In a wonderful feat for K-pop acts, girl-group Dreamcatcher has become the first female K-pop act to top the Billboard Next Big Sound chart.
In the glamorous, glittering world of K-pop, acts that often go against the tide find themselves getting lost in the stream. Against the polished, sophisticated, glittering bubble of pop, genres such as rock and nu-metal find themselves on a slower path, reconciling themselves with the prospect of delayed recognition.
Dreamcatcher, however, seem to be proving this notion false. In a historic achievement, the girl-group has become the first female K-pop act to top the Billboard Next Big Sound chart.
For the uninitiated, the Billboard Next Big Sound analyses charts, reports, and data across music sites to map out and statistically predict acts that are poised to achieve greatness.
The news comes shortly after Dreamcatcher sent the K-pop world abuzz with their latest album, Dystopia: Road to Utopia. Released on January 26th, the seven-track album comes spearheaded by ‘Odd Eye’, the single that takes Dreamcatcher back to their nu-metal roots.
Dreamcatcher nabbing the coveted first spot on the Next Big Sound chart is not just a major achievement for the chart, but also an indication of the evolving proclivities of K-pop listeners.
Since their debut, the seven-member act has set themselves apart from the regular roster of girl-group releases through their rock-leaning, nu-metal sound. With themes revolving around the gothic and the occult, they have often been compared to The Pretty Reckless and Evanescence, being commended for a musical style that K-pop acts usually shy away from.
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With diverse sounds often getting lost in the cornucopia of R&B and sleek pop, Dreamcatcher’s achievement, thus, stands out as the dark horse.
Of course, this isn’t the act’s first stint on a major chart. In 2017, their first EP Prequel ranked No. 5 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. In 2018, they reached No. 7 on the same with ‘Escape The ERA’.
Check out ‘Odd Eye’ by Dreamcatcher:
