South Korean group LuciDream first caught this scribe’s attention at the tail end of 2023 with their fourth single “Ego.” Wildly fusing together frantic metalcore/melodeath riffing patterns, harsh screams, punchy electronics and EDM, and an idol sound that felt more Jpop than Kpop (some writing collaborations with renown vocaloid producer Utsu-P probably have something to do with that), the then two-piece had some strong pull that would easily sway fans of groups like PassCode their way. Persona is their first full-length album, with the group also recently announcing the expansion from the Ria/PPOYO duo to a four piece to include new members Yuna and Luna.
Much like other acts in the alt idol space, what keeps LuciDream interesting is the number of different elements they have going on in a single track. “Mannequin” is a nice recent example, with it’s electronic opening quickly moving into punchy, metalcore riffing and harsh growled vocals that eventually work their way into a massive breakdown, yet the chorus emphasizes more of a poppy, electronic base with the singing pushed to the forefront while some of the drum battery continues behind, alongside some winding riffs. It’s an interesting counterposition, and one the group flirts with heavily over the course of the album. “Personal Color” has some incredibly catchy vocal hooks and danceable electronics, but it doesn’t keep it from exploding into a volley screams and heavy riffs at opportune moments.
The most divisive track will undoubtedly be that of “Mess Up!” as it drops almost all metallic elements and full-on dives into pop and hip hop elements alongside it’s EDM backdrop. But for what it’s worth, the track is playful and fun, offering a nice break from the chaos that surrounds it in it’s sixth track position. Plus, if you compare it to other tracks, such as that of “Unhappiness Soul,” it feels pretty much in line with the band’s already established electronic side and dabblings into hip hop elements, just giving this side the spotlight instead of bombarding it with heavier components. Realistically, if you are going to dive all in with a track like “Pray,” which ping-pongs between upbeat and dancy choruses with autotuned vocals and almost militarized battery and devastatingly low growls, chances are you have quite a bit of open-mindedness to begin with.
With a number of these songs coming from LuciDream’s previous EPs, Persona provides a nice entry point for newcomers interested in exploring the alt idol scene and a group outside of the Japanese scene. LuciDream’s sound has a raw and unpolished feel to it that other groups shy away from, and it helps to give them a more energetic and vicious sound that still doesn’t hesitate to embed itself into your brain and take up residence for a while. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Persona has an addictive brand of melodic chaos that is sure to grab any listener who wants to give it a shot.