AFTER SCHOOL returns with "Flashback" maxi-single

           Pledis' popular veteran girl group After School is finally back with their their fifth maxi-single titled "Flashback." Here, fans can anticipate a dark and sexy concept from the long-legged girls of After School. This time around, Park Kahi will be leaving the group as a "graduate." As the next eldest member and one of the original debuting members of After School, Jung Ah will be replacing Kahi as the leader. Also, new 17-year old maknae member Kaeun will be promoting with the group for the first time. Though fans from each group hate to mention it because it just leads to further squables, I'm too tempted not to bring it up. Can long-term rival After School come back with a sexy edge that will give SNSD a run for their money? After all, After School is known to be sexy and bold, while SNSD has always been known for their girliness and glamour. Throw in Wonder Girls' hip, Americanized swag amidst their own "Like This" comeback and you got yourself a full-out rivalry to end all rivalries.

 

After School "Flashback" Teaser Video

I was excited about After School's comeback, because they always make a point to be confident, fierce divas without trying to fake cuteness. So when I finally did view the music video, I was disappointed to find that neither the song nor the music video was anything special. Sure, the girls looked gorgeous in their corsets, volumed hair and killer silhouettes, (especially in the opening shot when the door opens) but other than the cool sexiness of the girls themselves, I couldn't garner more interest than what I had started with originally. Since this new track is a maxi-single, I thought it would be a strong performance that could stand on its own. Turns out, the song is weak, and the dubstep style doesn't make it any catchier. Not to mention, the members' vocal abilities are not highlighted nor distinguishable in the song. The whiny, chanting intro made me wince, the lyrics are very mediocre, and even the concept of lover boy as a hostage and eventually shot made me roll my eyes. Unfortunately, without a strong track to back it up, the music video just seemed like a subtle pass for soft porn.

After School "Flashback" MV (Eng Sub)

Though After School is a more notable veteran girl group, the endless member changes makes the group look steadily less cohesive, and the departure of their previous leader Kahi and another one of their strongest performers, Bekah, does not help that deterioration. It's possible that I'm being too harsh. Maybe their live performance as a group will negate my wish for the return of the earlier After School. We'll just have to wait and see.


Check out their other new track releases below:

Nana- "Eyeline"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--VfyKz7Tfs

"Wristwatch"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_McYEt99Y0

"Rip Off" (High-energy, beat-catchy song)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kVfJgY9kyI

Raina & Jung Ah- "Timeless"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAlCXK_fkms

 Concept teaser photos for their maxi-single "Flashback":

Left to right: E-Young & Ga Eun

Jung Ah

Ju Yeon

Lizzy

Uee

Nana

Raina

After School's comeback on M! Countdown was better than I imagined, and I liked that they performed "Rip Off," which is a catchy song in itself. I wish they didn't lip-sync for their first performance, but I understand that many artists do just to make sure the performers are comfortable with the stage. With the actual choreography and the presence of the girls themselves, I'm finding redeemable qualities for "Flashback" after all.

M! Countdown "Rip Off" + "Flashback" Comeback Stage (120621)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmCdQ7Dmv6U

Inkigayo "Rip Off" + "Flashback" Comeback Stage (120624)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULHsRtI2qqk