It's A Hot Summer For K-pop!

Summer time has come and with the release of the single and repackaged album Hot Summer by f(x) it looks like this season is going to hotter than ever!

Finding love in the summer sun!

After winning performance after performance on various Korean TV music shows and racking up award after award, f(x) has released their repackaged album Hot Summer. Available both in Korea and on itunes in the United States it contains all of the songs from their first full album Pinocchio and also two new songs Hot Summer and ...Is It Ok?

Fans will also be overjoyed to see previous singles La Cha Ta and Chu♡ on the repackaged release as well seeing as the singles were originally released a year ago.

The previous single Pinocchio (Danger) was just released on April 18th and f(x) has been touring with SM Town which recently played a concert in Paris, France. Despite the fact that none of the acts have ever released any music there the concert still managed to sell out 14,000 tickets in just two days. You can watch the live f(x) performance here.

Fashion, fun, great vocals, and slick dance moves

While the song Hot Summer is a cover, the original of which was done by German band Monrose, fans don't seem to care much and the video is quickly earning more and more views on YouTube after being released just yesterday June 17th.

f(x) has already done two live performances of the song on Music Bank and Music Core. All while dancing and wearing heels that would make most music stars scream for mercy. Well except for Amber Liu who's tomboyish looks favored a pair of stylish sneakers instead.

It's good to see SM Entertainment giving more attention to fans overseas and releasing songs from their artists on itunes.

I already have my copy so go out and get yours today!

Virtual Ambition: Gorillaz Have Taken Over

Gorillaz started off as a British music project in 1998 created by Damon Albert and Jaime Hewlett. Since then it has since grown to truly epic proportions. Few people could have imagined that a virtual band for all intents and purposes would become so widely known and popular.

The biggest virtual band ever.

The actual band itself consists of 2D (vocalist), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar), Noodle (guitar and occasional backup vocals), and Russel Hobbs (drums). Collaboration between various music artists helps to create and define the Gorillaz sound which is a mix of hip hop, alternative rock, and electronic, and pop. Damon Albert has been the only consistent musical influence.

The fictional universe that the band members "live" in is explored through their songs and music videos as well as short cartoons. Their self titled debut album in 2001 sold over 7 million copies and also earned them the title of Most Successful Virtual Band according to the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2005 the second album Demon Days was released. Not only did it go 5 times platinum in the UK and double platinum in the United States, but the album also earned 5 Grammy Award Nominations and even won the award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

By 2007 the combined sales for Gorillaz and Demon Days had exceeded 20 million copies with the third studio album Plastic Beach being released in March 2010 and the physical release of their fourth album The Fall being released in April 2011.

While they have done numerous concerts over the years and their first world tour entitled the Escape to Plastic Beach World Tour officially kicked off in October 2010 and ran until December 2010. They did  release a live DVD. but the most famous performance is probably the one they did with Madonna at the Grammy's where hologram technology was employed to make the band members 2D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel appeared larger than life. Literally.

Stylish and ready to rock.

Whether the Gorillaz were intended to be a short term project or a long term idea there is no doubt that they have come farther than their creators could ever have imagined. Rumor has it that the Gorillaz will perform at London's 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony alongside Coldplay, Muse, The Rolling Stones, but this is unconfirmed.

No matter what happens the Gorillaz have proven that a virtual band can not only be successful, but can actually be even more successful then some real life bands.

The video for their latest video On Melancholy Hill can be seen here.

Metal Madness: Screaming Girls, Electric Cellos, and Plenty of Black Leather

Metal. Its a genre of music that has propelled teenagers to all new levels of obsession and reduced rational parents into mystified, head shaking adults who cannot fathom why their children would listen to such "noise". Now I'll admit there are plenty of adults who love metal or heavy metal as well, but for the most part metal isn't as widely accepted as some might like it to be.

However, the bands Apocalyptica, Black Veil Brides, and Exist Trace (more commonly stylized as exist†trace) are all changing people's perceptions of what metal music is and how good it can really be. Whether is through the cello, a visual look that would put KISS to shame, or by being the only all female screamo group around these three groups have reached amazing success through creative songs, looks, and let's not forget amazing talent.

exist†trace is showing the men what metal is really about

exist†trace is an all female Visual Kei band straight from Tokyo, Japan. Exist Trace's music can best be described as melodic death metal, which  isn't something you hear every day and Jyou's growls and shouts rival that of any man's. Just look at their song Judea if you need proof.

Being a Visual Kei band their stylish and individual looks go hand in hand with their music and both are starting to turn heads the world over as one of Japan's first all female Visual Kei rock bands. This genre of music is generally reserved for the guys, but they had better step aside as these women are out to conquer. Singles such as Resonance and the teaser for their new song True show that there is plenty of talent to go around in this group. A heavy focus is put on the bass and drumming in their songs and this helps define their musical style and growing popularity inside and outside of Japan.

The girls have been together since 2003 and recently made their U.S. debut when they played at Sakura-Con 2011 in Seattle, Washington. On June 15, 2011 they will release their EP True.




Cello rock or cello metal? Either way this band is worth listening to


Originally getting their start as a Metallica tribute or cover band, Apocalpytica has certainly come a long way since those days when some postulated that they would quickly fade off the scene due to the fact that they only released cover songs.

While they formed way back in 1993, with a different lineup, it wasn't until the year 2000 that Apocalpytica released their third studio album Cult which contained 10 original songs as well as 3 covers. The first track featuring vocals was released in 2002 and their forth studio album featuring all original songs was released in 2003.

Their success really started to take off, however, with the release of their self titled album Apocalpytica in 2005 featuring unique electric cello songs unlike anything else to date. The album featured only one song with vocals. Undeniably a heavy rock if not metal album the studio release has found much success was followed by their sixth studio release World's Collide in 2007 and most recently 7th Symphony released late 2010. It features eight instrumental tracks and also four tracks with guest vocals. This latest track as well as their soundtrack for the video game MAG: S.V.E.R has shown a definite turn from rock to metal and helped to solidify Apocalyptica's place in the rock annals.

They've played nearly 1000 live shows and this is one of the biggest reasons as to why they are so successful. As a person who has seen them live I can honestly say that they have to be seen and heard at a live concert for you to get the best glimpse of just how talented these men are. Metal could not have better poster child then Apocalpytica and here's hoping that they will infuse even more metal overtures or undertones into their future songs as they seem determined to do.



Fan loyalty has driven Black Veil Brides straight to the top of the charts


Next up are the Black Veil Brides. If there is one thing to be said about these guys its that they may very well have the most loyal fans in the world. Young people in countries everywhere around the globe are flocking to hear a band that has not only brought back true rock and roll, but also the looks and stage presence that is so lacking at shows and in bands today. Never ones to do anything half way, the Black Veil Brides are set to release their first major label album not even a year after their first official album entitled We Stitch These Wounds.

Deep vocals and heavy screams accompanied by a heavy focus on Jake Pitt's unparalleled guitar solo's make their songs stand out from all other rock and metal albums out today. One full song from their latest album Set The World on Fire is already out and two more teasers have been released as well. While its hard to define them exactly, they have a clear metal sound to them to go with their glam rock looks. They've got talent in spades and determination that never stops.

They made it through a devastating earthquake in Japan, and unprecedented tornado outbreak in the south eastern U.S., and several disappointments when their song Set The World On Fire didn't make it into the movie Scream 4 and their single Fallen Angels could not be released on the originally planned date. A few setbacks and changing drummers aren't going to stop these guys though and they've already completed filming for the second single off their next album before the album or the first single has even been released.

Don't call them cocky unless you want an army of fans coming down on your heads. Then again go ahead because these guys have more than enough talent to back up their boasting. Namely that they will be bigger than KISS and that they are finally bringing real rock and roll back to the masses.

Some people think of meaningless screaming and noise when they thing of metal music. Those that know better think of a girl group that has helped pave the way for other female rock groups in Japan, a group of cello players who can play a classical instrument the way no one else could every dream of doing, and five young men conquering the world through their powerful lyrics and music.

Metal is here to stay and I for one say that it has never before looked as good as this.

1st Album Review: Pinocchio by f(x)

Korean girl group f(x) has gained fans all over Korea and all over the world thanks to their unique look and unique combination of singers. With the release of their very first official album f(x) is performing and winning awards left and right, but how do their new songs stack up to all this hype? I'm a huge f(x) fan and was extremely excited to get this album into my hands. So here we go.



Pinocchio is here!


The album Pinocchio opens with their single Danger. This edgy pop song is quickly gaining views on YouTube and the video has a great style as well as a bright background to highlight the girls changing fashion styles. Its a great song and while it may not be stuck in your head for days, its still worth buying. Some might view the lyrics as redundant but I feel that this factor helps to add to the songs appeal.

Luna's voice really shines through on the song, but its lacking in that Amber doesn't rap more than one line. Her rapping would have helped the song stand out more, instead it falls somewhat flat since she doesn't get a singing part the way the other girls do.

After that is the song Sweet Witches. This very upbeat tone doesn't do much to lift your spirits and the opening synth beat just feels way out of place. f(x) carries a very urban pop feel but instead this song delivers a sugary sweet pop feel that just doesn't fit in with their look, much less their vocals. We really could have done without this song.




f(x) is ready to add a little Danger to your life


Third on this album is Dangerous. This song is more upbeat and less edgy then the title would have you believe and the first verses could easily turn you off, but give this song and chance and you'll find yourself singing along and driving around town like a super spy out on a mission. The high pitched singing voices the girls churn out do seem a little off putting at times though. Listen to it a few times, however, and it proves itself to be a good song. Not great, but good.

Fourth is the song Beautiful Goodbye. As one of only two ballads on the song it doesn't quite reach the same emotional heights as Sorry (Dear Daddy) from the first mini album. However, it does a good job of showing off the girls great singing voices and proves that there are kpop groups out there that can sing instead of relying on overly auto tuned song lyrics. Beautiful Goodbye is a soothing rhythm that shows you how good these girls really are when it comes to singing. The combination comes together beautifully on this song.

Gangsta Boy is up next but instead of the edgy tune in the same flavor as Mr. Boogie it is actually a rather stripped down song with a simpler melody then the first song Danger. I wasn't a fan of it at first but after listening to it a couple times I think its a great song although Luna's staple high note seems a bit unnecessary and the cheesy final bridge/verse will make you bust out laughing rather than actually enjoy the song. The ending ruined it a bit for me my taking the sugary sweet tone that is so out of place with the style f(x) portrays.

f(x) is out to win the Love of their fans

The 6th song Love. It may be sweet with a few sprinkles on top but for the first time on this album it actually works out pretty well. It brings back a little bit of the pop feel that f(x) is supposed to have and while it's not the best song I've heard from my girls at f(x), that doesn't mean it isn't worth playing.

Stand Up! falls into the same category as Sweet Witches. It's trying to showcase how cute and pretty the girls are without much success. Its so sweet you can barely stand it. Just skip this one.

Almost to the end of the album we have the funky song My Style to help round out the album. As a reminder of some of their past songs this one is actually a favorite of mine. The verses and chorus are perfect and the girls vocals all make this song a great one. Amber switches things up by rapping entirely in English this time and that gives this one that extra kick it needs to stand out.

As the last ballad on the album you'll find that the song So Into U is one of the best songs off the album. Amber actually gets a chance to sing on this album instead of just showing up to rap a few lines towards the end and then disappearing again. Her part is towards the beginning and will certainly shut up anyone foolish enough to question her singing abilities. Not only can Amber hold a note in tune, but she does it very well. Luna's high note seems thrown in just because she's good at it, but aside from that this is a great song. Not quite at single status but it tries hard to get there.

f(x) is winning performances left and right

Finally we have Lollipop featuring boy band and label mates SHINee. Actually this is the Korean remake of the same song that f(x) did with Chinese group MIC. Much as I love my boys from SHINee Lollipop actually might have been a better song without them. Onew has a great voice and his part is the best part of this song, but the others' just don't quite come together. That said this song is going to be stuck in your head for some time once you listen to it and your finger will keep itching to hit the replay button.

f(x) is a great group that is overflowing with potential, unfortunately this album doesn't do much to prove that. SM Entertainment is known for mixing things up, but they should have stuck with the style that made f(x) popular in the first place.

Overall this album gets a 3.5 out of 5. Pretty good album, but it certainly could have been better.