#His new outfit is perfect chefs kiss 100% though i love all changes there

[dankovskaya]

"Waaaa Barret made him sad maybe" Ok can we talk abt something that actually matters like the fact that too much of his hair is short and spiky like cloud's giving it a deliberately immaculately styled vibe unlike the more character cohesive neglectful overgrowth look of his previous designs.

[tedturneriscrazy]

Another Saturday, another episode! Let's take a look at Keeping Up A-fear-ances!

(Good lord I'm starting to make myself sound like some sort of content creator)

Oh, okay, we're just starting at that level of intensity, huh?

Chest gem origins

Gwendolyn not being satisfied with managing the curse and determined to cure it? I'm sure this won't be a real world allegory in the slightest.

Oh, so Eda literally just stumbles upon the portal? I could call that contrived, but honestly it's not dissimilar to how Dipper found Journal 3. For that matter, the entirety of Lord of the Rings is predicated on an accidental discovery like this and nobody gave Tolkien shit about it.

Was the eye on the portal cracked in previous episodes? I don't remember.

Seems like Gwen is the "well-meaning but ultimately misguided" flavor of mom.

As an aside, I am now quite curious about how Eda's first trip to the human realm went. Maybe a future episode will cover it? At any rate, I smell a new favorite fic prompt.

The screaming alarms in the Demon Realm will never not be funny to me.

Also, that is a worrying number of hearts. Eda is straight up murdering these poor creatures.

For some reason the gold fang being removable never occurred to me as a possibility, and now I feel like a kid who's discovered that Santa isn't real.

Oh hey, the new outfit! I'm also impressed how close to symmetrical that tearing was.

I need to get a screencap of Luz sleeping on that stack of books because she is adorable.

Also, staying up all night researching? This season seems determined to completely eradicate the notion of Luz being dumb, and I am here for it.

I have a feeling the Hexside mug will be making its way to The Mystery Shack in the near future.

Lilith's first experience with transformation and she seems understandably horrified.

The curse acting stronger when stressed? That seems...important.

Ah, so the dismemberment is from the curse! A surprisingly useful side effect from what we've seen so far.

Can I just say that I appreciate how Eda's reaction to Lilith's first taste of transformation is immediate remedy, explanation, and reassurance? And doesn't make any snarky comments along the lines of "now you know what it's like?" Whatever happened in that week and a half must have been cathartic as hell.

"Always. Always curious." Luz is the TOH fandom.

(Also, Eda, you know she is, considering how much she went on about your "mysterious past" at the Covention)

"Magic bird tornado?!" Luz has a way with words that's just *chef's kiss*.

"Gwendolyn." Eda is already just fucking done.

"MOM?!?!" Jeez, Lilith, you're just now hearing all this?

I was charmed by how motherly Gwen was acting toward Eda, but then she kinda just...dismissed Lilith, and now I'm somehwat less charmed.

(Sweet flea as a term of endearment is kinda cute, though might have some unfortunate implications depending on how you want to interpret it)

"Who knows what they put in those nasty concoctions?" OH WE GOING FOR THE ANTI-VAXXERS NOW YESSSS

Luz and Lilith's reaction to that whole exchange is priceless.

Everyone's perspective here makes perfect sense for who they are and what they've been through.

Poor Lilith. Her cursing Eda is beginning to make more sense.

Ah, thus begins the collaboration.

"We'll be consulting someone very special." Why does that seem so...ominous?

Is there anyone who watched this episode for the first time whose bullshit detector didn't go off immediately when Gwen mentioned finding someone who promised a cure?

Heh, Palm Stings.

Nonbelievers will be blinded by the power of the tome? I'm sure they will be, Wartlop.

I must say, as something of a scientist myself (okay that's not true, I'm a QA tech for a food manufacturer, but I do have a chemistry degree), I am 100% here for the swings being taken at faith healing/"miracle" cures/anti-vaxxers in this episode

Oh, we Wile E. Coyote now, huh?

Also, interesting how much apple blood is being played up in this episode.

Lilith please you're projecting your mommy issues on a literal child

OH WE REALLY JUST WILE E. COYOTE HUH?

You're right, Luz, Gwen's bicep game is goals.

(Somewhat disappointed the scars are from questing and not beastkeeping, but eh)

Why do I get the feeling there's gonna be a future episode where everybody stages an intervention for Eda's apple blood problem?

"Those feathers mean we're driving the beast out" Gwen no

Hooty is holding the brain cell? Oh no...

If that ice cream came from the Night Market it would explain why Lilith sounds drunk.

(Side note: I can't be the only one getting flashbacks to Mermista's ice cream binge, right? Different context, but still)

"Abomi-berry" "Franken fruit" "Key slime pie" These are A+ flavor names.

Oh, there's the transformation...

I must say that whole segment kinda rubbed me the wrong way. The way King's opinion on his dad was changed seemed...I don't know how to describe it. I get that they needed a trigger for Lilith's transformation, but honestly if any part of the episode is contrived it's this.

"¡It really is that good!" So that's what an accent slip in written form looks like. (The upside down exclamation point is used in Spanish, in case anyone didn't know)

I keep half expecting Eda to say "Beep! Beep!" at this point.

Luz is finally asking questions. Took long enough.

Ah, the classic "moving the goal posts to extract more money from a desparate family member" technique.

Luz channeling Scorpion, we love to see it.

There is an exquisite irony in Eda's mom being scammed, I must say.

Ah, so that's where the elixirs went. Dammit, Gwen.

Luz is definitely thinking "Are you fucking kidding me right now?!"

Beast!Lilith is massive.

"Sweet flea?" Gwen just realized she done goofed.

"I can see you still need a little time." God Luz is so fucking smart.

The con revealed.

OH DAMN SCARY MAMA

(Also I am terrified of bees/wasps, so extra scary mama in my book)

The scam is revealed, goblins, getting back into the Wartlop disguise is kinda pointless.

She joined the Beast Keeping coven entirely to cure the curse? That's dedication. A shame you couldn't have spared some of that for Lilith.

Still, I do like badass scary mama Gwen. I'd be down to see more of that.

Owl Beast fight!

I am slayed by the fact that the portraits are now officially a recurring gag 😂

Aw, here's The Moment™️

"My turn to drive" Does this imply cars are a thing on the Boiling Isles after all?

Lilith crying almost immediately💔 She was holding onto a lot of pain.

Yes, King, she was trying to do her best. I mean, road to hell or whatever, but at least Gwen got there in the end.

WHAT?! YOU'RE BREAKING UP LULU AND HOOTCIFER?!?!?!?

Terrace, that's just cruel. (Worthless brownie points for whoever understands that reference)

No, seriously, you can't just give me my favorite inter-character relationship in the series after Lumity and just...take it away like that, come on! 😭😭😭😭😭😭

I know I should remark on how Lilith told Gwen about the circumstances of the curse, how Gwen rightfully accepted responsibility for the whole situation, and how Luz finds the big hair aspirational, but...NOOOO DON'T END THE ADVENTURES OF LULU AND HOOTCIFER WHYYYYYYYYY💔😭💔😭💔😭

"BUT I CAN'T HOLD A PEN!"

I will never emotionally recover from this.

Okay, I think I got that out of my system. Anyway...

Not the only human, huh? Cue the "Belos is a human" theorists going into maximum overdrive.

That said, a tantalizing lore dump.

We certainly do have a lot of garbage. Some of it even holds office. HEY-O!

Setting up the next episode, too. Continuity!

Camp's over, huh? That means it's been three months.

Way to misdirect with Camila, guys. That said, we have now seen Camila cry and I HATE it. (In the right way, I think)

WHAT THE FUCK

HOLY SHIT

CREEPY LUZ IS REAL WHAT

OWJEIWHQGIWWOPQ

(It's hard to keysmash on a phone, even with autocorrect off)

That wraps it up! The flaws in this episode seem more pronounced than any others in the season so far, but the good stuff was really good! Overall a solid episode! I know everybody's looking forward to library Lumity in the next one (so am I), but I'm personally eager to see what they do with Gus. His part is the A plot, after all.

Anyway, I'll be back at this next week! Still hard to believe this is a thing, but that's life, I guess.

[diffuserlover]

hi love !! may i please get personality ship with ateez, txt, and enhypen (but with the hyung line only/sunghoon and up!!! but if you originally shipped me with someone in the maknae line, i'd also love to know too !) i got so carried away with writing, so you can cut the personality part when posting my ship! tysm in advance

I’m an ‘03 liner that’s 5’9.5 (basically 5’10) girl with dark skin, jet black hair (currently in long twists rn!!), and i’m on the curvier side (esp hips and my thighs) !! some of my favorite features are my plump lips (and i have a beauty mark on my bottom lip!), my long legs (they’re 40.5 inches long and look so good in dresses and skirts <33), my kempt and pretty fingernails, and my eyelashes !!! i’m a virgo (and surprisingly i get along with all the signs, i cant think of a sole zodiac sign i DONT mix well with), and i am an i/enfj (i got 51% extravert 49% intra the first time, then 50% for both the second time!! ) and i honestly agree—i’m an ambivert all the way! i often come off as cold/shy when meeting new people (one of my closest friends avoided me for a month before meeting me because i looked so intimidating LMAO), but once you get close to me i turn into a bundle of warmth and love: i will never stop texting them the <3 emoji every morning or buying my friends/s/o their favorite starbucks order when they need a little cheer-me-up.

i’m extremely passionate about the issues and people i care about and the goals and dreams i have. I’m creative, patient, an extremely good listener, caring, a social butterfly, and extremely hardworking. my friends always told me of my heart of gold and how perceptive i am of the people around me—noticing immediately when something is wrong and trying to make them feel better. I’m also very headstrong, detailed, and determined!! my friends also call me a nerd since i’ve had all a’s since kindergarten—i LOVE school/education and would describe myself as intelligent. i really like that i’m empathetic and motivational to those around me. it’s really easy for me to show my affection, adoration, and support for someone because i just want everyone to feel loved and safe :( i HATE seeing my loved ones sad, and when people usually have problems about anything (from family to just school), i’m the one they come to talk to because of my warm and openminded heart. I love sharing happiness with my friends in their goals and always hype them up no matter what, and it makes me so so so so happy seeing my loved ones content, comfortable, accepted, and just knowing that they mean so much to me and that they’re loved. im also really, really funny (my fave personality trait of mine tbh)!! I’m always cracking jokes and laughing (sometimes for no reason LMAOO). i would be in the library at like 7 am with my friends and struggle with stifling my laugh from jokes i told </3 although i’m extremely nice and outgoing, i’m not afraid to stand my ground (most of the time) and am super defensive (esp about topics like blm, antiblackness in our world, cultural insensitivity/appropriation, sexism/racism/ableism/homophobia), so if someone says some shit out of pocket, i will not be afraid to put them in their place !!! a lot of people (especially older/more traditional folk) do not like that but i could care less <3 some useless facts about me: i love love love afrobeats (nigerian gyal here), some k-pop groups (bts, txt, enha, ateez, gwsn, p1h, and some 2nd gen groups!), and r&b (rihanna and bey and aaliyah <33). i LOVE to play roblox, i’ve been to 14/50 US states, i can do VERY simple makeup, people often think my nails are acrylics bc they’re long and i love doing nail art on them), and i know all the lyrics and adlibs to enhypen’s given-taken 😋 if i could describe myself in a word, it’d be openminded!! and my dreams for the future are 1) to be truly happy and comfortable (which includes finding my true love <33) 2) to make a change on the people around me and the world itself (preferably through healthcare so i can mend health disparities in POC and low-income neighborhood!!), and i love junk food (I SHOULDNT but it’s so good). I also LOVE law and order svu and forensic files, princess and the frog, tangled, and penthouse !!!!!

I also love to go out and explore—whether trying out a new restaurant in the city or a newly opened amusement park or trying something new, like skydiving (or some other crazy but fun idea), trying recipes from around the world, or trying sledding for the first time! at the same time, i like really chill, mellow spending-time-alone-or-with-one-other-person activities like baking (my favorite treat to bake is red velvet cupcakes and cheddar bay biscuits) and dancing !! (i’ve been a dancer for more than 12 years!!). i can also speak more than 5 languages (including korean!) and i’m always saying random phrases (like thank you, i love u so much!, gtfo my face, that sucks ass) in a random language too LMFAOOO. i often think being a coffee/cafe lover is a personality trait (i love love love love love coffee) i also love accessories (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings, etc) and would die of happiness when the day i can wear matching accessories with my s/o comes. i also love cleaning/keeping my spaces clean and i hate a dirty house </3

besides being my bestfriend who i can kiss and whatnot (hehe), my ideal type is a TALL (like my 5’9+/i’m already tall but pls .5 of an inch taller would be enough) man who has eyes for me and only me !!! they may look cold/cool/mysterious/laid back at first glance (like “yeah haha 🙂" to any other girls but “hi baby what can i do for u today to please the loml” with me <3) but turn into the sweetest, warmest, cutest honey bun once i get to know them! (kinda like me)!! ALSO a man who can pull off all black outfits like those are my FAVORITE omg. he needs to be FUNNY and have a BIG sense of humor (like i want to laugh every second i’m with him and laugh so hard that our stomachs start hurting and we beg each other to stop making jokes type of humor), fashionable (so i can learn fashion pls and wear coordinated outfits with him). i just want a boy who i could talk to and listen to for HOURS. like i would follow him into the bathroom as he showers and sit on the toilet and just listen to him talk about his day or vent to him, but also a boy that loves comfortable silence!! like we can spend the whole together and come back to the house where im studying and he’s working on a personal project so that just being with him makes me feel warm <3 i want a s/o who’s willing to go out and travel with me so i could take off guard pics of him and make him my wallpaper until he begs me to change it. im also not good at conflict so if conflict arises, id love a boy who knows how to talk me down and open up the room for conversation and make me feel safe and not as if im confronted or wrong, someone where we can just talk, resolve our problem, and make it up with a hug or night out!! this kinda leads to me wanting a relationship where we both help improve each other and our flaws (for example some of my flaws are callousness, taking things to heart sometimes, and not opening up easily, etc), so i’d really appreciate a relationship where my partner and i can help each other grow as people. i also love love love to cook, so i’d love an s/o that loves cooking with me and teaching each other how to cook each other’s cultural foods (i would love to teach my bf how to cook jollof rice and have a cookoff one day). i also want a boy that i can tease (i love to tease people omg) <3 like i could say “u look like a cute tomato when u blush <3333” to “and that’s why you got a fat ass head” and we’d just laugh and he’d tease me back <33 I like ALL 5 of the love languages (im a hopeless romantic ik) but my top 3 tied for 1st are quality time (HEAVY ON THE QUALITY TIME i want to spend everyday with my bf at chinatown or a new city exploring), words of affirmation (someone who reaffirms me of their love continuously, supportively, and in sweet ways), and acts of service (cooking my favorite food when i’m down, doing chores that i cant do when tired). men who are really expressive through touch are also ideal <3 i'd shy away from pda, but inside the house i’d be so happy yet so shy and flustered when they express their love through touch (like laying in my lap so i can play with their hair, holding my hand while watching tv, cuddling while talking about whatever). OR like the SLIGHTEST compliment or act of love (LIKE BACKHUGS OR HOLDING HANDS OR KISSING MY BEAUTY MARKS OR FOREHEAD KISSESJSJSJSJ) i’d just love to be really appreciated and loved and also show the same love, support, warmth, closeness, and happiness to my bf <3

THANK U SO MUCH AAAA i honestly cant wait for my ship!! have an amazing day/afternoon/evening <3

Hiii! Thank you so much for requesting!! I really hope you like it!! Btw you seem like the sweetest person ever and you are literally perfection<3

ATEEZ:

I ship you with...

Seonghwa

Okay! I literally was going between Mingi and Seonghwa the whole time but when reading your ideal type I was thinking more Seonghwa!

You said you like someone who is kinda cold on the outside but sweet when you get to know them and Seonghwa is literally the definition of that🤣

He can also pull off those black outfits you like(I’m simping lmaoo)😚

Wooyoung might disagree but I think Seonghwa is funny and you guys would always make each other laugh😄

He would 100% wear matching outfits with you(he wouldn’t be able to stop smiling)😆

Seonghwa would be open about his feeling with you🙂

He truly appreciates that you always listen to him and will always just let him talk out his day(he always lets you talk first, what a gentleman)🥺

I could see you sitting at the desk or table studying while he’s walking around cleaning and it wouldn’t be awkward 😁

Seonghwa doesn’t seem like the type to yell at you unless he was really really mad, he is more of the problem solver in my eyes so I think he would be that person to talk you down and have a conversation with you instead of yelling😊

I feel Seonghwa would really want to connect to you on a deeper emotional level, he would open up more the longer you guys are together😭🥰

Seonghwa does like to cook but isn’t like the worlds most amazing chef so I could see you guys cooking together 😋

Little cooking dates where you have fun competitions to see who’s dish is better🤩

He would let you tease him if it’s all light hearted but he would always tease you back💀

I think Seonghwa is a little bit shy about skinship but sees that you like when he initiates it so he really tries🥺

Your height is nearly the same so I don’t think either of you would mind the height difference 😁

He would always complement the beauty mark on your lip or your legs cause he know how much you like it lol😇

You both are extroverts so you guys go out a lot more often🙂

He likes how you take care of him when he’s having a bad day like getting him a drink or snacks or a simple text message when he’s at work🥰

He would be inspired by how passionate you are about issues around the world and would always ask you what he can do to help you or anything☺️

He likes how your always laughing or making jokes because he loves your smile and it always makes him smile😭😭

Because of your long nails he really likes when you play with his hair😚

He loves to hear you speak in all the languages you speak(he is really impressed)😋

You both don’t like a dirty house and you guys are clean all the time lol🤣

Overall, You and Seonghwa have a really deep relationship and really care for each other🥰🥺

TXT:

I ship you with...

Yeonjun

Yeonjun is effortlessly funny so I feel like he would always make you laugh and you would always make him laugh😄

Yeonjun is really into fashion and would gladly wearing matching outfits with you

He also pulls off a black outfit just like you said you like🤩

He would constantly buy you accessories because he knows how much you like them🥰

Yeonjun is definitely pretty clingy to you😚

He is taller than you by like 1 inch 😋

Yeonjun is cold looking on the outside and is a cinnamon roll on the inside😆

He will probably beg you for a puppy(a welsh corrgi) a lot💀

I feel like Yeonjun would be okay with comfortable silence if he is in the mood

He is a talkative person so I feel like your conversations would never end😊

I don’t know how arguments could go with him, I feel like it depends on how he is that day🙂

You guys love cooking together with music blasting throughout the house😚

If he gives up on helping you he will cling to you and back hug you until your done in the kitchen😭🥺

He loves to complement you until your super super flustered ☺️🤣

He probably likes how clean you are🙂

For your birthday he got you a little necklace with a lock on it and he has the key for the lock and when you open it, it has your guys initials together😭

He would probably take you to the studio and have a little dance battle 🤩

He would be willing to explore with you though I feel he would rather be at home with you alone😁

He finds it inspiring how passionate you are about issues around the world and often looks up to you for it😊

You guys get matching nails!!😄

You guys are on the higher side of zodiac sign compatibility😇

Overall, you and Yeonjun are the cutest and are literally couple goals 😍

Enhypen:

I ship you with...

Sunghoon

You guys are the same height😌

Sunghoon would pull off that black outfit you like!😅

I feel like it would take him some time to initiate skinship and be affectionate with you but when he does he can’t let go of you😊

He loves when you play with his hair🥺

I feel like he loves just spending time with you and being with you🤩

He likes to hold your hand😇

He bought you for your birthday match rings☺️

Sunghoon doesn’t know how to cook so be patient with him but he will always turn cooking into some competitive thing😆

I think it would take him a while to completely open up to you but he still likes to talk things out with you🥺

He is so beautiful how can you not take photos of him and set them as your wallpaper(he definitely begs to you to change it but also loves it and doesn’t want you to change it)🤣

He loves how he can always talk to you about absolutely anything😁

Introverts and extroverts go best with each other🙂

He is very cold and distant looking at first but we all know how sweet and baby like he is on the inside😁😊

He is really interested in the things you are passionate about and is constantly asking you questions 🤩

He finds himself smiling when thinking about you😭🥰

You always make him laugh, it’s one of his favorite things about you😄

He would laugh as you guys blast given or taken through the house and you sing the whole thing dancing around(grab his hands and make him dance with you)😂😚

I could see you guys eating fast food in your car in some random parking lot just talking and listening to music looking at all the stars🥺

Drag him out to do this with you😆

He likes how clean you are🙂

Overall, I think you and Sunghoon are so sweet together🥰

[waterisntreal]

I’m starting a new tag game

So basically say you first and current impressions for each character and tag 10 people

Julie

First: She’s a strong independent women and I love that for her. She’s insanely talented and really pretty.

Current: Julie is hella underrated. I mean she is the main fucking character. Her outfits are amazing. Still insanely talented and really pretty. She is such a good friend but she also doesn’t let people push her around and I love that. Definitely bisexual.

Luke

First: He is adorable and hot but he’s not that great. A little annoying and pushy. I mean he’s a puppy and I love him but he’s a little overrated. I shipped him with Reggie.

Current: Luke deserves all the love he gets. Though I do think people talk to much about how hot he is. Like I get he’s hot I’ve seen him but he’s more than that too. He is a good friend and very passionate and I love that about him. His character development is *chef’s kiss*. I ship him with Julie.

Alex

First: Surprise canon queer characters are literally the best. We stan an anxious bean. We deserve more Alex dances/songs.

Current: my thoughts on Alex have probably changed the least out of everyone. He definitely has a little sister. 100% used to like and/or date Luke. Also his (Owen’s) voice is fucking incredible and he needs more songs. We still stan an anxious bean.

Reggie

First: My favorite character. I love him so much. He is an idiot. He flirts a lot with girls. Definitely bisexual. I shipped him with Luke.

Current: Still my favorite character. He is a disaster bisexual that can’t handle flirting with boys or girls. He is great with social situations but he’s actually really good at school. Literally a math genius and a straight A student. I now ship him with Nick because they are sweethearts that deserve each other, thank you to @/perfect-harmony and @/we-are-all-alex for that.

Flynn

First: She is an absolute queen. I mean really your fav could never. She’s a really good friend and I wish I had a friend like her. I shipped her with Julie.

Current: Still a fucking queen. I would marry her if she asked. She deserves more songs. I’m not sure who I ship her with because I used to ship her with Julie or Carrie but now I ship Juke and Kaylie so idk. But she deserve someone nice. I just really wish I could be friends with her.

Willie

First: I was really mad at him for introducing the boys to Caleb. I mean dude you know he owns people’s souls what about that sounds like a good thing. Like dude you could have just not told them about Caleb and not told Caleb about them. But I still really liked Willex.

Current: It wasn’t Willie’s fault. He was probably scared of what Caleb would do to him if he found that Willie knew about the boys and didn’t tell him. And you can’t really blame him for not wanting to die for a guy he just meet. Also Booboo Stewart is fucking hot and more people should talk about that. Willex is a god tier ship.

Carrie

First: I thought she was a total bitch when I first watched jatp. I didn’t like her at all.

Current: She is a queen and I love her. This is mostly due to @/dirtycandyy. Also she’s a lesbian and in love with Kayla.

Nick

First: I liked him, at least more than most people. But I didn’t really care that much about him. I could get over his hats. Also I thought he was straight.

Current: Literally my fucking child. I love him and his hats. He is the proud son of Chad and Ryan Danforth-Evans. Also I now ship him with Reggie.

Kayla

First: I did not care about her at all. I didn’t even know her name.

Current: if we don’t get more of her next season I will riot. She is in love with Carrie. She is the proud daughter of Sharpay and Taylor Evans-Mckessie.

Bobby

First: I hated him. I though he was irredeemable and selfish. That he was the Peter Pettigrew of Sunset Curve.

Current: Bobby deserves better. He was a child that went through something very traumatic and made some bad choices. Also we don’t know why he didn’t credit Luke, he could have a perfectly good reason. I am a Bobby stan now and I will defended him until the show gives me proper evidence as to why I shouldn’t.

Caleb

First: I hated him. He’s a monster and I hope he dies, again. No one hurts my boys and gets away with it. But The Other Side of Hollywood is a bop.

Current: I still don’t like him. He tried to hurt my boys and he threatened Willie and for that he deserves to suffer. But he’s definitely gay. The Other Side of Hollywood and You Got Nothing to Lose are bops.

Tagging: @dirtycandyy @perfectharmony @wilsonscarrie @we-are-all-alex @justaphantomband @chaoticizzy @pynkpoet @sunsetnerve @curvingsunsets @dr-rigatoni and whoever else wants to do it

[deobis]

Road to Kingdom ep 6-7 Thoughts

D-1 Until the final performances! And I’m back again with a very much procrastinated review of last week’s stages. Let’s jump right into it ✈

Enjoyment Ranking:

The Boyz

Verivery

ONF

Oneus

Pentagon

TOO

Objective Ranking:

ONF

The Boyz

Verivery

Oneus

Pentagon

TOO

There isn’t much of a difference between the two rankings this week, but it did take much longer for me to decide how I would rank them. This set of performances were probably by far my favorite set of performances (though my overall favorite performance is not within the set). 

Once again, let’s begin with TBZ’s performance: Quasi Una Fantasia. I will probably make another post analyzing their stage decisions and story line so I’ll try not to make this part too long. The biggest reason why TBZ’s performance is first in enjoyment is because, well, 1. I’m biased and 2. I’m a whore for classical music. The way that they incorporated not just the most famous movement of Moonlight Sonata (the third movement), but also the first two movements, was just so satisfying to someone who used to play the piano. Beethoven was one of my favorite composers (Bach being my least favorite to play oops) and I love how the arrangement of Shangri La was executed. The fact that they put the dance break in the beginning of the performance was a breath of fresh air. In terms of the dance, I thought the choreography was good, especially the beginning half. As someone who has taken contemporary lessons, I have to say they didn’t really go full contemporary. It was more hip-hop that was contemporary inspired. I would have really liked it if they had done full contemporary but that requires training and would be easiest with a strong ballet foundation. Also I don’t think it would have fully fit the rest of the song. Another thing that impressed me was their use of camera angles. You don’t know how shocked I was when they did the relay thing at the end, it was so effortless and beautiful. Also Chanhee vocals 👏 I love. Thank you king.

The reason why ONF comes in first objectively is because they were just so Clean. That performance was just CLEAN. everything just felt perfect. Though there wasn’t a very long story line, what they had was sufficient enough to keep me interested. Hyojin (I think that’s his name; the red haired member) and J-US really caught my attention for this stage. From what I understand, ONF is about to perform and Hyojin puts the headphones in his ears and it seems like the performance starts, but halfway through hes called to go up on stage. This was a very interesting choice because it shows that he was picturing the perfect stage in his head backstage. Then the end him and his teammates truly go up on stage and have the time of their lives. The use of curtains was simple but well executed. It wasn’t overdone and it wasn’t cheesy. Also it might seem like a small detail but the lighting choices in this performance were also perfect. They also all looked like they were having the time of their lives and I love that for them. The touch of bgm rain and thunder at the end was the icing on the cake. My favorite part of this performance has to be the dance. It complimented the arrangement wonderfully and there didn’t seem to be a single mistake. Oh also the breathing that they recorded for this... 😳... Anyways 🙃

Verivery gets pushed lower on the overall rankings mostly because of the mistake at the end. Verivery really went full creative this time. I think out of the 6 stages theirs was the most well thought out. The whole Aladdin story line was *chefs kiss* They kept it mysterious at first but as soon as the lamp showed up I knew exactly what the whole performance was based off of. Kangmin is Aladdin, you can see the wanted poster at the beginning, and at the end he gets dressed up by the other members/has the lamp etc. They really took small details of the original movie/story and incorporated it perfectly into their performance. The beginning is when Aladdin and Jasmine meet at the market. It builds up and when it gets to the chorus you see everyone dancing along with the stage spark thingies (I totally forgot what they were called LMAO sorry). This kind of reflects the part where Aladdin becomes a ‘prince’ and you know the whole parade/festival. Obviously next is the magic carpet and then Jafar’s (Hoyoung’s) big entrance. The black outfit and the cane made it very clear to the audience that his purpose was to be the villain. Then it’s the whole part where they go to take the lamp back from Jafar. The mistake obviously came when Hoyoung dropped the cane. This was unfortunate but overall it didn’t lower the quality of the performance. There’s a lot more to comment on, such as the fact that the entire performance was only shot with one camera, but that would make this part too long :^) The reason it ranks so high on my enjoyment ranking is because I can watch it over and over while still noticing new things each time. It gets lowered objectively because I don’t think the choreography was strong (me trying to nicely say I just didn’t like the choreography changes ksdjfhkdjhf) and the mistake is very obvious and kind of puts a break in the performance. Overall they did a great job and I am proud 👍

Oneus took a well known story and tied it nicely with Be Mine. I think the plot was a good choice and fell in line with the original theme of the song. My favorite thing was the little moon light stands. Those were such a nice touch to the stage. They captured the end and emotions of R&J very well and the choreo and arrangement were very much to my liking. The vocals really shined with this one. What I really liked were the small armor pieces to their outfits. The medieval feel was shown through their stage outfits and I commend the stylist for this. To be honest, when I first saw this performance live I thought it would be in my top 3, but then the other groups really outdid themselves. first 4 places were very hard for me to rank. It was small details and choices that made me end up with such a placement. Oneus has grown so much throughout the show and even if they don’t make it to Kingdom I hope they know that they had some legendary stages and Come Back Home is such a good song.

I know that last week I said that I was shocked that PTG placed so low, but after rewatching the performances, I kind of agree. It’s not that they did badly, but rather the other groups just did so well. PTG’s stage presence was phenomenal for Follow. The arrangement was good for their theme (though not my favorite but I definitely liked it more than the KTL arrangement). This stage also really let every individual member shine and have their own eye-catching part. And the most impressive part: their vocals. Out of all the stages, I can only confidently say that PTG were singing live (it feels like its been this way for the entire show). But I’m almost 100% sure that Follow’s vocals were live. Hui’s voice just shot through my eardrums and skjdfhdkjfhkj. I think that’s Why I was originally so shocked that they placed so low. But yeah, basically the stage was good but it wasn’t groundbreaking. 

With TOO... I don’t know where to start. I originally liked the arrangement but then it started to fall off towards the end. The rap at the beginning was also very good. My favorite part was the choreography changes (I honestly like it more than the original), but then again Hard Carry was never really my cup of tea. I guess the biggest issue I had was with the theme of the performance and stylistic choices. I also didn’t like the use of autotune but that could just be me. I still enjoyed the stage but there were certainly some questionable decisions. 

RTK has increased the expectation bar every single week. To be honest I’m kind of worried for the actual Kingdom show haha. The bar is going to be so high walking into Kingdom and everyone is going to have to step their game up. There isn’t really much to say about ep 6-7′s performances. I already ranted about the lack of appreciation for emotional stages last week so I’ll spare you on that this week. Anyways keep streaming and we’ll see what happens tomorrow!

[constantlyirksome]

Schitt’s Creek Finale Review: I May Never Stop Crying

I wonder if there’s ever been a sitcom wedding that’s ever gone %100 to plan? Where the focus was just on the love, and the beautiful scenes of beloved characters sharing the love…. Schitt’s Creeks series finale comes as close as any show has I think. Minus the issue of venue, Dan Levy and co-created the most perfect, touching, aesthetically pleasing wedding ever. I’m not talking just about LGBT marriages either, ALL TV weddings have been outdone.

There were, of course, minor issues, the largest being David and Patrick’s wedding venue being rained out.  Now we never even got told where the wedding was originally, never got shown any beautiful halls, or fields or whatever, so it wasn’t particularly devastating. There wasn’t the usual “doomsday” feel that a lot of sitcoms weddings face. This was partly because the wedding also had to be balanced with the shows end, so any wedding drama had to be light and the episode was better for it. No runaway grooms, bomb threats, huge impediments, which left time for, as I said, the greatest wedding ever.

The town hall was transformed into a beautiful, rustic setting filled with beautiful flowers. The Jazzagals sang a beautiful medley of “Simply the Best,” and “Precious Love” the shows two most iconic musical moments. They’ve never sounded better!

Then Moira, the wedding’s efficient entered in her most audacious, dramatic outfits which included papal robes, long shiny golden gloves, and an enormous bishops hat. Can Moira be the new pope? I’d love that.

Anyway, so wracked with emotion that her accent reached new heights of weird, gave the most beautiful speech by an efficient ever.

“We are gathered here today,” she began, “to celebrate the love between two people who’s lives were ostensibly brought together, by the fated flap of a butterfly wing.” Already I was in tears, but her speech about fate finding a way to bring you to the place you were supposed to be was perfect, and sums up the shows whole 6 season arc.

In order to find them, to truly find happiness and together, fate had to bring them to a place they never would have wanted to find themselves in. But it changed them, and you could literally see the character growth of all four Roses, as Schitt’s creek and it’s inhabitants slowly molded them into compassionate, thoughtful, resourceful and joyful people. Alexis, early in the episode, mentioned her fear that living in three different parts of the country (LA/ New York/ Schitt’s Creek,) the Roses would fall into old patterns, and lose that bond they’d formed in those two tiny motel rooms. But I truly believe that the town and Stevie, Roland, Tedd, and Patrick changed them so much, there’s no way they could drift apart again.

Patrick’s vows… Well, he basically just sings “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey… *chefs kiss*. A final chance to hear Noah Reid’s angelic voice.

David’s vows encapsulated everything that Patrick’s love, and the town, has done to help him feel safe, and happy in a way he never has before. To see a character, so jaded by past experiences, slowly open up to this magical love they share has been my FAVOURITE part of Schitt’s Creek. David’s journey for love and self-love feels like… The dream for any outsider or LGBT person who’s been trodden on. We deserve love and we can find it. And I thank Dan Levy so much for giving me personally that hope.

Cheekily he says to his new husband “YOU are my happy ending.”

With the worlds most beautiful wedding over we only et a few short minutes of goodbyes. Now we remember, oh, the show really is ending as the Roses hug, and cry, and promise to visit each other. The shortness of this scene kind of feels right. They’re not saying goodbye forever, so why should they spend 40 minutes saying goodbye 100 times.

We as fans don’t really have to say goodbye forever either. Even though the journey has ended, this beautifully crafted show that celebrates love and family above all else, will always be there for us to rewatch. That’s what comforts me as I watch those final scenes, of a show that’s meant a tremendous deal to me…

I thank Dan, Eugene, Catherine and Annie and EVERYONE who worked on this show and can’t WAIT to see what Dan, in particular, thinks up next.

[alphabees-writes]

Glee - S1 E1 (Pilot)

Is it a smart idea to rewatch glee again? No.

Am I going to do it anyway? You bet your sweet bippy I am!

Am I going to liveblog my garbage monkey brain thoughts along the way even though nobody asked for it? Hell yeah.

Here goes!

Wow. The first frame of this entire show is literally of a woman who looks like she’s about 10 years above the natural lifespan of a Cheerio. Then again, I’m sure Sue’s not above holding back her best recruits for multiple years because Ohio high schools are apparently just Like That™

I also never notice this opening song was a remix of Keep Me Hangin On, wow. That’s actually kind of interesting foreshadowing of sorts, like, kind of smart. I’m glad I’m watching the part of Glee that was kind of smart.

This scene also doesn’t feature any of the Unholy Trinity as far as I can see. Are they a JV squad? Am I putting too much thought into this?

Sign #1 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: Really, my guy? Driving around with your muffler dragging on the ground so bad it’s making sparks? That’s not very Road Safety of you. Fuck off. 

Sign #2 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: Wow, there’s going to be a lot of these, huh? Anyway, anybody with working eyes would clearly see how scared Kurt is right now. “Making some new friends Kurt?” Fuck off. 

KURT. FIRST SIGHTING OF THE BOY. What a delight. But also, not a delight, because he’s being bullied and he deserves better. Look at his outfit. Iconic from day fucking one. 

Finn, you’re a himbo. What’re you doing with these assholes?

Puck’s first line in the whole series is “It’s hammer time!” What a fucking dork? Who made this boy popular. 

DO MORE THAN TAKE HIS COAT, FINN. LET HIM GOOOOO!!!

I paused while they were tossing Kurt in the dumpster and, wow, got the most hilarious frame where the guy who isn’t Puck is getting a meticulously polished boot to the face. Netflix let me take screenshots, you coward.

The first shot of Quinn... My wlw bones are shaking.

Why would they use that photo for Lillian Adler...? WHO WAS BORN IN 1937, MIGHT I ADD. THAT’S NOT A REAL YEAR. 

It’s weird to see Mr Schue actually speaking competent Spanish. Why did they veto that later? The ONE likeable thing about him was his competence as a school teacher, and they really threw it out the window huh?

WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO THE MEMBERS OF SANDY RYERSON’S GLEE CLUB??? This kid seems to really like singing. Also, welcome to the beginning of Ryerson being annoying as all hell.

Oh my gosh, the background choir stuff. This show really had style back in the day!!!

R A C H E L B E R R Y Y O U R M A K E U P ! ! !

Ken Tanaka walked so incels could run.

Jane Lynch you beauty. You absolutely impeccable beauty. 

“Since when are cheerleaders performers?” Uh... Emma...? I get that Sue’s going ham on her budget but, like, be nice to the students? They perform their butts off!

Sue really just BRAGGED about having an iPhone. I was 9 when this came out. Why do I feel old...

Sign #3 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: He hears his coworker, presumably of several years, just got fired and doesn’t even ask why. He just jumps on the glee club like a frog on hot asphalt. 

He really wants to Make The Glee Club Great Again, huh? 

MySpace was really a thing, huh? And why does this grown-ass male teacher know so much about the students having them?

I know nothing about actual American schools, but I do know that they sure as shit don’t work like this. Why does a club have to win EVERY competition to be considered an asset?

Mr Shoe really lying awake at night half-naked next to his wife thinking about the glee club already? Yeah sounds about right. Also, of course you’d think up Nude Erections for a name, you asshole. Put some clothes on.

R E S P E C T MERCEDES YES!!!

Brad the piano player was really here from day ONE... Icon.

Cellophane, Mr Cellophane... Yes Kurt bby you killed it. 

Chris Colfer looks so YOUNG here!!! 

The hair fix... I C O N I C !

Tina really wrote her stutter down, huh? And nobody ever saw through it? Amazing. 

The goth Tina look, too... Perfect... Never change...

Say what you want about Rachel Berry being generally insufferable, but I really fucking feel it when she sings On My Own. The monologue kind of kills The Drama of it, but they really solidly established her character by layering them. She really is a gold star right now.

The first-ever on-screen slushie!

The way she walks down that hall. My God you can just see how terrible she is to be around.

Never forget Rachel staring at photos of her with two men who turned out to not be her dads. Who are they? What are their stories? We’ll never know.

God, I love this stupid scene of Quinn, Santana, and a bunch of Cheerios cartoonishly typing hate comments on Rachel’s MySpace video and laughing like knock-off Disney villains. 

I like watching season 1 Artie because season 1 Artie was a good character. Mostly. And he KILLED Sit Down, You’re Rocking The Boat. Rachel wasn’t asking for a male lead who could keep up with her vocally, she was being straight up ableist and that’s a fact. I love Cory, but Kevin McHale was always a better singer.

Mercedes picking up and spinning Rachel for this little routine is something I never really appreciated before, it’s cute even though they don’t like each other yet!

I really don’t get why Rachel says they suck. Yeah, sure, she’s gunning for a solo, but the vocals were solid there. The choreo was just a little janky, possibly because it’s their first EVER rehearsal?

“There is NOTHING ironic about show choir!” Incredible.

How long did it take Mr Shoe to find Rachel out on the bleachers? Did he search the whole school first?

ARTIE! CAN! KEEP! UP! WITH! YOU! VOCALLY!

I never understood Rachel quitting so soon. How long was she in the old glee club for? Surely they were never popular either?

Ah, the first “My hands are tied” for the series. Mr Figgins is a garbage principal. 

Not going to advise the principal against referring to Artie as a cripple, William Shoestir? Alright. 

How did the Schuester marriage last as long as it has? Do Will and Terri’s insufferable personalities just cancel one another out?

Sandy Ryerson really just openly brags about cheating the system for medical marijuana and dealing it? 

Matt Morrison 100% has lip fillers. Nobody’s smile curls like that naturally.

“Terri and I are trying to get pregnant” What a weird way to phrase it. What is it, a race? Who’s going to get knocked up first!

A FIFTH OF BEETHOVEN, HOW I’VE MISSED YOU... The sound design of this show at this point is just... *Chef hand kiss*

“What you’re doing right now is called blurring the lines” Oh just wait until season 4, Sue... Just you wait.

WHY is Mr Schuester so ridiculously sweaty? I didn’t need to think about that?

EVERYONE on the football team is 30.

William Schuester you can’t just watCH TEENAGE STUDENTS SING IN THE SHOWER YOU ARE A TEACHER WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR LICENSE?! 

Hearing Cory sing this always makes me emotional. What a talent!

Sign #4 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: I don’t think I need to say why using the weed to blackmail Finn is a shitty thing to do, do I?

“I’ll pee in a cup! ...I’ll pee...” I love Cory’s delivery. 

PRIORITY #1: HELP THE KIDS Oh season 1... I love you so.

Mr Schue you WISH you were anything like Finn Hudson. You never will be.

Ah... Finn’s first monologue. He’s such a sweetheart. AND SO IS CAROLE. Carole is a queen I will stan forever. YOU THROW THAT MILK BB!!!

All Finn wants to do is make his mom proud. What a sweetheart. Mr Schue you do NOT deserve him.

These POV shots really enhance things, why the fuck did they stop using them?

Subtly having Kurt look at Finn in the same shot as Rachel was a nice touch indeed!

RACHEL WAS REALLY DOWN WITH ROLLING ARTIE RIGHT OFF THE STAGE HUH?

Terri’s a straight up hoarder, huh? Like a raccoon but instead of collecting edible garbage, it’s monogrammed garbage.

Surely you can’t just... BECOME an accountant, right? You need some serious qualifications for that right?

Also say what you want about how insufferable Terri is but her actress is ridiculously talented and absolutely steals every scene she’s in.

Now the background choir is doing Soul Bossa Nova and I am L I V I N G why didn’t they keep that motif!!! It was so ICONIC!

I don’t need my prostate removed. RIP Carole Hudson but I’m different :/

NO MEANS NO, KEN! TAKE THE L AND MOVE ON! Way to take out the fact that a girl won’t date you on everybody else around you! Toxic bastard. The absolute stench of melodrama on this bastard is noxious.

I was going to ask why Rachel didn’t know about Finn and Quinn if they’d already been together for 4 months, but then I remembered gossiping requires friends...

“Terri rides me. Hard. And I’ve always appreciated it!” Why don’t we talk about how this line sounds more. Why doesn’t Emma bat an eye at it oh my god

HERE COMES VOCAL ADRENALINE!!! And Jesse St. James is nowhere to be seen. How convenient. Also, they’re all 30. I’m sensing a pattern.

Sorry VA, all songs popularised my Amy Winehouse legally belong to Santana Lopez

Puck, if you were stupid enough to fall for the prostate excuse, that’s on you. Or maybe it’s on the education system...

You can do better that Mr Schue, kids. Don’t mourn him.

Ok, what the fuck is this scene where he’s filling out the job app to become an accountant? There’s a dude in the row in front off him just throwing crisps around? What is this place?? Why are you here sir??? 

“Accounting is sexy” shut up you horrible married man

The Cheerios sure did have straight ponytails for like, one episode, huh?

Finn is such a good boy. He doesn’t know it yet, but he is, and saving Artie from that portapotty is his first step to figuring it out.

This shot of Finn just wheeling Artie out of there... Ugh. My HEART.

KURT WHAT ARE THOSE LAYERS? SWEATER SHIRT SWEATER? HELLO???

Pee balloons. Nailing the lawn furniture to the roof. Finn, you’re better than that!!! Stop your dudebros. 

They really had Artie be a guitar player, and a pretty good one at that, but they never mentioned it again? Artie had such potential SMH. (Also, Netflix subtitles are telling me it’s Arty, but I categorically refuse to spell it that way.)

Whyyyyy didn’t he go to KURT for the costumes as well? Look at his outfit, Finn. He clearly wants in on that job. 

Will Schuester really is just desperately clinging to his glory days in high school. I’d feel bad for him if he wasn’t such a creep about it. 

Emma, meaningfully: Do you know who that is? That’s you, Will... [FRANTIC DISCO MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND]

I find it hilarious how the audio of Don’t Stop Believin’ just DOES NOT match the characters except for the solos... Also wow, autotune city. Am I awful for genuinely not liking this cover? 

I like watching them perform it though. Kurt’s adorable little shimmy... Rachel and Tina smiling at each other like that... Everybody having a blast... I’m here for it

LOOK AT MY BABIES TILTING THOSE MIC STANDS...

Ok the way Rachel and Finn look at each other here is making me FEEL

I know Puck’s about to join anyway but WHY is he there watching... Just to have a mysterious bad boy moment? Lol you dramatic bastard

Please let them win nationals without you, Will.

So, yeah! There’s that! Those are my thoughts and feelings, basic though they may be. Episode one is fantastic, the kids are fantastic, and William Schuester can suck a toe. 

[httpetras]

2020 for me - K-pop songs edition

2020 was a... tough year. Personally, globally. But for kpop? It was one of the most successfull years and instead of talking all the achievements and breakthroughs, I wanted to share my thoughts on some songs and artists I liked this year

LONG POST (and bad english sksksks)

- no japanese releases

- title tracks mostly

- personal opinion

Favorite albums of 2020 (one album/artist)

Some thoughts:

TWICE

More & More, I Can’t Stop Me, Cry for me

A lot of people disliked the song and TWICE got many hate from various of fandom to the point where the girls were insecure just by standing on the stage and perform. I never understood the senseless fanwars anyway, but this time I truly didn’t understand why everyone was hating on this song? It was definitely among the best summer releases, the album was perfect for the season and TWICE showed a new side of their artistry. There were many releases this year which followed the generic trend, but More&More managed to stand out and show something new among summer songs.

Their next comeback was just p.e.r.f.e.c.t. Okay, first and foremost, I’m a sucket for retro concepts so 2020 was a bless for me from this perspective sksksk. Besides my bias I’m literally in love with this song.

Also with the whole album, I can’t stop myself from listening it. TWICE as always tried something new, showed a different side of them, was not afraid to discover new sounds and concepts. One of the reasons that I’m still with them after 4 years is the fact that TWICE grew up and matured along with their music. This album was their fifth year destination. I just can’t express how much I love not just the concept, but all the songs are so unique in their own way that you can never get tired of listening them.

TWICE being one of the most unique girl groups out there (along with Red Velvet, hope they comeback soon), and I’m just so happy for them and so proud I could be with them for four years seeing them growing as artists.

A.C.E - Favorite boys

Hands down, this was definitely one of my favorire comebacks of 2020. The way I thought they could never do a song like “undercover” again....I was so naive. From the first second till the last you can’t look away from the aesthetically pleasing MV where traditional mixes with modern, gender is a non-existent, meanwhile the song so effortlessly goes from a very strong rap to high notes wigh catchy beats and chorus.

Also the dance and the outfits, don’t forget to mention the teaser photos... it was one of the strongest comeback of the year.

However, I feel like their releases were among the most underrated songs of 2020. I just can’t help but think what if they were a bigger company especially that nowadays when stan twt is all about numbers, groups from smaller company get less and less attention. All I can hope that A.C.E getting the hype they deserve will be one of the positive changes 2021 will bring.

(A million thank you for TATE for introducing me to them!)

ITZY

Wannabe, Not shy

There are some songs from ITZY I really like but their title tracks were really not my style (they are not bad in any way, but felt too much for my taste). But this year!

Wannabe and Not Shy was just *chef’s kiss*.

I felt the same with them as with skz - in their first year they were looking for their sound, trying to find the best sytle for them. In this second year, they seemed to be more confident in themselves and their concept as a group. (And also, finally these songs fit into Lia’s range!). Every member could shine in these eras, show off their singing (and dancing) skills. All together these two songs (and albums) were something I could enjoy very much.

AKMU - Happening

The nation’s siblings came back and created another masterpiece! If I wasn’t in love with the song itself, the MV would have made it fall for it. Something comforting, something melodic, a song you didn’t know you need until you hear it... Recommend it 1010292725282920/10

STRAY KIDS

Too much releases sksksk all of them are amazing obvi

I can’t choose one song from them, they released something new in every month and I’d have so much to talk about sksksks so a short-summary:

2020 was their year. Eventhough I felt like stray kids could not surprise me anymore, I would have never been able to prepare mysef for this year when they came back with full power. Starting with SKZ2020, followed by anime openings and on track, then the iconic God’s menu and Back door - they evolved and said FU to the industry who still rejects them. And I don’t know how to explain, but they seemed much more confident in themselves and in the music they put out, and that was definitely something which helped them to make 2020 theirs. All the concepts, all the song genres while staying unique and not following trends? Every. Comeback. They. Had. This. Year. Just blown my mind. I literally just... I’d show you the songs they released this year and I’m 100% sure even a non-stay would agree with me saying that they deserve so-so-so much more for their songs alone

ONEWE - End of spring

As lovesick girls gave me 2010’s summer song vibe End of Spring gave me the same vibe, something bands such as imagine dragons would release back in around 2015. I LOVE IT. It has such a nice fun energy, whenever it comes up on my playlist, it’s an instant adrenalin boost. It does remind me of summer camps and just having fun with people there

DAY6

I wrote about them in my 30-day Day6 challenge back in september-october

Lee Hi - HOLO

Lee Hi is one of those idols I feel for the most as she’s been through more than enough hardships in her life. She seriously deserves the best from this cruel world.

This year a company change happened and she released a comforting, yet, heartbreaking song about depression and self-worth most likely reflecting on her own struggles. Tissues recommended because this is a song everyone can relate to in some ways and also be prepared for the MV.

SUNMI - pporappippam

The queen of retro is back with another masterpiece because she’s Sunmi, she can’t make bad songs! I love the vibe of the song, the aesthetic MV with purple as the dominant color... it truly felt like a song from 80’s with an unique sound none can master but Sunmi. Kpop would be not kpop without her!

Also, on a totally unrelated note: even though I’m not a fan of her, just a casual listener, I want to state how fcking proud I am of her. I can’t even imagine how difficult it was for Sunmi to be this open about her borderline-disorder especially as an idol. I truly hope she’s healthy and doing alright, wishing her the best for the future

Chungha - Play

As much as I loved every releases from her in this year, Play was the song which was on repeat. Like, this song is full of energy, has such a fun vibe which makes you want to dance along with it! Also, also, the MV was super colorful, her stylist did a great job and the tango was well incorporated into the choreo, it was creative and entertaining to watch her performances of this song.

And let me add how happy I am for Chungha, this year she released songs always trying out something new and participated in many different projects. I also loved her collaborations! They were super underrated even within the fandom.

Gfriend - Mago

Retro. Disco. 80’s. Love the MV. Love the song! Such a different concept from what we are used to see from them, but again, this year Gfriend was not afraid to deviate from their usual sound and try out new things.

As much as I’m in love with this song (and Apple as well!), just as much I appreciate the visible artistic growth they have shown in this year. Wish them many luck for their future!

BTS

Okay, let me tell you quickly a little story. Before the first lockdown happened, in the beginning of the year in school we had this agreement in french class. If we don’t want to take a french exam, we can sit in the back and studying or doing something silently. This was around the time when Mots7 was released and so, during every french class I listened to this album on repeat while studying chemistry. Then quarantine came, classmates got sick, drama happened, took exams, a lonely summer, then university... the world was burning. For me, this album was the “last” normal thing before pandemic hit europe; whenever I listened to it, it takes me back to me our french classes, my friend sitting next to me doing her make up, me reading my chemistry book, windows are open, you can hear a class having PE class, the teacher explains something for those few students sitting in the first row... seems peaceful? Maybe too nostalgic. But Mots7 became that album for me which was there for us before the world fell, which reminded me of the “normal” life throughout this year, and helped me a lot. And I’ll be forever thankful for that. Dynmite: Retro, english, fun, we need it. Hungarians hated it so much? But hungarian kpop fans are edgy they hate everything popular because they “appreciate talent” *eye roll* Life goes on: This song for me is the new spring day in a way - calming, nostalgic, comforting, something we really needed after this hectic year. A perfect song to end 2020. “Life goes on“ = “This too, shall pass”

Taemin

HAVE YOU SEEN A MAN SO PERFECT?

Okay, but seriously. Taemin owned this year! 3 comebacks with SuperM and 3 comebacks as a solo act, multiply MVs and performances, not letting anyone forget about him nor SHINEE. Whenever I thought that okay, this is his peak, he can’t do better than this - Taemin came back and proved me wrong again. Never Dance Again act 1 and 2 were among the best releases this year

Somi - What you waiting for

As much as I didn’t like birthday, I found myself enjoying this song a lot! Nothing astonishingly new or different, but has a catchy beat and chorus, suits to Somi’s range and she even looked more confident while performing on music shows (naturally, she got more used to being a soloist after a year or so, but still. It was good to see her owning that stage and being happy there). Similar to BP, it also has a western pop feeling especially with the full-english chorus, but somehow worked better for me personally here!

Oneus

Such an underrated group which I got to know through one of my moots on twitter, otherwise I would have never heard of them. And what a mistake it’d be!

Alone the concepts stole my heart, I adored the whole prince, vampires, kinght theme going on in a fantasy world vibes of the MVs. Besides that, I love how they sound together as a group, it’s so pleasing to hear how all those different voices comes after each other and somehow makes it work, resulting in an amazing song.

TXT

This year, when the debut hype is long gone, TXT proved that they are much more than just a boy group next to BTS. Their success is thanks to their hardwork and magical, unique style which made millions of people fall in love with them. (Big3 privilige is still a thing tho, but their hardwork should not be underestimated. Because of their privileged situation, they were offered oppurtunities, had a financial background other artists don’t - but it doesn’t make them less than others. Just shows the faults in the unfair music system).

Despite my worries that after Run Away it’d be hard for them coming back with another song, they managed to release a no-skip mini album with an awesome music video “Can’t you see me”. One moment they are laughing, and in the next one they’re killing eachother while singing about growing up and losing touch with friends once they were inseparable with.

Their journey of growing up with its pros and cons are portrayed through their songs, using mystical themes such as a fatal game and a long forgotten magical promise. They enforced this concept furthermore in this year by their next songs, Drama, Blue Hour and We lost the summer which about the impact of the pandemic on teenagers (side note: such a creative MV! They’re truly part ofour generation sksksk).

And I haven’t even mentioned the anime openings and OST they made this year, capturing such a familiar feeling of the magic of our daily lives and fights.

They make music for us, for our generation, about issues and feelings we all face with every day in our daily life. And gosh, we needed TXT in 2020 so bad, I’m grateful for them

Red Velvet - Psycho

(Okay, so psycho is technically was released in 2019, but like only few days before new year’s eve so... I count it as a 2020 release)

RV had only one comeback this year as a whole group, they still made it iconic and served a song which quickly becamone of of THAT songs of 2020. I may say this too many times, but I’m in love with groups with unique concepts and sounds whoch can only be done by them. It’s especially true for RV: they always serve and never miss.

And I could go into details how perfect this song is and that I could spent a whole day just watching the MV, but I think everyone knows what I think exactly. It’s a masterpiece.

(Side note: though it’s not quite my style, I surprisingly like Irene and Seulgi’s song “Monster” too! One of the most iconic songs of this year)

Ateez

Answer, Inception

This was THAT year for 4th groups!

As I mentioned at Itzy and briefly touched on it at skz, i do feel like groups which debuted 1-2 years ago found their own sound, own style, own concept now and more confident and better in the music they put out. Don’t get me wrong, these groups were never bad - but now the improvement comparing to their debut days are so visible. You could feel ATEEZ are going hard, wild yet keeping it elegant and never losing their own style. I’m literally unable to tell you how much I loved their songs in this year and I’m more than excited to see what 2021 will bring for them and for us!

LUCY

Flowering, Jogging, Snooze

Definitely one of the best debuts of 2020. After all, you can’t see many korean bands with a violinist (if I’m correct, there’s only LUCY out there). I am absolutely in love with their uniqe style. It’s so different yet, it’s so needed, especially in this crazy times.

They sound like spring. Hopeful with the re-born nature around them. They sound like summer, july. Full of fantasy, and childish dreams of adventures in the backyard. They sound like early autumn. Something changed, something passed, a little grief in the begging of “please stay a child for a bit longer”.

3YE - yessir

Girl crush conceot is running high, kpop is full of powerful anthems for girls (and I love that!), but completely different what we were used to hear from 2nd generation groups. Music evolved throughout the time so there’s nothing surprising in this. Yet, 3YE was able to release a song which gives me off second generation vibes, it was impossible for me to not fall in love with it. It’s powerful, and catchy... deserved more attention from the gp.

Songs I liked and recommend but lazy to write more mini-essays:

Seventeen - Homerun, Left & right

Iz*one - The secret story of a swan, Panorama

Berrygood - Accio

Wjsn - Butterfly

G-Idle - Oh my god

Pentagon - Daisy

Loona - Star, So what

Blackpink - Lovesick girls

IU - Eight

KARD - Gunshot

Hoppipolla - Let’s

Hwasa - Maria

Weekly - Tag me

StayC - So bad

CLC - Helicopter

Everglow - La di da

Astro - knock

Dreamcatcher - boca

April - lalalilala

Apink - dumhdrum

BAE173 - crush on u

E’LAST - Tears of chaos

Oh my girl - secret garden

fromis9 - feel good

p1harmony - butterfly

HA:TFELT - Life Sucks

Sunmi x JYP - When we disco

Yukika - Soul Lady

Eric Nam - Paradise

Stella Jang - Villain

Zico - Any song

DPR LIVE - Jam & Butterfly (ft. Crush, eaJ)

Got7 - Last piece, Not by the moon

Weekly - tag me

Lacuna - Dancing in the rain

Cignature - Arisong

Jessi - Nununana

Blackswan - Tonight

N.flying - Oh really

Brave Girls - We ride

DreamNote - Wish

Natty - 19