Physics is sonakonadore’s first full length following multiple singles. With a 2019 debut, releasing a nine-song album after only singles seems like a daunting task. The album also includes a lot of features to round out sonakonadore’s R&B, indie pop, and tagged “funk rock.”
The short “OMW” is a light and casual walk into the album. It’s mixing R&B, funk, and pop into an addictive greeting. From that song, sonakonadore follows it up with a standard R&B, jazz, and pop song, “Frostbite.” This includes the first features with uyoonji. When I’m listening, it’s a little difficult to hear uyoonji‘s vocals and she could be supporting with the chorus.
“OohWeE” is one of the main singles and is a pop-forward funk track. It’s a commercially viable track while also being a fun little upbeat song. It’s a nice album marker and probably the album’s playlist-ready track. “Fixx” is an instrumental interlude focused on funk, synth, and jazz. I kind of want an entire album of this music.
The next song with a feature is “Inquiry.” This one is a quirky, indie pop, and funk track that showcases sonakonadore’s vocals. Even though the music leans into R&B and funk a lot, sonakonadore could be a pitch perfect indie pop artist, following OOHYO. Collie‘s feature is a nice mid-track tangent that splits the song.
“Inquiry” starts a set of feature tracks. “Vibrate” featuring HAEY sounds more like a duet. The pair’s vocals match well and the low-key energy is great. I was surprised to hear ecru take vocals on “Chill.” sonakonadore was behind the boards with the composition, lyrics, and arrangement. It’s a great presentation of sonakonadore’s production talents.
“Hold Tight” is similar to “Chill.” This time the orchard leads the song. I think sonakonadore performs a supporting vocal role here. And it’s another great example of sonakonadore’s production skills. It’s within the general style that she composes, but it matches the vocalist’s energy. A smooth and moody R&B song.
The final song is “BABO” with two features – IMSEMO and Eunsu Baek. The song is led by the features. But what I like about this track is that it combines funk and synth together into this weird pop fusion. A nice closer that eases the listener out.
Physics is an apt title for the album. It’s a lot of energy moving through each song, and the features add a different fusion to lead songs into different directions. The mellow nature of the album makes it move like a breeze, but take the time to focus on each song. A great set of songs.
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Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.