World of K-Pop: REVIEW: BTOB "Press Play" Mini-Album

Rookie boy band BtoB, short for "Born to Beat," made their debut late March of this year under Cube DC, a subsidary of Cube Entertainment. After three singles and two mini-albums, BtoB seems to be hitting their stride with their second mini-album "Press Play." Though the first song I noticed from them was "Insane," the track that fully turned my attention to the group was "WOW." The song brings back the 90's swing-jack genre and incorporates it with a hip-hip beat. The lyrics have the boys admiring a sexy woman with her eye-catching features and distinct aura. Though the music video didn't stand out much, the dance choreography definitely did. Along with the boy's youthful charms and easy smiles, the choreography instantly turned energized and playful. I can't help but compare their track to their junior group Beast's debut track, "Bad Girl," or 2pm's "10 out of 10." Though the song style and lyrics are different, the joking (and slightly perverted) teen male enthusiasm when checking out girls are the same (and amusing) anywhere.

I also checked out their live stage performances for "Insane," "Father," "Wow," and "I Only Know Love." What keeps me riveted is how powerful their dance songs are live, especially for such high-energy and difficult choreography. Watching them, it looks like someone placed a hidden camera in a norebang (karaoke) while BtoB is goofing off, practicing generous fan-service, and having the best time of their lives. Though they perform so enthusiastically I can hear them panting a bit, each member still carries his tune confidently. Lines are distributed (as evenly as it gets) to all members in most songs. There's variety to when they participate- you just can't predict who will appear next. The best part is that everyone sings loudly into their microphones. Even when their pitch is a little off or the vocals become too breathy, I'm still happy because they hold nothing back.

I'm not sure what the standard is being a competitive idol nowadays, but BtoB is very multi-talented in a way that makes them true growing artists. It seems like there is no end to the new musical talents they are acquiring. After watching episodes of BtoB's MTV Diary and their Weekly Idol episodes, I've discovered the following:

Eunkwang has super high-note potential, with a clear, enduring voice. In fact, the members almost never hear him out of pitch. He is also plays the piano like a pro. I'm not talking about practicing a few songs for a performance, I mean 'pro' like expressing hunger through an incredibly fast classical song.
Minhyuk seems to have many things going for him. He seems astute and focused, especially when studying English. Ontop of having a very athletic body, he can rap (with a very low, manly voice) and also sings well. He dabbles on the piano.
Changsub is the cutie of the group. He has an emotional voice that can belt out some very sincere and impressive notes. Skater boy also has a knack for free-style rapping. In fact, Minhyuk claims that Changsub freestyles better than he speaks. He also dabbles on the piano.
Hyungsik seems older than he actually is. He's the 'muscle man' of the group and also the jack of many trades. Along with having a smooth, ballad voice, he is accomplished at rap/freestyle, composing, piano, bass, and the guitar.
Sangjae is probably the goofiest. If Eunkwang is first main vocal, then Changsub, Hyunsik and Sangjae will tie for second main-vocals. He has a surprisingly manly voice for his age, but can only be seen acting mature during performances. Sangjae also practices rapping.
Peniel is from Chicago and is more fluent in English than he is in Korean. Though he usually raps and speaks the longer English parts, he also contributes to small singing parts as well. He plays either guitar or bass. (Or is it both?)
Ilhoon is probably the most charismatic rapper in the bunch. He doesn't receive singing parts, but I've seen a small clip of him singing, and his voice is surprisingly low. He practices on the drums and also dabbles on the piano.

I had to wonder, why is each member so multi-talented? Considering the Cube family itself, I don't know many other bands so musically ambitious outside of singing and dancing. It turns out that members Eunkwang, Changsub and Hyunsik originally signed on to train as a live instrument-playing band. However, their agency had other plans, so they eventually agreed to take on dancing as well. As a rookie group, the only thing they're missing is probably variety skills, but that can be developed over time. It's also too early to determine their free-style dancing skills, but if I had to choose, solid vocal abilities will help them more in the long run.

BtoB MTV Diary Ep. 48 (Eng Sub)

Check out their interview in the allkpop article below:
http://www.allkpop.com/2012/04/btob-members-talk-about-their-passion-for-music-in-an-interview-with-kuki-media

1. "Press Play" Ft. G.Na
(Hip-hop song with an old-school urban beat).

2. "WOW" (title song)

3. "I Don't Know Anything But Love"

(A laid-back, mid-tempo song with a catchy beat).

4. "U & I"
(A slow-beat ballad with smooth undertones. If I didn't know, I would've guessed that SHINee sang this).

5. "Stand Up"

(A dance track with electronic sounds. It sounds like every other song, until around the 2:35 mark, where the heavier drum beats make it sound pretty sexy).

6. "My Girl"
(A sweet old-school pop song that reminds me of Swedish pop band A*Teens).

It's rare, but I like if not really enjoy every song from the "Press Play" mini-album. BtoB covers a wide range of music styles, and none of their songs sound like a drab 'filler' song. What's more, the music sounds more experimental and doesn't take itself too seriously. It's refreshing when an idol group comes out with music that fits their age group without trying hard to be mature or too cute for comfort. So far, their best bet for a music genre is probably 90's inspired songs incorporated with strong hip-hop beats and catchy instrumental sections to liven the atmosphere. I can see them doing well with any dance track and even better if it involves flirting.

Side Note:
I'm really starting to appreciate Cute Entertainment. Not only are they a prominent, expanding agency, but they know how to make idols with distinct identities. You have female group 4Minute, who appears sexy and fierce, G.Na, who is fun and flirty, Beast, who portrays thoughtful and mature, A-Pink, who embodies girly and cute, and now BtoB, who brings youth and playfulness. So far, all of Cube's prior bands have been successful, so it won't be long before BtoB receives recognition.

For those Inspirits hibernating during the winter while waiting for Infinite to return, I seriously recommend checking out BtoB in various reality shows. Of course no band is the same, but BtoB shows similar qualities of cohesiveness and brotherhood that I love so much about Infinite. They really have a strong bromance (and plenty of skinship) while acknowledging each member's strengths. What's more, as they become more comfortable being filmed, these "get your swag" boys turn into total dorks for the camera, and it's hard to imagine just how weird and energetic they can get.

Check them out in the following reality shows:
BtoB's MTV Diary (65 episodes, up to episode 51 English subbed).
The boys are given cameras and film their every-day lives.
BtoB Amazon (5 episodes, all available in English subbed).
Two weeks after their debut, the boys must accomplish various missions assigned to them by the program.
Sik's Sense (Season 1 has seven episodes all subbed, Season 2 has five episodes- that I know of).
Hyungsik is designated as MC and goes around interviewing the members in his style and perspective.
BtoB MTV B+ Diary (First episode premiered on Dec. 4th, 2012, 5 episodes total).
This is a continuation of MTV Diary, but now the boys are given certain tasks and being filmed instead of just self-filming.

Check out photos from BtoB's "Press Play" mini-album below:
(They are quite a good-looking bunch, aren't they?)