Never did I think I would be writing a review of an AI generated K-pop group on this site. Let alone a positive one. But, sometimes the worlds comes at you with the strangest of surprises. Especially when you least expect it. Enter MAVE:’s Pandora a song that though performed entirely by virtual idols, takes inspiration from some of the strongest aspects of the more maximalist side of modern girl group pop to craft a pretty potent single.
Though a rather common name, I always come into any song titled Pandora with a sense of heightened expectations. Something which I attribute to KARA’s absolutely majestic single of the same name, which itself stands as one of the greatest K-pop songs of all time. But even with that in mind, MAVE:’s Pandora stands as a pretty strong track. With an aespa comeback seeming absurdly out of reach, Pandora works as a sort of stand in, heavily emulating sounds peddled by both the girls from SM and adjacent virtual groups in the vein of the ever popular K/DA. In fact, bar the rather standard performance, the opening verse sounds almost exactly like something out of an aespa track. And I mean that in the most positive way possible. The industrial production coupled with the towering chorus are also a treat, harnessing a sense of anthemic energy that bypasses so many of the elements that could potentially derail similar efforts.
In fact, my main issue with Pandora is that despite its many merits and exciting production, it’s not really that memorable. Sure it conjures a sense of urgency through its explosive centrepiece and the attitude is appreciated but I keep coming away from the track without really feeling anything. It’s all around very solid but just lacks the kind of extra factor that would really cement its status. And while the prior comparisons to aespa are a plus, it also fails to paint a unique picture for an AI girl group that already feels a little disconnected due to their concept. However, that shouldn’t undermine the otherwise potent energy of one of 2023’s early surprises.
Verses: 8
Chorus: 9
Production: 8
Performance: 8
Final Rating: 8.25 / 10
KBopped 
I am impressed overall cuz it’s much better than I expected. It’s obvious the potential is there but has away too go to out shine reality.
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