’s insistent thump is such a delight. It’s virtually trance-like in its continued depth, providing distinction between speed-rapped verses and lighter pop melodies. Then, there’s that refrain and its elongated, goosebump-inducing vocal bombast. This group may by no means be accused of being too subdued!

Grade: A