Thursday, May 31, 2012

A-JAX Debuts with "One 4 U" MV

New boy band A-Jax debuts with track "One 4 U"

        There has been hype for some time about DSP Entertainment's new boy group, previously referred to as "DSP Boyz." Later, a permanent name of A-Jax was given to the seven-member group. The name suggests strength, as A-Jax is the legendary warrior that lead the Greeks to victory in the Trojan War. The members consist of Hyeongkon, Jaehyung, Yunyoung, Hyojun, Sungmin, Seungjin and Seungyub. Teasers of each members were released throughout April, and their first appearance as a group was on April 24th, 2012, on MBC Music's "Making the Star- DSP Boyz" Their first pre-debut single was later released on May 15th and called "Never Let Go," a ballad featuring Kara's Goo Hara. The whole music video centers around Goo Hara with different looks- going from a young doll-like, tom-boyish girl strung on red wires to a more lively, independent young lady. I liked that the members did not make an appearances in the video- it brings the focus to the vocal quality of the song instead of their appearances, and hypes up the anticipation to their actual performance.


A-Jax "Never Let Go" MV ft Goo Hara

A-Jax "One 4 U" MV

Their official debut song with music video was officially released today and titled, "One 4 U." Here, the boys make a grand, impressive entrance with their engaging western intro, dark, high-contrast backdrop, mysterious identities and constant action. The music video starts out with servants milling about a balding guy on a throne. A visitor appears to bid the majesty, but as the newcomer raises his eyes, you see sharp Asian eyes glaring upwards in a close-up- obviously up to no good. My guess is that A-Jax is staging some coup to dethrone the king. You then hear the drumbeats of an epic match, and the intruder disappears with a wispy black streak of smoke and reappears somewhere else. Maybe he's a shaman? Magician? The contrast between their ethnicity, dark make-up and pointy clothing indicates that they are from an entirely different place. The K-Pop concepts come in as currently blond member, Heongkon, swipes his cape aside to reveal killer abs and the sequence of member shots begins. In between these scenes, the director inserts dance sequences of the boys in black outfits heavily decorated with glittery rhinestones. The group of seven eventually gather together and walk in a V-formation into the throne room, which is now on fire. As their enemy, the king is soon revealed in an unexpected close-up as a saggy, overweight, hag-like green ogre in a red cloak. Individual members are then locked inside black cages and appear again in a later shot wearing all black witch cloaks. Somewhere in there, a hot blonde girl in a revealing red exotic outfit is seen smizing from inside a cage. The originally bright, golden kingdom has transformed into a dark lair for the ogre and his hissing, witch-like minions in black cloaks. A battle ensues, and A-Jax kicks butt. One of the members telekinetically lowers the cage withholding the blonde girl to save her. The rap scene has the members falling in a synchronized circle to the ground, and the ending scene has them posed on the throne as streaks of bright light shine down on them, Batman-style. 


I find the video has a bit of everything- a intro with makes me curious, introduction of characters, an epic storyline with resolutions, contrasts between the characters, an obvious antagonist, a bit of sexy skin revealed, and a grand, intense atmosphere that makes the production less silly and more fun. The only weak point is that the video is so flashy that it makes me forget to notice the song. Instead, I imagine the track as background music only inserted to augment the drama in the video. I wouldn't mind it if they started out with a Greek battle theme after the name of their group to set themselves apart either. After all, boy band EXO also appeared in their debut music video with superhuman powers, and B.A.P. has already entered the K-Pop scene with a manly and tough image. I especially liked the choreography, since I've only see Infinite truly make use of the cool effects of a dance circle until now. With that intense backward drop scene, I'm sure the performance will be quite explosive on stage.



Wednesday, May 30, 2012

TEEN TOP releases "To You" MV


        Teen Top has officially released their new music video, "To You" from their mini-album "Artist," and the vibe is as chill and as catchy as ever. This song itself has a smooth, jazzy R&B vibe strung with a funky keyboard and guitar sound. My favorite part has to be the choreography- reminiscent of smooth Chris Brown moves in its casual and intricate flair. "To You" has the boys going for a more mature, laid back vibe and singing about a girl leaving them crestfallen. Think Sistar's "Alone," with the funky vibes and energy of Teen Top. What I like about Teen Top is that they have extremely catchy dance songs, high-energy dances, and a fierce stage presence. Their live performances always have a lot of energy, and they radiate a swag-like confidence despite being so young and having not debuted for so long. I commend their stylists for the more manly, clean outfits, while still maintaining a hip vibe with their stylishly dyed hair colors. Though their album already has a cool, relaxed sound, I wouldn't mind having at least one ballad thrown into the mix, either.

 
Listen to the rest of the tracks on Teen Top's mini-album "Artist" below:

"Artist"
 

"To You" (Love is Pure)

 "Baby U"

"Shake It!"

"To You" (Slow B version)

Saturday, May 26, 2012

G.NA "2Hot" music video too tacky?


          G.NA's style has always been glamorous and flirty, but with her latest music video, "2Hot" from her "Bloom" 3rd mini-album, is she starting to move further from stylish and heading towards tacky? I find that as female K-Pop stars grow older, they tend to lean towards a more aggressively flashy concept. For example, Lee Hyori tried out the rugged, punk-rock Lady Gaga concept with her album "H-Logic," and Baek Ji Young recently came back a sexy vixen-like concept for "Good Boy." As interesting as it is to see female solo artists establish stronger physical appearances with their comebacks, for G.NA, there seems to be less variety from her previous styles. She seems to be going backwards- instead of being more seductively sexy, she's pushing at slutty sexy. I can excuse the strawberry blond hair dyed to its dying stages and even the patch of actual strawberry red color her mane fades into. I can even swallow down that she's showing more skin than usual.


What takes everything over the top is the choreography- gyrating hips, spread legs and body rolls. It wouldn't be the first time you see these moves- K-Pop artists are becoming increasingly more sexual in their choreography. However, the sexuality level is increased tenfold when there are other girls grouped around G.NA and basically drying humping at her. If the "sex for sale" theme isn't enough, they bring in disgustingly buff guys dressed as firemen in the background to put out the fire that is G.NA. What's funny is that they don't even touch water- they just flex and smile like strippers instead. The random outfits and background makes me think this video has a major identity crisis and is trying to mesh together random Broadway plays. As a woman nearing her mid twenties, her stylists should really consider more appropriate outfits that glorify the appeal of a mature, more sophisticated woman, instead of overdo the sexy and turn her into a bubblegum bimbo. I'm not saying she's any of those negative connotations, only that her company is making her look that way. It's inappropriate... and so unflattering.


As for the song itself, I found myself being so distracted I didn't even notice if it was good. The piano banter (excuse my lack of musical terminology/limited knowledge) in the beginning was interesting, but it did not lead to or foreshadow the random, explosive chorus very well. Neither was the song catchy enough to catch my interest.

G.NA "2Hot" Music Video

I wish they would've followed through with the darker, more natural concept on the cover of her "Bloom" mini-album.She looks pretty, natural, and refine. What's more, she looks sexy without showing an ounce of cleavage... until they reveal another album jacket with her lower half... in a leotard that shows off buttcheek and bare leg. What's more ridiculous is that she looks impossibly thin- almost too much so. Netizens tend to compliment G.NA on her proportions, but from what I can see, her breast implants are making her backside look pretty flat. If they can airbrush her to look thinner, why won't they also airbrush it so her butt looks bigger, without creating a very fake, very impossible S-line?



Check out her live comeback performances below:

G.NA "2Hot" M! Countdown Comeback

If her bright gold and red hair wasn't enough, you're going to compete for the color competition with a metallic, iridescent flame-colored jacket over a sequined white and blue midriff top and unflattering, almost loose looking high-waisted, rhinestone-studded jean shorts? Then you're gonna pair it with reflective silver ankle boots? The only thing "hot" about her comeback outfit is that it's one "hot" mess.

G.NA "2Hot" KBS Music Bank Comeback

Here, the stage outfit is slightly better in that it actually color-coordinates and flatters her body. Despite, I don't know why it's necessary to add a tiara to this outfit, or the red hanker-chief accessory in her back butt pocket. My first question was, "Why do her back-up dancers look better than she does?" They actually look hot and sophisticated in that dark vest and shorts color scheme. G.NA, on the other hand, looks like somebody's sugar-mama.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

INFINITE in Mnet's "Ranking King" show


    After capturing the hearts of viewers through their other live shows such as "You Are My Oppa" and "Sesame Player," Infinite is back with a new album and a new show airing May 23rd called "Ranking King." The boys have a mock 'first meeting' in a remote-looking village and then compete with each other to determine the rankings amongst their group. Unlike their handsome, fierce looks onstage, Infinite is actually a very cute and "milky" group of boys who share much laughter together. Raw episodes in Korean are released every Wednesday. Follow them to witness their true dorky personalities and how their chemistry renders them such a cohesive group. I've provided links to all HD English-subbed parts/episodes below. Enjoy!

'Shia & Reagy's' Blog Page:
*Shortcut: Go to the link for Episode 14. Right above the screenshot (picture) it will say "Subbed Ranking King: Ep 1, Ep 2, Ep 3, Ep 4..." in green. Click on the episode you wish to view and you will be directed to the page. If not, just click on the links below:

Episode 1: (YouTube videos provided below), or:
http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/23727870360/eng-infinite-mnet-rank-king
Episode 2: (YouTube videos provided below), or:
Episode 3: http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/24856814660/eng-infinite-ranking-king-3
Episode 4: http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/25136894456/eng-infinite-ranking-king-4
Episode 5: http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/25780640060/eng-infinite-ranking-king-5-2parts
Episode 6: http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/26154840391/eng-infinite-ranking-king-6
Episode 7: http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/27087085437/eng-infinite-ranking-king-7
Episode 8: http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/27109206499/eng-infinite-ranking-king-8
Episode 9: (YouTube videos provided below), or:
http://www.youtube.com/user/dsyafiqah/videos?query=infinite+ranking+king+ep+9
Episode 10: http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/28116957632/eng-120725-infinite-ranking-king-ep-10
Episode 11: (YouTube videos provided below). or:
http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/28604732287/eng-infinite-ranking-king-11
Episode 12: http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/29121715667/eng-infinite-ranking-king-12-hd
Episode 13: (YouTube videos provided below). or:
http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/29587037706/eng-infinite-ranking-king-13
Episode 14: http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/30138891748/eng-infinite-ranking-king-14
Episode 15 (last episode): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QoQiozSdY8 (Click the links in the description box).

Infinite "Ranking King" Member Preview

Infinite "Ranking King" Preview

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep.1 (1/3) Eng sub

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 1 (2/3) Eng sub

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 1 (3/3) Eng sub

Seems like the boys of Infinite are growing up... and also growing younger. It's been a long time coming since their "Be Mine" promotions, and ever since their return with "The Chaser," many fans have taken notice of individual member's changes. Infinite themselves can agree that the member who changed the most was Sungjong, since he has grown more mature and manlier. Physically, he has experienced a growth spurt, to become the third tallest member in Infinite after Sungyeol and L. Speaking of Sungyeol, he has also seemed to change from the "choding" perverted kindergartener to a more reserved, chic and masculine man. Though it's only a glimpse of the first "Ranking King" episode, one can witness his aloof solemnity compared to his loud and mischievious tactics in "Sesame Player." His new stage outfits also reflect this- with tailored blazers, slacks and scarves that add a touch of high fashion.

Woohyun and L, on the other hand, has become more extroverted. The cutsey king seems more determined than ever to highlight his aeygo, and that shows in his clothing addition of large lenseless glasses. Hence, the "Harry Potter" comment. His clothes are in fun, bright, contrasting colors that welcome the warm weather, while the glasses and bow-tie add a touch of nerd-chic. L, on the other hand, looks like his slightly cooler, good-looking best friend who just happens to be shy about his handsome looks. He seems to be more outspoken and comfortable compared to the cool, ice-prince image he had before. What's sure to make some girls swoon is that despite being the "face of Infinite," having the "Most Kissable Lips" and his success in "Shut Up! Flower Boy Band," the attention seems to be making him more bashful than confident. The boy has become prone to looking down while bursting out in giggles and covering his lower face with the back of his hand.

Sunggyu has always been a leader, but lately, his age difference seems to stand out more than ever. He's 24 in Korean age and you can tell he's ready to seriously date, instead of just hang out with a bunch of rowdy lads. Hoya is known as the manly guy from Busan, and he has been more openly amused and laughing. Speaking of laughter, Dongwoo is the member that seemed to change the least (unless you're talking about his hair color). He's still free-spirited, laughs at practically everything, and completely adorable. His main change has to do with his appearance; Infinite's stylists have honed into the members' individual styles and subsequently, Dongwoo's sleek haircut, fitted slacks and vests are making him look more and more like the suave lady seducer.

 Infinite "Ranking King" Ep 2 (1/3) Eng Sub

Infinite "Ranking King Ep 2 (2/3) Eng Sub

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep 2 (3/3) Eng Sub

So the second episode was a little slow, but there are some upsides. First, you get to see Sungyeol smile and laugh again! Whoever thought the distant, quiet Sungyeol was going to be permanent can wipe the sweat from their eyebrows. This episode highlights just how loyal Infinite is to each other. Since Sungjong was voted by fans to be in 7th place in the likability rankings in the first episode, the members are trying to cheer him up by giving him extra lemon drops for voting. They all believe he is very pleasant, sensible and caring towards his hyungs (older brothers). I enjoyed watching him be gracious about being in last place, and all the members thought so too. At the end of the show, they ended up favoring him and pushed him to first place for friendliness. On the other hand, Woohyun's overpowering greasiness in kissing up towards the other members had him go from 1st to 6th place, and Sunggyu's crankiness and old man confidence made him slip from 3rd to 7th place. The boys got a good (harmless) laugh out of that one.


Infinite "Ranking King" Ep 3 (L Snippet- Eng Sub)

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 8 Preview

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep 9 (Preview)


Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 11 (1/3) Eng Sub

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 11 (2/3) Eng Sub

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 11 (3/3) Eng Sub


Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 13 (Preview)


 Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 13 (1/4) Eng Sub

Infinite "Ranking King Ep. 13 (2/4) Eng Sub

Infinite "Ranking King Ep. 13 (3/4) Eng Sub

 Infinite "Ranking King Ep. 13 (4/4) Eng Sub

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 15 (Preview- last episode)

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 15 (1/3) Raw

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 15 (2/3) Raw


Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 15 (3/3) Raw

Infinite "Ranking King" Ep. 15 "In the Summer" Raw


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

SHE'Z Girl Group Debuts with "My Way" MV


     I've been seeing this comment around lately, and that is there are just way too many new group debuts!  Other than not having time to keep track, my only issue is that K-Pop groups are becoming less distinctive. Among the females, it is particularly difficult to tell them apart. When I am introduced to a new band, here's the list of questions I run through:

- What sets you apart? Does your group name have any particular, personal reasons?
- Is your debut song good? How are your vocals in them? How many people out of the group are   singing/have decent singing abilities?
- How are those abilities live? Do you perform like a rookie or do you exude confidence? Can you make me forget you're a rookie group?
- Is your music video meaningful, pertains to the song, relevant?
- How do you introduce/describe yourself/individual members? 
- How does your group look together? Do you look cohesive, or like a random group of girls chosen to debut together? (This is one of my peeves- when companies easily remove a member and add another without reference to compatibility among a group. In that way, members seem non-unique, generic, and very replaceable).

She'z "My Way" Music Video

So with that in mind, my first impression of new girl group She'z is that they're very generic. What's more, the four members Lee Jinah, Lee Taeyeon, Kim Seyeon, and Kim Jiyoung either look very much alike, or similar to other girl group members out there. The song itself was catchy and I would add it to my playlist, but the lyrics about a girl doing whatever she wants without remorse just doesn't connect with me. Neither the outfits nor the concept was themed, unless you count one-piece urban suits and leotards with leggings ensembles with patterns similar to jailbirds. I'm not saying a concept or themed clothing is necessary to a debut or even a new track, but if you are going to introduce a girl group for the first time, it's always important to highlight their music style. To do that, presentation, whether in the music video or in their outfits, helps create an impression.

Jina, Taeyeon, Jiyoung, Saeyeon
Debuting from Line Entertainment, She'z has many MC and comedian contacts, and the group itself is the company's first attempt to expand into the K-Pop industry. Their company states, "She'z is the first group we are debuting after enlarging our company by adding a music business. The girls are receiving advice and training from their seniors, including important variety show skills, personal talents, and more. The members, on the other hand, are teaching their seniors to sing, and the label mates are growing close with one another." At the same time, the agency points out the girls have studied Voice at prestigious art schools, and all of them can sing at the level of main vocals. This should be their main selling point, because very few bands are dominantly made up of vocal all-stars. Spica was the closest group I have encountered so far where all the members can sing, and three of them have main-vocal potential. As for male groups, I only know of DBSK when they were a five-member group. Their debut song, "My Way" is catchy and commendable in that it isn't auto-tuned, so you hear the member's actual voices. True, they sound good, but the declaration that these girls have strong vocal ability will have to be surveyed further under live performances. Check them out below.


M! Countdown Debut Stage

Show Champion Debut Stage

Thursday, May 17, 2012

INFINITE Live Comeback Stage and Interviews

Infinite Backstage at M! Countdown Comeback for "The Chaser"



          Infinite finally kicked off their live music program appearances with a comeback stage on Mnet's M! Countdown. The boys started off with their slow ballad, "Only Tears." I'm always nervous when a band sings ballads, because it targets individual vocal ability. Background vocals are either very faint or non-existent, and there are no dance movements to help the pacing of the song. In the live performance of "Only Tears," Infinite sounds pretty darn good... until Sungyeol hits a very wrong high note. His live voice and background voice didn't mesh well in what sounded like another member singing over his lines. I don't blame the guy, it's one of his first times getting some main lines, and his first time singing a ballad live, but I do hope he'll improve before his next performance. With Infinite's level of popularity, they have worked too hard for recognition to have commit anything other than very minor mistakes.

With that said, their live performance of "The Chaser" went without a glitch, and Sungyeol was actually singing quite loud in his part. What I like about Infinite is that they perform with full energy and conviction, so even without 'Mr. Removed 'videos, you can still hear their live voice through the microphone. Sunggyu, Woohyun, Dongwoo and Hoya stood out the most in live "The Chaser" performances- due to their vocal strength, volume and domination of parts. This time around, Sungyeol stood out more than L in the singing bits, and is rivaling Sungjong in terms of attention and fierce gaze. I like that Woollim Entertainment is trying to test and broaden their weaker members' strengths. Sungjong is learning the piano and singing with more gusto than soft air. Sungyeol got to try rapping in "Cover Girl" and is receiving more prominent singing parts. They're also having L sing with a wider range in more difficult parts.




They also had a lengthy interview with Mnet about their comeback, posted below. I'll post the English Subs version and more live performances as they come out. Let's see them improve, shall we?


120517 Infinite Live M! Countdown Comeback Stage ("Only Tears" + "The Chaser")
12 0517 Infinite Mnet Wide Open Studio Interview (Eng Sub)
http://loveaegyo.tumblr.com/post/23741785744/eng-infinite-at-mnet-wide


Video Message From Infinite (Eng Sub)

Star Date- Sky-high interview (Eng sub)

Infinite L with MC Cut


KBS Music Bank Comeback

KBS Music Bank Waiting Room 


SBS Inkigayo Comeback "Only Tears"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alg2mOUWZq8
SBS Inkigayo Comeback"The Chaser"


M!Countdown Behind the Scenes Comeback (Eng sub)

 

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

DALMATION returns with "E.R." MV

Dalmation returns, looking like a masculine punk rock band
       After one year and three months, Dalmation finally returns to us with a their title track "E.R. (Emergency Room)" from their mini album, "State of Emergency." Dalmation is now one member less to be a five-person group. A new member, Simon is added to replace the previous lead rapper Day Day, who left for personal reasons. Dari is also absent to fulfill his military obligations. The guys shed their boyish charm from their last track, "That Man Opposed" and are coming back as robust men. In fact, Inati, Day Day, Dari and Simon are already at least in their mid 20's, while the rest of the members are 21 and 22. I'm glad they are playing the concept to the actual maturity of the members, instead of going backwards to fit in with the new pool of 1990's-born boy bands. With this new concept, the guys sport edgy hair-styles, dark tattoos, and taut abs. Since they are actually men instead of just attempting the mature concept, I am seduced by their smooth sound and solid stares.


The music video elucidates the irreparable grief of losing a lost one, where it be figuratively or literally. In the case of the MV, the guys are being encased in body bags, desperate and suffocated. The song has an acoustic feel with a hypnotic dance beat. Each member's voice sounds masculine and strong as they harmonize in the chorus. The cover above really does indicate what the album sounds like, as the rest of the tracks follow the mature, R&B theme. Check out the other tracks from mini-album "State of Emergency" below.

Dalmation "E.R." MV (Eng sub)

"Drive" (A smooth R&B track reminiscent of the 1990's).


"Still By Ur Side"

"Hurt Me"






Dalmation "E.R." Comeback Stage

INFINITE releases "The Chaser" MV and more photos!


        INFINITE has finally released the music video for their title track, "The Chaser." Check out the official music video and the "making-of" video below. I also threw in some photographs from their 3rd mini-album, "INFINITIZE." As for their official stage comeback, it will be May 17th on M! Countdown.

 "The Chaser" MV (Eng Sub)

"The Chaser" MV (Dance Version)

"The Chaser" Behind the scenes of the MV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVZbQG_GMUM

BTS of "Infinitize" photoshoot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=socGMBt4tDI

Infinite Marie Claire Photoshoot (all members)

I really enjoyed the song when I first heard it, but paired with the music video and choreography, it just heightened the experience. My favorite part of the choreography is when all but one slump to their knees- the expression is priceless and it's always hot to see a guy overpowered by (manly) emotions. Another memorable sight is when the members were all turn away, bend their knees and perform the hand-sliding motion behind their thighs. As for scenes from the MV, I especially liked when Sunggyu walked away from the sizzling (grounded) car and when Dongwoo rode through on his motorbike and took out the lights. Infinite is so powerful with their expressions. I could do without Hoya running out of the triangular room like a cute dork at 3:07, and seeing L look so miserable in that revolving car, but I'm captivated regardless. To see the burning look in their eyes- you know they're determined to "Infinitize" you with their smoldering gaze. I find MV's most effective when you find yourself pressing "replay", and since I'm not ready to stop quite yet, I'm thinking the production company did an awesome job.

 Infinite "The Mission" Showcase Part 1

Infinite "The Mission" Showcase Part 2

Infinite "The Mission" Showcase Part 3

Infinite "The Mission" Showcase Part 4

Infinite "The Mission" Showcase Part 5

I also stayed up to see their final live "Mission" showcase performance in Seoul at 8pm KST, and though there was a huge lack of cameras and zooming capabilities, it was quite good. During the interview, Hoya was asked about future activities, and he responded, "I will be trying my hand at acting this year. I have been confirmed for a new project that will be broadcast through tvN in the near future. It's a role that requires me to use dialect, so I am currently practicing." The requirement of a dialect (my guess, from Busan) may also explain one of the reasons why Eunji from A-Pink was casted in the same drama. TvN's situational comedy is called "Respond 1997," which takes place in the 1990's entertainment industry.

Follow the link below to Infinite's official webpage to see more original photos from their "Infinitize" album:
http://www.ifnt7.com/gallery.wol?idx=23



Maknae, Sungjong

Face of Infinite, Vocalist, L/Myungsoo

Vocalist, Sungyeol

Main vocalist, Woohyun

Rapper, Dongwoo



Dancing machine, rapper, Hoya

Leader, main vocalist, Sunggyu