Song Review: H1-KEY Make A Comeback With "Let It Burn" And Rolling Quartz Release "Victory"

H1-KEY (하이키) - Let It Burn (뜨거워지자) 

Review

H1-KEY makes a fiery comeback today with their rebellious new single "Let It Burn" and the mini-album "Love or Hate". The track marks an edgier, rock-influenced departure from the group's previous lighthearted hits like 2023's viral smash "Rose Blossom". While "Let It Burn" explores new sonic and thematic territory for H1-KEY, the members insist their core identity remains unchanged. "H1-KEY's existing storyline is being continued here," Riina said. "We talk about our story: the dream we have as we grow up, the courage and hope we entail."

In the high-energy music video, the four members portray defiant high school students who start their own rock band. "Let's burn down all the love or hate / Let it burn no matter what / I'd rather burn and turn to ash than be lukewarm," they boldly declare on the explosive chorus. The song itself was produced by Hong Ji-sang, the hitmaker behind many of H1-KEY's previous releases.

"The album is darker than our previous releases, but I wouldn't call it an unexpected plot twist," Riina explained at the group's showcase. "We are just showing another side of our youth. I'm sure everyone has a rebellious and unexpected side". With its confident sound and unapologetic spirit, "Let It Burn" signals an exciting, more mature era for the rising girl-group. While a stark contrast to their previous work, H1-KEY's passion and honesty shine through, hinting at even greater things to come as they continue their musical journey.

Release Info & Mini Bio

H1-KEY (하이키), the four-member girl group formed by GLG and Sony Music that debuted on January 5, 2022 with the single album "Athletic Girl", made a comeback today with their third mini album "Love or Hate" and the song "Let It Burn" as the album's title track. The mini album will contain four tracks and the physical release will come out in four versions: two photobook/CD versions (True and Lie version) and two POCA (QR code) versions (True and Lie version). This album is the follow-up tp the group's second mini album "Seoul Dreaming" that was released on August 30, 2023 with "Seoul (Such a Beautiful City)" and "Time to Shine" serving as the album's double title tracks. 

Track List 

1. "Let It Burn (뜨거워지자)" 
2. "♥︎Letter"  
3. "Iconic (나를 위한, 나에 의한, 나만의 이야기)" 
4. "Rainfalls (국지성호우)" 

Rolling Quartz (롤링쿼츠) - Victory (빅토리) 

Review 

Rolling Quartz has been gaining momentum and perfecting their distinctive sound, blending heavy 90s grunge with classic heavy-metal and infused with their own unique musical style. "Victory" showcases Rolling Quartz's growth and enhanced musical skills, featuring strong vocals, dynamic guitar melodies, and powerful percussion, in one of their heaviest tracks yet. The music video, like usually with rock/metal groups, features the band members playing their instruments passionately in front of several impressive backdrops, while adorning outfits probably made for a girl-crush themed idol group.

Established in 2019, Rolling Quartz has surpassed expectations in the K-pop industry, gaining a loyal fan base through live shows and a strong presence on social media. With "Victory," Rolling Quartz is on track to cement their position as one of the most thrilling and innovative acts in South Korea's rock/metal scene. 

Release Info & Mini Bio 

Rolling Quartz, the South Korean five-member K-rock/metal band that debuted in December 2020 under Rolling Star Entertainment with the single album "Blaze", released a new single today titled "Victory" as a pre-release of their upcoming EP album of the same name that is scheduled to be released physically on a CD on July 3, 2024. This single is the follow-up to the group's single "Stand Up" that was released on April 1, 2024. 

Track List 

1. "Victory" 
2. "ONE"  
3. "Stand Up" 
4. "Red Wine"
5. "Victory" (inst.)
6. "ONE" (inst.)
7. "Stand Up" (inst.)
8. "Red Wine" (inst.)