Buried Treasure: Hanbin (Tempest) – Air

A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I’m gonna be so pissed if we make it through this entire early-10s EDM trend in K-pop without ever getting actual songs to go along with the soundscape. The best thing about that era for me were the sky-high anthemic choruses and singalong hooks that matched the intensity and transcendence of their instrumentals. There’s no way to replicate that feeling by simply talking over a track. I’m not sure Tempest’s Hanbin is the best vessel for this kind of chugging, melodic EDM stomper, but I’m glad he’s given us Air. This song was actually pre-released before his comeback, but I’m a bit late to the party. As far as EDM pop goes, this is ultra generic and would have likely fallen by the wayside if released back in 2011 or 2012, but today it feels like a breath of fresh air. He’s. Actually. Singing. There are notes being attempted here! There’s a chorus!? My god, how do we share this amazing news with the K-p...