Three very different K-pop releases dropped today. Honestly? I won’t be comparing one to the other – it’s like comparing apples to oranges to durians. That’s how different they are.

Here are my immediate first-listen vibe check for each:

TREASURE – Shock
The Vibe: Rap-heavy, hip-hop
First Impression: I expect no less from a YG Entertainment group – very strong rap. Is it just me, though, that a scene from the MV looked a bit like BANG BANG BANG by BIGBANG? Is that a nod to the legendary YG group or unintentionally done so? Not that it matters – just looks familiar to me and brought a bit of a smile from me.

TWS – Call My Name
The Vibe: Refreshing, feel-good pop
First Impression: It’s refreshing and makes you feel good. I didn’t have a look at the lyrics but looking at the MV, I feel like it’s meant to uplift the youths. Some parts seemed to me like it’s made for fans to screenshot to make aesthetic wallpaper or Pinterest for daily reminders and to give them some positive energy, which is cute and sweet, if I get the intention right.

xikers – DIENAMITE
The Vibe: Very high rock energy
First Impression: While I’m a little bit familiar with TREASURE and TWS, I’m not so familiar with xikers’ game so as someone who has a high preference to rock music, I do really like the vibe at first listen. Watching the MV, I feel like it’s timed so right with Halloween that’s just passed. And I did see a cameo from a legendary frontman and vocalist of a Korean rock band called NoBrain, Lee Seong Woo. It fits with the whole vibe of the song.