BACK TO Okay-POP’S FIRST GENERATION: Duke – Starian

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

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

It was a time of bonkers tune constructions, wild style, slamming techno beats, unhealthy reggae impressions, flagrant use (theft?) of American hip-hop samples, hearty energy ballads, foul language, the growliest rapper tones you may think about and an anything-goes scrappiness that’s unattainable to pigeonhole. To borrow the identify of a well-liked second-gen act, these years had been the “huge bang” of an rising musical powerhouse, nonetheless discovering its footing and throwing all the pieces on the wall.

Try different “Again to Okay-pop’s First Technology” evaluations right here.

Whereas techno was a passing development 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 Okay-pop act was swept up within the techno craze. This style isn’t for everybody, however I’ve at all times cherished 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 different. 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 unbelievable 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 Okay-pop. It’s a second the place ambition outstripped know-how, as evidenced by its hilariously over-the-top music video with its quaint laptop graphics. Nevertheless, these had been the constructing blocks of the grand, high-budget Okay-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