Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Dream catcher” by NELL

This indie pop track from the K-indie band NELL opens with playful, boppy synths that wouldn’t feel out of place on an Owl City song. Then frontman Jong Wan enters with his unique voice. The song’s simple melody allows you to focus on the lyrics, which encourage listeners to hold on just a little longer. The pre-chorus introduces a marching snare, but the snare’s beat is swung, keeping the playfulness intact while building energy into the chorus.

 

The song’s drop into the chorus was completely unexpected the first time I listened through it. Suddenly the swung playfulness completely gave way to anthemic melodrama. The driving snare was replaced by a straight-rhythmed stomp-clap. Jong Wan suddenly became the frontman to an energetic and impassioned chorus of voices, all shouting along to the same urgent plea. It feels like something the band fun. would do – only I prefer Jong Wan to Nate Reuss.