‘Digital’The first track on Kang Daniel’s mini-album sets the tone for the journey listeners are about to undertake with a clear message ringing through: this album is nothing like anything he has ever made before. It starts off with a classic alt-rock beat that swivels its way into pop-rock, giving off a distinct sound that hasn’t quite been dealt with in K-Pop. However, it is not entirely unfamiliar in the Western music circle. What is truly innovative here is Kang Daniel’s ability to marry his influences together seamlessly to create a unique sonic experience. The deeper meaning behind the song is not so hidden after all, referring to the netscape as a battleground where enemies are conveniently hidden behind usernames and anonymity. Perhaps this is even more relevant, especially with the artist launching his own exclusive fanclub in an attempt to make his digital space safer. ‘Paranoia’The dark atmosphere set forth by the first song is carried over in ‘Paranoia’ as the artist delves deep into intricate details of paranoia as a valid emotion. The subtle Latin swing is a brilliant touch to the groove, giving the song just the right amount of bounce. What makes this song more appealing is once again, how Kang Daniel manages to express such a grave theme in an extraordinarily sensuous way. It is easy-going yet strong, impactful yet gentle at the same time and that is what you call musical genius. ‘Misunderstood’ (feat. Omega Sapien)At this point, a casual listener would think that they have gauged the general sound of the album and Kang Daniel as an artist. However, interestingly, he has an innate transformative quality about his voice that keeps you on your toes, guessing what’s to come next. At every turn, you’ll find yourself thinking, “I didn’t know he could sound like that!” and that is exactly the case with this track. The lo-fi base of the song is backed perfectly with a marching band-like beat and a constant refrain. Kang Daniel sure has the sharp ability of a CEO because his eye for featuring artists is incredible with this album. Omega Sapien amplifies the intensity of the song without ever overpowering any element, making him the perfect addition to the song. ‘Antidote’Call it misjudgment on part of Kang Daniel or heightened expectations on part of listeners but the title track ‘Antidote’ feels overwhelmingly anti-climactic in comparison to the album so far. Kang Daniel returns to the pop sound we have always been familiar with when it comes to his music so while it isn’t necessarily a mediocre track, it is definitely predictable. On the other hand, this might be the one song from the album, if any, that gets a wider majority of the K-Pop fandom into Kang Daniel’s music because it is on the more mainstream side stylistically and as such, will appeal to more people without a doubt. ‘Save U’ feat. WonsteinThere couldn’t have been a better song to wrap up this beautiful musical journey called “YELLOW”. In what feels wonderfully like a K-Drama OST, Kang Daniel brings together an EDM beat, coupled with Hip-Hop and a magically soothing yet nostalgic melody in one single song. This song is the prime example and culmination of Kang Daniel’s artistic faculties as well as a glimpse into the magnanimous well of talent he is nurturing. Once again, Wonstein makes for the ideal featured artist, especially with his youthful voice and unique flow. Wonstein has been an in-demand artist for quite a while, with H1GHR Music’s BIG Naughty featuring him in his song, ‘Girl At The Coffee Shop’ as the latest example. ‘Save U’ also carries a sense of “saving oneself”, especially with its positioning at the end of an album that predominantly dealt with the appeal for a savior. KANG DANIEL - ‘Antidote’ M/V MUSIC VIDEO|Apr 13, 2021
