[Album Review] REALIEZ (4th Mini Album) – KANG DANIEL

I finally wrote a review for WASTELAND, the early June pre-release single for KANG DANIEL’s REALIEZ mini-album the other week. And with that review out the way, I can now post an album review for REALIEZ. Alongside WASTELAND is the title track SOS, which was also released in June of this year. REALIEZ follows on from KANG DANIEL’s first studio album release from Summer and Autumn 2022 – The Story/The Story: Retold. As usual, links to the full review for the title and pre-release tracks and my thoughts on the side tracks are down below.

1. Wasteland (Pre-Release Single) – Click here for the review of Wasteland. (9/10)

2. SOS (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for SOS. (8.5/10)

3. Supernova – Later released in Japanese, Supernova is pop rock track that some really cool instrumental moments. The pop rock aspect of Supernova is already quite adequate in itself, but the producers really amped it up with some dynamic drumming kicks in the chorus that itches something within me that I didn’t know needed to be itched and a short guitar solo that is so satisfying. There is also a funky undertone to the track, which makes it a cooler track. KANG DANIEL’s vocals and rapping are superb and he turns it into an effective track. (9/10)

4. Liar – The switch between guitars and atmospheric synths in Liar is very intriguing. But it all somehow comes together. In this track, KANG DANIEL talks about the lies he and his former partner/lover told themselves, which ultimately resulted in their breakup, and him hoping that by opening up about them will allow the pair come back to one another. It is an emotional track that KANG DANIEL does well in delivering. (8/10)

5. Dreaming – Ending the album on a dreamy note is Dreaming. Out of all the songs on this mini-album, KANG DANIEL’s vocals fit the best in Dreaming. The instrumentation for Dreaming is layered with synths, guitars, drumming and piano – all of which does come together to feel tranquil. But there is quite a bit going on when paired with the vocals, to the point where it does feel a bit heavy handed. But somehow, KANG DANIEL’s vocals poke through the instrumentation just fine and allows the track to take you away. (8/10)