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Rant and Rave: Why July’s ‘What If?’ leaves no room for questions

As the spotlight shines brightly on more indie talents, Why July takes the stage without missing a single beat. Hailing from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the group is composed of five members: vocalist Solo Adriano, guitarist Emil De Dios, pianist and vocalist Dani Mendoza, bassist Matt Marasigan, and drummer TJ Martinez. The…

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Rant and Rave: Discovering Neverland with Tomorrow by Together

Since their debut, Tomorrow by Together (TXT) has been known for having dreamy concepts and storylines underlying their music, finding a home in their made-up universe, +U or TU. Their universe has interconnected their music, web novels, and trailers to tell the journey of five young boys growing up. Through this concept, the group has…

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Rant and Rave: Jinyoung’s ‘Chapter 0—WITH’ lends a comforting shoulder to lean on

Following self-owned K-pop group GOT7’s ninth anniversary last January 16, lead vocalist and center Jinyoung—the last among the septet to launch a complete collection of his own—welcomed 2023 with Chapter 0: WITH. Beneath his euphonious voice and expressive eyes, the singer-actor reveals a suave assortment of songwriting, composing, and producing skills. Parting of the curtains…

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Rant and Rave: Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’ makes the whole place shimmer

There’s nobody else who knows her magic like Taylor Swift.  It’s a repeating cycle: Swift will bring us into a fantasy that we have no choice but to fall into, leave us, and then come back to us again. None of us seem to be bothered, though–not when she’s transported us out of bounds in…

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Rant and Rave: Riding into the night with NCT 127’s ‘2 Baddies’

After almost a year since the release of their last full album, NCT 127 hits the ground running with the unveiling of their exhilarating fourth album: 2 Baddies. Coming from an extended hiatus, the idols’ invigorating desire to put their whole hearts into the production of the album was made apparent in their powerful vocals…

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Rant and Rave: STAYC heralds the change of seasons in ‘WE NEED LOVE’

Fresh off of the K-CON Chicago 2022 high, STAYC marks the change of seasons with their third single album, WE NEED LOVE. Following their second mini album, YOUNG-LUV.COM, the girl group sheds the “Teen Fresh” concept to explore a different kind of sound. Black Eyed Pilseung, producers and founders of STAYC’s agency High-Up Entertainment, decided…

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Rant and Rave: Seventeen rekindles their artistic flame with ‘Face the Sun’

Launched a day after their seventh anniversary, Seventeen embarks on a new journey with their fourth full-length album, Face the Sun. Dodging the infamous “seven-year curse” in the K-pop industry—where idol groups usually disband or have a member leave after seven years in the industry—Seventeen’s latest release solidifies the group’s bond and career with all…

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Rant and Rave: Defying the odds with long-awaited ‘GOT7’ comeback

Gloom filled the K-Pop community when it was announced that global boy group GOT7 will not be renewing their contracts in JYP Entertainment (JYPE) after seven years. Still, the group unfailingly impressed and soothed their fans with their jovial performance in the group’s last schedule under the company. But Ahgases—a wordplay on GOT7’s fandom name,…

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Rant and Rave: ‘Glitch Mode’ sets the universe ablaze

Ever since NCT’s debut six years ago as NCT U, they have blasted straight into the hearts of many with their futuristic, out-of-the-box concepts and performances. But with 23 members under their belt, dividing the group into different subunits seems like the best option to provide each individual with their rightful time in the spotlight. …

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Rant and Rave: Taking a unique trip to ‘The ReVe Festival 2022-Feel my Rhythm’

It’s that time again where ReVeluvs celebrate the return of SM Entertainment’s Red Velvet. Ever since their debut, the group has been popularly known for their “Red” and “Velvet” concepts which highlight their peppy yet sophisticated image. But feel the flavors a little more; having a slice of their sweet music unveils the groups’ dynamic…