Photo credit by Woollim Ent

[Review] Kim Sung Kyu – INSIDE ME

Kim Sung Kyu, leader of the group INFINITE, is finally back after more than two years with a new solo mini-album ‘INSIDE ME’. This is his third mini-album.

INSIDE ME

We open with the intro that has the same title as the EP. It’s just under two minutes and just wow. We go from instrumental and opera-esque to EDM and bass with several samples. It’s a rather interesting mix of styles. 

Next up is the title track ‘I’m Cold’ that came accompanied by a new music video. The bass in this track is hella dope. I really enjoy Lee Sung Kyu’s vocals and the more R&B angle of the single. I’m a bit in love with the bridge where most of the instrumentation falls away and it’s almost entirely his vocals alone. 

‘Fade’ follows that with a haunted melody from a music box. I was quite shook with the amount of reverb on his first word, but thankfully that doesn’t stay throughout the full song. I like the vocal layering in this track a lot. It’s almost like he’s having a conversation with himself. 

Next up

After that we get the track ‘Room’ which was co-written by Sunwoo Jung Ah and Kim Sung Kyu. This is a beautiful ballad that has some amazing instrumentation and stunning vocals. I think this song will definitely find a way into my ballads playlist. Honestly, it’s a 10/10 for me. 

We’re on track number five with ‘DIVIN’’ which brings us back to that smooth and retro R&B feel. This feels a lot lighter than ‘Room’ which brought a moment of gravitas to the album. The bridge is outstanding!! Hello vocals! This is lovely. 

The last track on the EP is ‘Climax’. This is the second track that was co-written by Kim Sung Kyu. With this song he shares that he will use all of his passion and determination to sing without stopping. I really dig this track. I like the combination of the playful yet determined instrumentals with the little samples. It keeps it fresh. 

Go ahead and check out ‘INSIDE ME’ by Kim Sung Kyu on Spotify here. It’s a solid comeback and I hope that he delivers many more.

Ilse Van Den Heede
A writer with a slight coffee addiction and a tendency to find K-Indie gems in the YouTube rabbit hole.