ARIRANG

This one is pure tribalism. Is it any good, artistically? I don’t know. It might. I doubt it, but it’s possible. I long ago lost claim to reason about these kids, now very much grow men. If there is any value in it, it’s in examining how the biggest pop band in the world can still make their fans see them as struggling underdogs, plucky sensitive artists who need help. Never mind their financial stake in HYBE, one of the biggest record labels in the world, every one has branched into serious capitalist expansion into fashion, sport, real estate, et cetera. But I, like every other fan, see them as fluffy bunnies, fifteen minutes old, three apples tall, doe eyed and perplexed. Loved the album. Would have probably loved fifteen tracks of screaming babies. It is what it is.