A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

Writing about Dreamcatcher is always a bit complicated because I’m not sure the aspects I love about their music always match with the aspects prized by the majority of their fandom. There seems to be a strong preference for the group to lean as hard into rock as they can – especially when it comes to production. But, I usually prefer their more electronic experiments or – in the case of Fairytale – songs that fully embrace classic rock melodies.

I don’t know where my brain was in January 2019, but I missed the chance to feature Over The Sky as a buried treasure. That remains one of my favorite Dreamcatcher tracks for the same reason I enjoy Fairytale. Both harness an anthemic surge of strong melody. I don’t think Fairytale is quite as strong in this regard, but it’s definitely my favorite track on the new mini album.

In a way, Fairytale combines Dreamcatcher’s electronic and melodic sides. The song has a shimmering, retro quality. The structure follows rock tradition with guitar very present in the mix. But, the entire track is underlined by bright synths that give it a satisfying sheen. Like many of their best songs, it sounds a little like the opening to an anime. I love the surging melody of the chorus – especially when coupled with filtered guitars. The simplicity of the track shines ample spotlight on the group’s vocals, which stretch to the heavens during the series of well-placed power notes that make up Fairytale’s centerpiece.

Grade: B+