Song Review: Kang Daniel – Backseat Promises

It’s a very slow week (month) for K-pop, so while I might not usually cover a “track video” like the one promoting Kang Daniel’s new song Backseat Promises, a dearth of new material has forced my hand. But sometimes, a forced hand can be a gift in disguise. I’m glad I gave this track a listen.

For me, Kang Daniel’s material has been very hit and miss — more often landing in the “miss” category. I don’t find his tone all that engaging (it always sounds muffled, like he’s swallowing his words), but that sound works well on more indie-minded material. Backseat Promises is a subdued dance track, laying soft melodies over a bouncy beat driven by satisfying electronic textures. It’s more sprightly than expected and paints a nice mood. I’d prefer a more memorable chorus, but this isn’t the kind of track to grab you by the collar and demand attention. It’s more of a vibe.

Grade: B-