Review Summary: A K-Pop Vibe
SPACE MULAN is a vibe. Formerly of EvoL, BÉBE YANA’s first full-length EP embraces a vibrant pop style full of dance-y rhythms and entrancing grooves. From the opening keyboard synths of “1-2-3” to the closing bassy electronics and delicate vocals of “IN THE BATTLE,”
SPACE MULAN flows gracefully with its simplistic beats and subtle melodies. Never delving deep into the technical aspects, BÉBE YANA remains comfortably in her subdued pop/dance sound, leaning heavily on basic drum patterns and easily digestible synthwork. Yet while the instrumentation remains vibrant and accessible, the lyricism lacks the same quality. Although meant in a light-hearted manner, many of the lyrics come across as juvenile. WIth narrative like “
I wake up in the morning / picking up my iPhone, checking on the gram / you come and touch my hands,” BÉBE YANA misses the mark and loses traction with lazy, and at times aggravating, lyrical writing. Yes, while some of the topics of remaining strong in battle and “die or fight” like Mulan are uplifting in a sense, the inconsistency leaves much to be desired. Nonetheless,
SPACE MULAN is an easy listen that satisfies with its bright pop tones and upbeat grooves, making it a worthwhile addition to the realm of solo k-pop.
