It’s no secret to the K-Pop community at this point that Dreamcatcher has led the charge of girl groups with darker and heavier influences. With heavy metal influences in almost all their title tracks, they’ve built an empire on this type of sound and the darker concepts to go along with it. Despite always having that influence, the group has found ways to make each comeback unique, and that remains true for this latest return. While the track itself initially may seem lighter than you’d expect, the concept itself and lyrics hold an even more ominous tone. 

The Title: “MAISON”

At first listen, this song may not be what you’d expect when it comes to Dreamcatcher. It feels a bit more mainstream, with a more pop-influenced beat taking center stage alongside the rock influences mostly heard in the accompanying electric guitar and synth. If I hadn’t known better, I probably wouldn’t have pegged this as a Dreamcatcher song at the beginning. With the metal influences toned down, it may be an attempt to try and get a bit more mainstream popularity since the group has yet to have a music show win despite their talents. But just because it is different from their usual sound doesn’t mean it’s any less impactful or intense. The lyrics of the song directly tackle the state of the world and just how ugly it truly is, and it’s up to the listener to decide if it’s a metaphor for society or directly discussing the decline of Earth itself. Either way, it packs quite a heavy punch in this day and age.

As expected of the song itself, the music video matches the message with an immediate showcase of a futuristic dystopia, showcasing an abandoned city. The visuals are similar to any post-apocalyptic film, like I Am Legend. In contrast to the disaster scenes, we also see the members in a heavenly scene; regal Greek columns and stark white scenery paints a picture of the girls as Greek goddesses. The contrast is so stark, as if to paint the girls as the saviors in an apocalyptic world. It constructs a beautiful picture and tells a strong story, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the “Deja Vu” comeback.

The Album

The new album [Apocalypse: Save us] is the groups’ second full album, featuring 14 new tracks complete with a solo track for each member. The album kicks off with “Intro: Save us,” a very eerie instrumental heavily featuring organ melodies and an ominous tone that shifts in the final third abruptly to a more rock sound. While the intro definitely fits in the motif of the title, it instead leads into the first B-side “Locked Inside A Door.” Based on the title, it seems like this song would be heavy, but it’s the total opposite. The song has a lighter, jazzy feel, which is quite a stark contrast to what is expected. The song itself is pretty catchy and has the same feel as what you might expect from an old MAMAMOO title track, but with the added flare of an electric guitar in the melody.

Next comes the title, which is followed by track “Starlight,” a retro EDM type of song. The synth gives the song an ‘80s feel, accompanied by some classic EDM elements. What stands out most about this track is definitely the vocals, really highlighting the groups’ talent in this realm. “Together” is the next song and it keeps going with the EDM theme, this time providing a more house-based melody. It doesn’t go quite as hard as “Poison Love” did, but it has a similar melodic base.

For our ballad lovers, the final full group song on the album is “Always.” With a classic soft piano melody and slow tempo, this ballad makes vocals the name of the game. There’s definitely emotional weight in this song, and accompanied by the impressive vocals of the group, this song is pretty moving. Before diving into the solo tracks, there is a buffer in the form of “Skit: The seven doors.” Interlude is a better description though, as the track is simply an instrumental.

Up first is leader JiU with “Cherry (Real Miracle),” a sweet upbeat pop track that gives old school AOA vibes. The classic rhythm guitar in the melody is what really makes this track addicting. Next up is SuA with “No Dot,” which totally shifts the mood in the album. This hip-hop-influenced beat has a darker undertone, but also has a different EDM feel in the bridge. We also get a taste of SuA rapping in the second verse. The shift in sound and darker nature of the song made me instantly drawn to it, but that’s personal taste.

Siyeon’s solo “Entrancing” is a fitting title. The slower tempo ballad-influenced track has a couple of different musical elements that make it simply entrancing, including Siyeon’s breathy vocals and the epic feel of the song overall. It really speaks to Siyeon’s talent that she can portray such intensity in one song, and it leaves a lasting impression on the listener. Handong’s solo “Winter” is a more subdued track with an old school jazz feel. The song has a slower tempo and feels a bit like a ballad, but at the same time has a bit more brightness showcased by the retro jazz feel. It’s a very fitting genre for her vocal color and it helps to make her shine.

Yoohyeon’s solo “For” ramps up the jazzy feel tenfold and is reminiscent of previous B-sides like “Jazz Bar” and “Daybreak.” The waltz time signature only adds to the classic feel of the song, and it’s a genre that we don’t have enough of in K-Pop. 

Now for all my older fans that grew up on early 2000s music, Dami’s solo “Beauty Full” is certain to capture your heart. In a complete 180 from the previous song, this one goes full 2000s rock from the get go. The energy from this song is palpable, and the nostalgic feel for many of us will make this an instant favorite. I love seeing Dami in this genre, and both her vocals and rap flow effortlessly in the song. The final track is maknae Gahyeon’s solo “Playground,” which ends the album on an upbeat and playful mood. The song has a classic pop sound that is a perfect fit for the coming summer.

My first impression of the title didn’t impress me much, but that’s also speaking from the perspective of someone that loves the darkest concepts possible from the group. I love when they incorporate heavy metal into their music and don’t like to see that gone, but I also understand that for some listeners it is off-putting and that could be the reason they haven’t hit mainstream popularity. I came to appreciate more subtle metal elements used in the title, such as the final chorus that has symphonic metal elements thrown in. 

With that said, the real highlight of this comeback is the album solos. Each member has a very distinct and unique solo track and showcases so many different musical genres in such a wonderful way. I think the addition of the solo tracks takes the album from good to amazing and gives each member a chance to shine individually, which isn’t something we’ve been given from the group before. Diversity on the album continues to show the versatility of Dreamcatcher as a group, and it is an absolute shame that they still haven’t hit mainstream popularity in Korea. I continue to be in awe of the talent of these girls.

“MAISON” Title Score: 8/10

Music Video Score: 9.5/10

[Apocalypse: Save us] Score: 10/10

Total Score: 9.2/10

Edited by Rashelle B.