Korean synth pop unit Glen Check has released its new EP, “X-Dreams,” today, Friday, April 25th.
After debuting in 2011, he won the Best Dance Electronic Music Award at the Korean Popular Music Award, which is also known as the Korean Grammy Award for the second consecutive year. Glen Check is performing at festivals around the world to expand his range of activities. In Japan, it also attracted attention in 2024 when their songs “Dazed & Confused” and “4ever” were used as insert songs for Netflix’s “Boyfriend.”
This is a five-song EP that takes place from recording to mixing themselves, and incorporates a wide range of musical genres, expands the possibilities of pop music in a free style, and even their own possibilities. The entire piece expresses the bright, free-spirited essence of summer, while combining reggae, dub, trip hop, breakbeats, shoegazer and mudchester to create a musical identity that is fresh and unique to them.
The music video for the lead song, “Good Times,” is a video that fully enjoys the vibrant summer atmosphere shot in Phuket, with reggae, dub and gospel chorus layered with psychedelic synthesizers, creating a dynamic soundscape with a summer anthem.
[X-Dreams self-liner notes]
“X-Dreams” is an album that has been transformed into a form, as fragmented musical imaginations that have long been floating in our minds.
The previous work, “Bleach,” was a work that could be called a “reset” from a completely unsatisfactory state, but “X-Dreams” continues the journey and takes you into a new realm where endless dreams unfold.
We have always loved music in a wide range of genres. Therefore, we decided to fully incorporate this diverse musicality into this album, without being bound by a particular style. Reggae, dub, breakbeat, shoegaze, psychedelia and nostalgia intertwined in one song, some of which were born from the simple image of sunlight.
We followed a DIY approach, doing everything from recording to mixing with our own hands, and using old mixers and consoles to put our heart into each and every sound. Sometimes he paid attention to every detail, sometimes he made bold and reckless attempts.
“X-Dreams” is released in three parts, each with a different worldview and emotions. This first chapter is packed with sunlight, summer air and playful energy. Based on the desire to share the “Good Times” that we felt, we put our desire to incorporate the voices of people who love music into our works.
An album is not completed in an instant, but it grows and evolves over time. I believe that if you join us on this journey, it will have even more special meaning.
[Release Information]
Glen Check “X-Dreams”
Release Date: 2025.04.25 (Fri.)
Label: EMA Recordings
Tracklist:
1. Good Times
2. Head In The Sun
3. In The Air
4. Sunkissed
5. Odd Girl
