'THE THREAD' of WILLOW'S wicked wisdom

Weeping Willow

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

As per, there is plenty of music out this New Music Friday from her peers. The headliner Charli XCX's 'Music, Fashion, Film'. The legend Shania Twain's 'Little Miss Twain'. And The Strokes recording the new 'Reality Awaits' of autotune with super producer Rick Rubin out in Costa Rica. Yet, nothing, Sinead playing Prince, compares to the wicked wisdom of Willow Smith, right now. Word to her mother Jada's heavy metal act.

Pops may have got jiggy wit it, as the most famous member of the family. As successful as they come, from Bel-Air and rap's first Grammy, to multimillion-dollar movies that survived the slap, and the "only reason your a## went to Miami." Whilst her older brother, Jaden, may have got their first on his own 'Pursuit of Happyness'. But the tear, or should we say 'The Thread', of what Willow has been on is like nothing, or nobody else, right now. Even outside of her growing artistic family tree. 

The same singer, who shaved her head at the age of ten so she didn't have to keep performing her monster hit 'Whip My Hair' for Jay-Z, on tour with Justin Bieber, so she could be a kid again, has almost released ten albums. And she's only just a quarter of a century young. Imagine what she'll have at 50. Or even just 30. Her latest ('The Thread') is more than an eight wonder. It's her second this year, after February's formidable 'Petal Rock Black' in black and white, with arms and hands held together. Not to mention, her fifth since 2021's 'Lately I Feel Everything'. Most don't have this much in ten years. Let alone half a decade.

Coming out of corona with her 'Coping Mechanism' the following year and 2024's epic 'Empathogen' the extra trick up Smith's sleeve, is that none of them sound the same. It's been like this for 'Willow' ever since the amazing artwork of the 'Ardipthecus' debut on Roc Nation and 'The 1st' second album. And now, this 'Thread' returns to her roots and the veil of some vivid visualizers, following the NPR NMF favourite 'Talk On The Hill' and it's iconic music video.

Blending progressive R&B, jazz and a meditative feeling, 'She's My Religion' is the high note however and where the iconography gets really legendary. Especially in the lyrics, "She's adorned in constellations/Kissing her skin, oh, woah/Each star, a quiet warning/Nature always wins/Her grace is a river raging straight towards the sea, oh/I am not worried 'bout a raft/Her voicе is inside of me and I know." No wonder pops is proud as punch on Instagram.

Creating its own musical language, the purple haze and reign of the album artwork intrigues. As does the title track and the 'Hell To Pay' if you miss out on this heaven sent talent, just because you wrote off the family name of hair whipping fame. This 'Tall Baby' stands higher than all that in 'The Present Moment' of an original sound that pushes the envelope of every genre in an artificial time in need of more, real intelligence and elements in the art form that needs to offically drop the "ficial" responsibility. 'Bone Collecting' like Denzel, the 'Unconditional' love sings, "I wanna be a part of your family/I wanna laugh and drink whiskey with your mother/I want to live in the in-between/Where this love is not about you or me/You or me, oh" in simple, signature odes to match the outstanding grooves.

Refusing to 'Shrink To Fantasy' ("I told you the truth from the start/Not a joke, not a game/Just the shape of this heart"), the most talented member of a terrifically so family is a star in her own right. NPR's New Music Friday album consideration tells us RIYL (recommended if you like) Frank Ocean. But to be frank, as outrageously talented as he is, his output has nothing on us. We recommend him, if you like HER. A 'Crush On Eternity' and the forever push of music that comes with Mei Semones harmonizing "I've kissed desire and called it grace (Mm)/You wrotе your name across my face (Yours always). This is what mainstream music really yearns to be. This thread will go on forever more.

THE STROKES use of autotune on 'REALITY AWAITS' is a stroke of genius

Reality Beats

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

Back in 2009, Jay-Z declared the 'Death of Auto-Tune' on his smash single 'D.O.A.' from his trilogy conclusion album, 'The Blueprint 3' (still not getting why this cover's prime colour was red, but let's digress). An artificial singing style popularized by the legendary likes of T-Pain. Who since that G.O.A.T. crucifixion has put out some lovely Motown albums, showcasing his vocal skill sans the digital lifts. 

He wasn't the only one, back then. Not to mention, this high-note lob pass goes as far back as Blackstreet singing into plastic straws for hits like 'Don't Leave Me' and 'No Diggity' off the 'Another Level' album. Not to mention, the late, great Roger Troutman of Zapp (and a hilarious Chris Rock skit) hooking 2Pac and DR. Dre's 'California Love' remix. And check the original, where, as my college friend once pointed out, "he goes sick." "Computer. COMPUTER!" Absolute genius.

Another stroke of genius, pun intended (twice), comes with Julian Casablancas and The Strokes new album 'Reality Awaits'. Produced by the creative act of God producer, Rick Rubin, and their first album since 2020's 'The New Abnormal' during COVID times. This seventh seal of a nine-track wonder is another great to add to a classic catalogue ('Room On Fire', 'Angels'). Back in 2001, when The Strokes asked 'Is This It', like a leather glove on the hip, The Strokes, like Rock N Roll Hall of Fame White Stripes, alongside them took it back to the good ole, simpler times and recording techniques. Just like the 'Elephant' in the room of London's Maida Vale studios.

This RCA and Cult record, dubbed "even sexier" like the 1980s Nissan 300ZX in the band's Instagram teaser video, focussed forward however. Despite the reality of the 'Awaits' album artwork and its Richard Prince Marlboro man like 'Cowboy'. And it's a master move, like putting 'The White Lotus' favourite actor Walton Goggins in the 'Going Shopping' music video, alongside the sci-fi needle drop of the 'Falling Out Of Love' second string single. 

Lip-syncing (how apt in all this) Casablancas' "Like a tiger, they will chase you down/With words instead of claws/They will seduce you 'til you reach the point/To let yourself get mauled, oh/The worse reality gets, the less you wanna hear about it/Solidarity can be difficult/When you got cool stuff to lose" lyrics, like Saturn's rings laced around a cherry, Goggins shows he really is a rock star Decked out in a 'Miami Vice' city story proud suit. Although, anyone whose seen him 'Dreamin' Wild' with Casey Affleck in the true story of Donnie and Joe Emerson's 1978 debut album finally coming to light, knows this is already all too true.

That same song was distributed on promotional cassette tapes to promote this album recorded in Costa Rica with Rubin. One that features standout tracks like 'Lonely In The Future', 'Liar's Remorse' (what a title) and 'The Fruits Of Conquest'. But from the ode outset of some 'Psych S###' to the storybook end of 'Tyrants Of The Mellow Moon', it's the use of autotune that really amazes and sets the tempo for this new reality that's anything, but abnormal. Just await it, as Julian harmonizes "Forget the things that they did, yeah/Obey the words that they say, yeah/Get it on my desk on time, yeah/Got plans, I'm going online." The 'Dine N'Dash' of this album is anything but a dime a dozen. The rap game may have left the autotune's ring on the bedside table, but here, it rocks. 

Time For Some SAKANACTION

Credit: @Sakanaction on X

How Sapporo's finest are reeling in the prize of Japan's best live band...

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

There's nothing like fishing in Spring.

Last month, Japanese rock band Sakanaction (a portmanteau of the Japanese word for "fish" and the "action" they always bring to arenas) played a fan club only member show in Tokyo to mark the awe-inspiring Ariake Arena being renamed to the SGC Hall. Counting down their fan favourite voted for songs (let's hear it for 'SORATO'), before breaking into their biggest hits 'Shintakarajima', 'wasurerarenaino' and 'Kaiju'. They also debuted a d&b Soundscape that could even give the Dolby Atmos, that last year's 'SAKANAQUARIUM' live shows and accompanying DVD were filmed with, a run for its speakers.

Speaking of fan favourites, their classic, like a yukata or kimono in the music video, 'Yoru no Odoriko' just went viral, re-entering the Japanese Top 50 at number one. Now being joined by the charting 'New Treasure Island' and the monster 'Kaiju'. One of Japan's most revered bands are well and truly back. But they really never left. A top ten in Japanese music, five if you just look at rock, Hokkaido's very own have been touring and soaring like a fishing line cast out to water. What's next is to get a bite from overseas. But before all that, Ichiro Yamaguchi (vocals and guitar), Motoharu Iwadera (guitar), Ami Kusakari (bass guitar), Emi Okazaki (keyboards) and Keiichi Ejima (drums) are set to light up the Land of the Rising Sun with summer sunrises in the Far East beauty.

If last year's Shinkansen speeding and touring trip through towns, and last month's fan club in Ariake weren't enough, Sakanaction will play Japan's Summer Sonic festival in Tokyo and Osaka this August. Headlined by the likes of The Strokes, David Byrne, Jennie of BLACKPINK, FKA Twigs, Jamiroquai, fellow Japanese acts BABYMETAL and Bump Of Chicken, and of course, themselves. 

Not only that, bassist Ami Kusakari will be performing at another festival this coming Saturday (May 23rd) in Gamagori, Aichi. The Mori Michi Ichiba festival at Laguna Beach and Laguna Shia, following Kusakari's performance with eclectic and electronic artist Kyoka last November for the MUTEK JP 10 festival at Shibuya's Spotify O-East, will see Ami play her personal passion project, last year's amazing album 'Garden Studies', which still blooms beautifully to this day, like a Ginkgo tree.

Speaking of nature, then there's the SAKANAQUARIUM that had everyone in Japan looking through the glass last year. It returns for the fall. Playing multiple dates in September and October, in Osaka, Kobe and Tokyo's Nippon Budokan. A former martial arts hall of the Tokyo 1964 Olympics, first played to rave and controversial reviews by some local lads called The Beatles, and most recently housing legendary acts like Norah Jones, The Smashing Pumpkins and Foo Fighters. Iconic. Just as Sakanaction are in Japan, with a legacy the rest of the watching world outside of Asia needs to see. Anime soundtracks and such will help with that, but once the tank of their aquarium rocks and rolls over you, you'll be fishing for more.

Incredible set pieces, classic choreography, and laser shows that light up the night like neon crossing Shibuya's streams of tourists. You'll wish you could hold your phones up, but for the love of all that still exists in a live show...please don't. There's nothing like a Sakanaction set. Especially when it comes to the amazing Sakanaquarium. Ichiro's (who started the year with his own solo set) inspired vocals hit the high notes and seats, whilst the great guitar of Iwadera influences more to come. The brilliant bass of Kusakari, and all the elements of the rest of the instruments she plays, are backed by Okazaki's incredible keys (the end of 'Kaiju' is iconic). All as Ejima gets epic on the skins. 

The music, their music, is more than enough, but with a show that stops everything else in their tracks, some of their songs are joined by special Sakanaquarium music videos, starring dynamic dancer and actor Runa Miura and directed definitively by Yusuke Tanaka. Moviemaking moments of magic. Lights, camera, Sakanaction. Surely a new Sakanaction album will come soon, following the amazing 'Adapt' in 2022. But it's not like this band isn't busy, with more concerts than the Tokyo Dome, knocking it out of the park. 

In March they came forward with their latest single 'IRANAI', and it's incredible and playful, neon 80s like music video, featuring avant-garde dancer, model and actress Aoi Yamada with a blonde Bob. Wearing Yamaguchi's Talking Head like suit, akin to a second skin. You'll be wanting to play their hands on eating game with your friends, more than a Nintendo Switch 2, as you dance like John Travolta and Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. The call and response of the "Iranai iranai/Iranai iranai/Na no ni kanjiteru" chorus that Ichiro Yamaguchi improvised with the fans on the spot at last month's SGC show was inspired, and something you'll probably see in concert at forthcoming shows that go to the future. 

One that is Sakanaction's. Selling out the K-Arena, the largest venue dedicated to music, two nights in a row last summer, in Yokohama Bay. Get your cheerleading pom poms ready. They're number one.

Need any more proof that Sakanaction are the best live act in Japan?

Go fish!

DUAL REVIEW: BTS - THE COMEBACK - LIVE/THE RETURN - A DOCUMENTARY

4/5 (The Comeback)

4/5 (The Return)

Back To Seoul

62 Mins (The Comeback) / 93 Mins (The Return). Starring: RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, Jung Kook & V. Directors: Hamish Hamilton & Cameron Whitelaw (The Comeback) / Bao Nyguen (The Return). On: Netflix.

Switcheroo. Last week, Flea, candid and compelling, offered moving stories about his late, great guitarist bandmate in the Netflix documentary 'The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel'. The same time RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, Jung Kook and V of South Korea's very own leading K-Pop act BTS made their long-awaited after their mandatory military service. All for 'Arirang', their highly-anticipated, brilliant, brand-new album, featuring the streaming single 'Swim' and the 'Body To Body' opening dancefloor number. Giving us 'The Comeback' live on Netflix in the same weekend. Much like how fellow boy band phenomenon Harry Styles gave the streaming service 'One Night In Manchester' to coincide with his solo release, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally'. This New Music Friday, Flea blew the trumpet on his first ever solo album, 'Honora', in honour of the bassist's family. All on the same day we got ready for 'The Return' of BTS again, in their new Netflix documentary film. Don't call it a comeback...that was so last week.

Netflix may have lost out to Paramount when it came to the acquisition of Warner Bros. (thanks a lot, Trump), but look what else they've picked up. Most recently, not only being the only streaming provider to televise this year's World Baseball Classic, they also gave us the MLB opening night between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. But it's the N x BTS deal that may just get an ARMY of new subscribers following. Disney used to be the Kingdom of BTS. From the 'Monuments: Beyond A Star' series detailing their hiatus, alongside the 'Permission To Dance' swan song live in LA, to all the documentaries about the solo work of J-Hope ('J-Hope In The Box') and Suga ('Road To D-Day'). Not to mention the hugely popular 'Are You Sure?!' travel series by Jimin and Jung Kook, which just sky-dived its second season in Switzerland. Yet that was the past and the best to come that was promised. And kept, as we see the future now, live on everybody's favourite streaming service that belongs to their best friend.

Now, what better way to debut their return record than with a homecoming in Seoul, South Korea, like no other...live? How about in the heart of the city, live from Gwanghwamun Square? The iconic temple that feels like a gate to the city featuring brushstrokes of projection mapping, added on to it for the effect at night, similar to what the digitally iconic TeamLab Borderless did to Kanazawa Castle and more, here in Japan. Classic, like the traditional dress of women singing the album title name's folk song as they sway in love, sorrow and endurance. Yet when the silhouettes of the magnificent seven appear on the map of the heart of Seoul, you just know it's on, like one of their biggest hits. Performing powerhouse records like 'Mic Dop', 'Dynamite', and other smooth like 'Butter' numbers, to go along with instant classic choice cuts off the new album. "Swim...swim." All as RM coolly took a seat, like this was a 'Yet To Come' performance, thanks to his going hard in rehearsals leaving him down on one knee, in matrimony with the Boyz II Men ballad seat.

In the engaging 'The Return', a documentary directed by Boa Nguyen ('Live From New York!', 'Be Water', 'The Greatest Night In Pop'), BTS debate whether they are using too long a sample of 'Arirang' in their album lead off track 'Body'. But as they sing, "my beloved/Who leaves me behind and departs/Your feet will tire/Before mine ever do," it's clear to hear that in-yun in 8,000 past lives, these boys would still be together. Most break...not this bulletproof squad. Candour and conviction are matched with a camaraderie that shows even the military couldn't tear apart what was already an army. And when they reunite on a beach, live online for their legions of fans, BTS behind the scenes like when Jimin asked Jung Kook if he was sure, you just know this one is more than just seven strong. Sealed with viral moments and a labour of love and trust of the process in a studio setting in Los Angeles, California. All the way back home across the shore and a live, studio plugged version of 'Swim'. A new lap for a group that has already taken its victory one and is about to run, run, run together again. The return has come all the way back. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'BTS - Monuments: Beyond The Star', 'BTS - Permission To Dance: On Stage - LA', 'Are You Sure?!'

REVIEW: FLEA - HONORA

4/5

Flea's Bag

A Flea has 'A Plea'. To "build a bridge" and "shine a light", as the Red Hot Chili Pepper bassist and trumpet player makes something beautiful on the lead single from his debut album 'Honora', produced by Josh Johnson. "I don't care about your f###ing politics", he declares, running, jumping, and generally, just moving like the Flea that he is in an instantly iconic music video, directed by his own daughter, Clara Balzary. "Now we are all human beings here", he adds in a track that asks "who's your neighbor, who's your friend" to the hate that's all around. This is not 'Acid For The Children', like Michael Balzary's moving memoir, more inspiration for them to see the Californian sun, as the Los Angeles times of the Lakers superfan warns, in purple and gold, "you're scaring the kids, the beautiful kids," with "civil war" echoes in the background. More than just a "little scrap of squiggly crayon on a paper", Flea gives us one of the most innovative and influential songs of the first quarter with the indelible mark, "See the god in everyone/Everyone leaves out no one/And everything besides love is cowardice/You wanna be brave, you wanna be tough?/Peace and love is the toughest, hardest thing you can do/Build a bridge, it's where the courage is." 

Live for peace and love, because it really is all we've got. I bet you never thought BTS and the RHCP would have something in common, aside from an army of fans, but here they are, playing Netflix and Spotify (or wherever you stream your sounds) hot potato. Last New Music Friday, the South Korean pop powerhouse released their 'Arirang' album after years of mandatory military service for their members. All whilst filming 'The Comeback' live for Netflix from Seoul's legendary Gwanghwamun Square. On the same day, the most successful streaming service also gave us the documentary 'The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel', featuring moving accounts from Flea and Anthony Kiedis, the perfect precursor to this week's album from Flea. Not to mention a new BTS documentary, 'The Return', on, you guessed it, Netflix. Flea's album joining the likes of those boys, BLACKPINK, Harry Styles, Labrinth, J. Cole, Jill Scott, Willow, Mumford & Sons, U2, and Bruno Mars, who brought the Chilis out at the Super Bowl, as one of the best albums, and the most compelling, in an already complex calendar.

It's hard to believe it's been four years since the Red Hot Chili Peppers great comeback, with guitarist John Frusciante in tow. One that gave us two albums, 'Love Unlimited' and the 'Return Of The Dream Canteen', in the same year. And this doubling up, from doc to solo set, is definitive, too. Lucky for us, we've had thirteen albums from the Red Hots. Not to mention that many from Frusciante, and also a set of albums under his alias, Trickfinger. Finally, Flea is getting in on the act with an amazing album that is so iconic we can't wait until he blows like Miles again. All the way down to 'Honora's' (named after a loved family member) amazing album artwork, featuring Flea's mother-in-law Shahin Badiyan in sixties Iran with a bird on her shoulder. Sure, we know Flea as one of the best bassists around. Like Este Haim, or Ami Kusakari of Japan's Sakanaction. Known to defy the conventions of looking bored with the bass, as he moves across the stage, like the lines on a song-sheet. But his horn section is incredible too. So much so, this jazz album is even better than Outkast member Andre. 3000's iconic, Grammy grabbing 'New Blue Sun'. We're sure we'll see a Flea at the Blue Note jazz club, here in Tokyo, soon. Better put on a shirt.

All around the world, we're waiting, in concert, for a man who has laboured long enough for his own passion project. He started recording an album back in the mid-90s. He almost had it in '98, but scrapped his plan in order to make 'Californication'. Yet the scar tissue of his best laid plans remained. In 2012, Flea gave us 'Helen Burns', an epic EP, but this is an actual album. One that features Radiohead's Thom Yorke, like you've never heard him before, at the 'Traffic Lights', and the great Nick Cave (on the Western movie ready, 'Wichita Lineman') one week after he remade his 'Peaky Blinders' Red Right Hand theme for the bad seed of 'The Immortal Man' (yep...on Netflix). But it's the 'Morning Cry' precursor of the ten-minute 'Frailed' that might be the cinematic highlight of the set. Although this jazz album's cover of Frank Ocean's 'Thinkin Bout You', and its live performance with a small orchestra on Late Night Will Jimmy Fallon is really turning talking heads. Yet, reuniting with the great master of funk George Clinton, Flea really speaks on 'Maggot Brain' when he urges us to look at what we're doing to a planet that's rotting at the core.

"Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time/Because, ladies and gentlemen/You have knocked her up." Similar to that Andre Benjamin was saying when he said "mother earth is dying, and we continue to f### her to death" as he vibrated higher on 'The Love Below'. This Nonesuch label album wants to put down more for the record, too. And it shows and tells. Featuring all the players. Even some of his Hot Chili friends that have helped him get by with a little help. Inspired by Michael's love for jazz, the 'Golden Wingship' really spread its own, covering the greats like Ann Ronnell ('Willow Weep For Me'), and even taking us back 'Under The Bridge' to classic call and response Chili's with the closer 'Free As I Want To Be'. Like Yorke sings at the traffic stop, "The whole or just a part of it/Call us when you're sick of it/Other people's prejudice/Can you spot the difference?" There's a message to this music for you radio, heads. There's more playing behind the notes in a man who has never stuck to the hymn sheet, or script. Even when he's amazingly acted in everything from 'The Big Lebowski' to 'Boy Erased'. This isn't the first time the Red Hot wild card has taken a left turn. But it's his most personal and profound yet. Bass to trumpet, in your honour, this is the best Flea market. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'A Plea', 'Frailed', 'Thinkin Bout You'.

Spin This: Andre. 3000 - 'New Blue Sun' 

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: THE RISE OF THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - OUR BROTHER HILLEL

4/5

He Was Red Hot

95 Mins. Starring: Anthony Kiedis, Flea & John Frusciante. Director: Ben Feldman. On: Netflix.

Dave Navarro, Josh Klinghoffer, Will Ferrell? California's band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, have had more legendary former members than there are Lakers jerseys in the Los Angeles' rafters. Such is the nature of line-up changes in rock music, that feels like a sport in itself, the Grammy museum being just across the road from the purple and gold home in Figueroa. No past member, mind you, save the returning John Frusciante, was more of an iconic influence than late, great guitarist Hillel Slovak. The man that the great Frusciante based his own freaky styles on. He's here, on record, to tell you as such. One of the great guitar Gods we lost tragically in 1988, when he was just 26-years-young.

Next New Music Friday, Flea will finally give you his own solo project, 'Honora', that we just have to honour and trumpet. Set to be an instant classic like its iconic album artwork of record dedication love in black and white. The first RHCP release we've been peppered with since 2022's double-delight return of 'Love Unlimited' and the 'Return Of The Dream Canteen'. And this documentary, 'The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel', directed definitively by Ben Feldman, is the perfect precursor to this. Even though the band's official Instagram confirmed that this doc was actually unofficial, despite testimonials from Anthony Kiedis, Flea and John Frusciante...this was before the great Chad Smith's time to shine on the skins. Streaming on Netflix, for their own big weekend, after hitting a home run with the World Baseball Classic, following their strike-out on the Warner Bros. deal. Giving us not only their long-awaited 'Peaky Blinders' movie, 'The Immortal Man', but 'The Comeback' of South Korean pop juggernaut BTS for 'Arirang'.

Slovak was a sweet, sensitive soul, who was taken far too soon by the influence of drugs. In those LA times he was a rider of the storm, without a shirt, like the murals of the legendary Jim Morrison that open the doors to Venice Beach...wide. Hillel would journal like a beat poet and even scrawl sublime sketches that will remind you of the art of John Lennon...all in his own style, mind you. He had such an inspired impact on others. Especially Anthony and Michael...just wait until you hear the story of how he became "Flea". And why for this rise of the Red Hots is this film the perfect set-up for Balzary's solo set, next week? Because Hillel was the one who told Flea he should pick up a bass and slap it, like Este or Ami. Seeing Flea get emotional will break your heart in an utterly moving and sad story as Kiedis gets candid and compelling, too. Hillel Slovak appeared on four Chili Peppers albums, appearing on one track of the magnificent 'Mother's Milk', and the crosswalk with their sock of c###s out, 'The Abbey Road E.P.', but his memory and impression is still on the strings, punctuating their percussion to this day. The Red Hot Chili Peppers don't rise without their brother. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Devo', 'Keith Richards-Under The Influence', 'Red Hot Chili Peppers: Woodstock '99'.

REVIEW: BTS - ARIRANG

4/5

Back For Love

ARMY, rejoice and stand up, as the military service stands down and discharges. BTS are back in your area, about to cause mass hysteria. Almost a mere month after fellow K-Pop phenomenon BLACKPINK! returned to meet their 'Deadline' with an EP to make you 'GO!' All on the same weekend they will air 'The Comeback' of their 'Arirang' album live on Netflix. Much like the 'One Night In Manchester' Harry Styles and the streaming service gave us to mark his new perfect pop album, 'Kiss All The Time, Disco, Occasionally', a fortnight back. His One Direction were the Backstreet Boys biggest boy band of all-time. That was until BTS became the most fantastic since the fab four of The Beatles. Take that! And now after all members, RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, Jung Kook and V, have finally completed their mandatory military service for the South Korean army, here's proof that they're back for good...and love. 'Arirang' in Korean being a traditional folk song passed down through generations of longing, separation and resilience. Found in translation to the devotion of a "beloved one." In-Yun, 8,000 past lives.

Let it ring out, as the bells of 'No. 29' toll. This album title's folk roots also serve as a symbol of peace between the north and south. These Bangtan Sonyeondan, "bulletproof boy scouts" already know how to bring the watching world they dominate together, from speaking at the United Nations to ones across the world knowing their big hits, word-for-word, like they were learning Korean. Add the sensational single 'SWIM', on a stunning ship, to the streams, as this sweet song is even sung in English. And guess what her name is, as 'Riverdale' and 'Hustlers' actress Lili Reinhart co-stars? "Swim, swim/Water falling off your skin/Swim, swim/I could spend a lifetime watching you", sung by 'Are You Sure?' Disney + travelogue cohorts Jimin and Jung Kook ("cham, cham, CHAM!"), probably written whilst they were taking in the scenes of Switzerland. Solo sets from all members, most notably RM, J-Hope and Suga, have tided us over during their four-year hiatus. But now they return to a crowded calendar that's already given us Labrinth, friend of Hope, J. Cole, Jill Scott, Willow, Mumford & Sons, U2, Bruno Mars and many more, like Red Hot Chili Pepper Flea going at it on his bass own for next week's trumpet solo.

Play the horns for this one though, because the moment the outstanding opening of 'Body To Body' goes skin-to-skin with your speakers, you know it's back on. Instant repeat. All for an American pop inspired left turn for these chopped and screwed, hardcore 'Hooligan's' calling themselves crazy with Britney Spears shout out respect, no toxicity. These idols brought us back up from a modern-day system of a down, teaching us to love ourselves. Now they return with a much grimier, gutter set, albeit still suited up in trademark garb to go with their new album logo that has already become ARMY member iconic. Sure, you'll miss the smooth sounds of 'Butter' and the hits that exploded on the charts like 'Dynamite'. Maybe the cute, pure pop days left the day they shaved their scalps for another army. The bubblegum has perhaps burst. But they already told us the best was yet to come. And this could be it! It might not be their biggest and best (a new, nuanced 'NORMAL' on their instant hit-making 'Merry Go Round'), but from version '2.0' dialling it up, to the sick sample of 'they don't know 'bout us'', this could be the most compelling and cohesive set that finally garners them the Grammy they should have been granted by now.

All the way grown up, 'Aririang', long-awaited and highly-anticipated, like nothing else, is something else. Something more. More mature. Whether out of this world 'Aliens' or acting 'Like Animals' with feral feeling, these boys who will always be like themselves have become your valentines again, akin to their rose installations in London, Los Angeles, and of course, Seoul. That's all they needed to promote an album that already surpassed four million pre-orders before it even hit shelves and streams. No song snippets of the saccharine 'One More Night', or sincere 'Please', 'FYA' (sublime). No single until 'SWIM' hit shores at the same time. But it barely mattered. The ARMY knew, and in turn we trust this. To follow 'Into The Sun', like Icarus, singing, "Twenty-four, 24/7 feel like twenty-four (Twenty-four)/태양을 향해 뛰어도 (뛰어도), 가까워지진 않아도 (않아도), oh, no/Don't be afraid, 기억해, 그저 잠시뿐인 걸 어두운/밤을 지나/아침이 오는 걸 맞으며 눈을 떠 into the sun" with sugar and hope. And if you miss the anthems, never fear. They're all here until the 'ARMYRANG' last call of dedication. The big hits are back with Hybe hype. The reunion is done. Here is the 30th Korean national treasure. It's time to enlist this. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Body To Body', 'SWIM', 'They Don't Know 'Bout Us'.

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