A year after the release of their previous chart-topper, K-pop crew
NCT 127
released their fifth Korean-language album,
Fact Check
. There are few surprises here, just more of what they do best: hard-hitting dance anthems to get the heat rising (the booming "Fact Check" and stomping "Parade" are highlights), sweet moments that highlight their vocal prowess ("Misty" and "Real Life"), and straightforward rap for good measure ("Je Ne Sais Quoi"). At a tight nine tracks, it's also one of the group's shorter LPs, making an ideal experience that doesn't overwhelm. ~ Neil Z. Yeung