Nathan Sartain
Stories (81/0)
HYUKOH at Brudenell Social Club, Leeds—Live Review
It’s been a rapid-yet-deserved ascent to the top for the South-Korean Indie band HYUKOH. Since their debut in 2014 as part of a Hongdae music scene famous for underground, grassroots indie rock, the four-piece—Oh Hyuk (Vocal, Guitar), Im Dong-geon (Bass), Lee Inwoo (Drums), Lim Hyunjae (Guitar)—have honed and developed themselves as a band that has the potential to define a generation, and one that provides the youth of today with a voice, as well as with an outlet for their feelings to be understood. The relatability and candidness of the music is something that connects with many; a point proved firmly by the audience at the Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, this past Thursday (July 18).
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
NCT 127 - ‘Neo City: London - The Origin’ Live Review
On Sunday July 7, it had been exactly three years since NCT 127 promised to “wake up this world.” And, after a concert packed full of energy, raw talent and uncompromising craftsmanship at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley, any suggestions of delusions of grandeur have truly been cast aside. It was a night to remember and an evening that proved that the nine active members didn’t just wake the world up, but put it on notice.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
Jay Park - ‘Nothing Matters’ EP Review
Just under four weeks ago, Jay Park released The Road Less Traveled, his first studio album since 2016. It was an inconsistent-yet-intriguing offering; a record that offered up some staggering highs, but matched them with excruciating lows. Songs like “Feng Shui,” a lyrically humorous, vibrantly produced number provided ample amounts of enjoyment, and tracks like “Legacy” showcased Park’s ability to still strike a poignant note with his lyricism, as well as it shone a light on his versatile abilities as an artist. But, with “Ben Baller,” amongst others, lacking the depth that the Korean Hip-Hop staple has had a reputation for upholding, the album still felt like it was missing something.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
Eun Jiwon—‘G1’ Album Review
It has been four years since Eun Jiwon released TRAUMA, a four song, self-produced EP that showcased the mature and developed sound the artist has honed over his lengthy career. It was packed full of old school hip-hop instrumentation, clever collaborations, and a sense of artistry that is hard to find in the music industry these days. There is no denying the extended play’s quality, and it is something that has left fans yearning for more ever since.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
Mokyo - ‘Hold’ EP Review
It’s no secret that Mokyo is one of the most interesting and exciting artists to emerge in recent times. Through provocative, introspective music that pairs mellow, haunting instrumentation with rough-around-the-edges vocal delivery, each track feels like a well fleshed out story. As a result, the soundscapes always remain fascinating, and with room for experimental shifts, there’s no predicting what can come next.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
Sandeul - 'One Fine Day' EP Review
Returning with his first EP since 2016 is Sandeul, a member of the K-Pop group B1A4. Titled One Fine Day, it’s a smooth, versatile offering that showcases the immense talent the 27-year-old has, and it's a release set to firmly establish him as a more than capable solo artist.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
Colde - ‘Love Part 1’ EP Review
Colde is back. After a recent appearance on SM Entertainment’s YouTube channel with the station track “Loss,” a poignant number that combines a sleek, somber piano melody with both a hazy string-section and striking lyricism on how in order to live, we must replace what we have lost, the time has come for the offonoff member’s next fully fleshed out project.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
NCT 127 - ‘We Are Superhuman’ EP Review
In case you’ve been living under a rock, NCT 127 are quietly taking over the world. Through futuristic soundscapes and a refreshing idiosyncrasy that is rare in today’s music, the ten member group—Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Winwin, Jungwoo, Mark, Haechan—are starting to break through into the mainstream of all corners of the world, with no signs to suggest any slowing down.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
WINNER - ‘WE’ - EP Review
From time to time, an artist can become a force to be reckoned with, yet still remain under-appreciated. These artists, although immensely talented, seemingly never get the recognition or acclaim they deserve from widespread, global audiences, but have with them an impressively loyal and passionate fanbase that still allows for them to achieve high chart positions, and expand into new markets without difficulty.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
April’s Anthems—The Best of Last Month’s Music
In many ways, April was the first month that felt inspired when it comes to music in 2019. Until now, the year has felt like it’s had patches of brilliance, but nothing to truly write home about. However, after the fourth month on the calendar, it feels like we’re truly underway when it comes to fantastic releases.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
10 Years On—Eun Ji Won—‘Platonic’
It might be an incredibly hard task, but cast your ears back to 2009. Upon doing so, you’ll realise it was a year full of interesting releases with The Black Eyed Peas having hit after hit, Lady Gaga continuing her chart domination, and, well, Cascada.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
Chen - ‘April, and a Flower’ Review
Since their debut back in 2012, EXO has dominated the Korean music scene. Whether it be breaking records, collecting awards like they’re Christmas cards, or simply just becoming trailblazers for evolved sounds and sonic experiments that seemingly always deliver, the group has undeniably managed to find the recipe for success when it comes to music making. Dubbed the “Nation’s Pick” back in their native country, the group are arguably one of the most popular K-Pop has ever seen, and will no doubt go down in history as iconic.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat