World of K-Pop: REVIEW: Rookie group ACE OF ANGELS (AOA) debut

From left: Jimin, Mina, Hyejeong, Seolhyun, Chanmi, Yuna, Choa

With the onslaught of new debuts in 2012, I've been more reluctant than ever to take new groups seriously. However, one of the groups that have caught my attention is a 7+1 member girl group called Ace of Angels (AOA), which debuted early August of this year. AOA is signed under FNC Entertainment, which houses pop/rock/idol bands F.T. Island and CN Blue. AOA would be their first-ever girl idol group. What first drew my attention to the group is their debut title track "Elvis." Though I scoffed that the lyrics have absolutely nothing to do with the famed icon Elvis Presley, the heavily instrumental background beat sounds unique and catchy, while the choreography amps up the fun. As a debut song, FNC really chose an attention-grabbing track. I was also surprised to see the group's live stages, and I say this in plural because they are the first group I've seen to split into two stages where five of the members perform as a live band while seven of the members perform as a dance group. One of the members, Youkyoung, is deemed as the add-on member (hence the "+1") because she only performs with the live band, playing drums. The fact that she's can't play drums and dance seems like a waste to me, but whatever floats your boat.

(AOA Band) From left: Mina, Youkyoung, Choa, Jimin, Yuna

Though it's a bit excessive, I like that there's a background story to their debut. Instead of just introducing them as new rookie girls with a catchy song, they also have separate angel names and an explanation to why they're here (on earth). Feel your eyes roll a bit? As their name suggests, members Choa, Jimin, Yuna, Hyejeong, Mina, Seolhyun, and Chanmi are "full" angels watching the earth through a crystal ball. Finding themselves enchanted by human music, they grant a key to Youkyoung, who is half human/half angel (because she doesn't dance with the group, see) who can access the heavens to share her musical findings from earth. Maybe it's safe to say that Elvis' hip thrusts drew them down from heaven?

An excerpt from their first single album "Angel's Story."

So far, I have mixed feelings about the group. Pros? Their live performances are fierce and very vocally strong. In fact, the first time I saw one of their "Elvis" live performances, I was physically blown back. Leader Jimin starts her rap so powerfully despite moving around so much, while Choa and Yuna solidly carry out the chorus. Generally, their background music leaves very little room for lip-syncing. Simultaneously, I'm awed at the high energy in which they carry out their choreography without looking the least bit tired. They truly look like a cohesive dance group. What I don't like is the suggestion of weak links in certain members, especially since the "face" of the group, pretty girl Seolhyun, doesn't have any parts in "Elvis." She doesn't even have one line in the song. Since it's their first track, I was irked but waited to hear Seolhyun's voice in the next single- "Get Out." Since the music video doesn't show her singing, I had to wait again until the live performance. The first few comeback performances were as a band, featuring only five of the members (or should I say, 4+1?) However, later promotions starting from October 19th had the rest of the members performing the dance version. Though Seolhyun sang a small three-second or so segment twice for the chorus ("Get out get out get out..."), I still didn't hear anything strong or special about her voice. Despite this, I was once again blown away by their high-octane dance stage- which showcased Choa and Yuna's vocal stamina despite singing most of the song (and a difficult one at that). Though they sounded shaky at first, their voices gradually became more powerful.

AOA is one of the few rookie groups I've seen that exude supreme confidence, and maybe they have reason to be. Their synchronization is precise, their dancing is strong, and all they need is to work out some pitch issues. As for their group image, they really can go either way- cute or sexy. So far, their dance choreography is flirty, suggesting that AOA will be introduced with more sexy and scandalous dancing in the future. Already, they have a lengthy, close-up "butt dance" in the "Get Out" music video. Though it makes me uncomfortable to see teen girls rolling their butts at me (and with the camera in such a close, upward angle!) I'm sure male fans will cherish the moment as if it really were heaven's blessing.

AOA "Elvis" MV

AOA "Elvis" Debut Stage on Music Core (120812)

AOA "Elvis" Live on M! Countdown (120809)

The track "Get Out" is also a pretty catchy dance track, with the girls cutely dressing up as main female leads from major motion picture films like Elle from Legally Blonde, Hermione from Harry Potter, Juliet from Romeo & Juliet, etc.

The AOA band performs "Get Out" live very well, though Yuna's voice can get a bit pitchy at times. Still, "Get Out" is a difficult song with many high notes, and the girls delivered the rocker band image well.