RAINBOW Comeback with "Tell Me Tell Me"

Girl Group Rainbow

        Girl group Rainbow is set to make a 2013 comeback in mid February! Rainbow is a seven-member veteran group that debuted back in November of 2009, but similar to veteran boy band U-Kiss, they have yet to see a #1 win on any music charts. Furthermore, their last comeback with track "Sweet Dream" was back in June 2011, making it one year and seven months before this recent comeback announcement. While most rookie groups establish their name in South Korea before making major ventures in Japan, their agency, DSP Media, did the opposite for Rainbow. Despite their debut track "A" being a catchy, attention-getting track, their promotional activities after the single were neither concentrated or consistent. Think of Rainbow as the "abandoned child" of DSP, allocating resources to famous girl band Kara instead of focusing on their newer group. While Kara became more popular both in the nation and particularly in Japan, Rainbow's popularity fizzled out with lack of activities. Even now, Rainbow members admit that they are still taking the subway to travel, and though they achieved general popularity in Japan, they are relatively unnoticed in South Korea.

Considering strengths, Rainbow performs quite well on live stages, but are often given mediocre songs like "To Me" and "Sweet Dream," paired with awkward, uninspiring dance choreography. Other than leader Jaekyung, other members rarely appear on variety shows or guest star. Unfortunately, one can distinguish a female idol's popularity based on how often male celebrities mention her as their "ideal type." It's not just about having a pretty face or body (because really, all female idols are supposed to be "pretty"), but how often they appear in mainstream media as a result of positive public interest. Consider Miss A's Suzy, 4Minute's Hyuna, and recently, A-Pink's Eunji. Their lack of fame even among idols indicates that DSP's marketing strategy (or lack thereof) has gone terribly wrong.

From left: Noeul, Hyunyoung, Seungah, Jaekyung, Woori, Jisook, Yoonhye

Despite all this, I truly hope they come back with something that will solidify their position in the K-Pop industry. So far, the track and choreography has already been determined, but Rainbow has yet to decide on a comeback concept. I'm curious to see what they will present- will they go with a strong, attention-getting track? Or will they stick with a mature, flirty concept and revert to the fun, casual style of debut song, "A?" Whatever it is, I hope their stylists agree on something that won't be embarassing to their veteran status (like fluffy and aeygo) and go instead with a more polished, sophisticated concept. In the very least, DSP owes it to Rainbow fans to bring the girls back with dignity and grace.

UPDATE: DSP Media Disappoints their Rainbow Fans
   February 20th, 2013

           With Rainbow's long-awaited comeback on February 12th with the release of their "Tell Me Tell Me" MV, I was seriously disappointed. The girls look beautiful and fresh as always, but what is DSP Media doing? They gave them a soft, cute song more suited for debuts and teen girl groups. As one of the girliest young girl groups, even A-Pink's comeback with "Hush" had a sassier tone than this "Tell Me x2" track. By all means, it's a cute, catchy song, but it leaves audiences with no impression of Rainbow's identity as a group, or their maturity. It's easy to start lovely and to comeback later with a sexy concept, but it's just identity kill to take them backwards five years when they've grown up three. Also, they are a totally different group- stop trying to give them Kara type-tracks, DSP. (Does "Honey" ring a bell?)

Rainbow "Tell Me Tell Me" MV 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy_sgB4EJB8

The mini-album "Rainbow Syndrome" was released on February 15th with tracks:
     1. Golden Touch
     2. Close Your Eyes
     3. Tell Me Tell Me
     4. Cosmic Girl
     5. A Story You Never Knew But I Know
     6. In Love

Live Stages:
MBC Music Core 130215: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ER1nYU0b4I
MBC 130216: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfnqWYUkgHU
SBS Inkigayo 130217: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xfxqbqe53s
KBS Love Request 130216: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tIUnZ_1-c0

What had I expected? Something striking, something strong, something sophisticated. They've been out of the game for much too long, and nothing short of the words 'passion' and 'defiance' would even get them on the same page with some of these high-rated rookie idol groups. What I saw instead onstage were seven women winking, nodding their heads like teeny-boppers, and bouncing, omg.

As cute as their low-rise jeans and sherbert-colored spring tops were, I also didn't like some of the member's hair changes. Woori's short hair didn't make her look cool nor cute, and Jaekyung's shade of red hair looks dull. Though Hyunyoung's black hair with platinum lower extensions look nice, it looks more suited for a different concept entirely.

Overall, I feel bad for Rainbow. They have a lot of untapped potential and their passion for the stage shows, but their efforts won't ever garner major attention unless their entertainment company gets on the same page. In the meantime, show them your support, fans!

DAL*SHABET "Have, Don't Have" Comeback

       Dal*Shabet seems to be have found their popularity-defining song with their latest title track, "Have, Don't Have," from their 5th mini-album. Despite catchy prior releases like "Hit U" and "Mr. Bang Bang," fans seem to react most positively to this latest disco-pop track, which has them in chic retro gear and achieving number one on real-time charts on the first day of release in mid November. My favorite outfit is a groovy lime-green and orange (I know, it doesn't sound good) blazer set (with skirt or pant) that makes them look mature and stylish, yet still cute. It smartly looks like Scooby friends meets prior fashion model Twiggy. My only qualm thus far is their weak vocal performance during the live stages. While the song and dance is cute, you get little to no vocal strength when  members are singing, since the background music practically drowns out their voices. I understand that louder background music makes lives performances sound more complete, but it also makes the singers look like the stage is owning them instead of the other way around.

Though I agree with Netizens that "Have, Don't Have" has a similar sound to T-ara's hit track "Roly-Poly," there seems to be a stronger retro vibe with two remixed versions of  "Have, Don't Have," while "Roly-Poly is more of a club disco dance track. This is why many people are predicting that K-pop artists will lose popularity in the future if they lack the ability to compose or write their own songs. Nowadays, hit-making producers like Brave Brothers, Shinsadong Tiger and Sweetune are more sought-after than ever because a well composed song plays a key role in determining the success of a comeback. As many groups have songs created under the same producers, audiences can expect to see a greater overlap of song genres and instrumental styles that sound familiar to earlier hit tracks. This is probably why so many new tracks are digging deeper into music history, pulling out elements from old-school tracks and making them sound fresh again.


Dal*Shabet's 5th mini-album tracklist:

1. For Darling

2. Have, Don't Have

MV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMj0HkksUtU

3. Don't Touch

4. Falling in Love

5. Have, Don't Have (Electro Swing Remix)

MV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ur5AFC8C_c

6. Have, Don't Have (Instrumentals)


Also check out the promotional photos from their 5th mini-album below:

From left: A Young, Subin, Serri, Jiyul, Woohee, Kaeun

Serri

Subin

A Young

Jiyul

Kaeun

Woohee

A Young

Serri

Interested in Dal*Shabet? Check out their official site: http://www.dalshabet.com/

HELLO VENUS "What Are You Doing Today?" Comeback

         Rookie girl group Hello Venus is back with another catchy title song called "What Are You Doing Today?" with the same mini-album name. "What Are You Doing Today?" has the girls singing about having confident feelings for a first love and calling him without hesitation. Though the song is pop-y and has high aeygo voices that I'm not a huge fan of, the overall effect works for the upbeat tone of the song. My favorite part is in the sassier drum beats when Lime raps, which makes the song sound like a funky dance track. Their concept outfits are also very cute- a throwback poodle-skirt style that is just a bit over their knees, hair-bows, preppy sweaters and bright simple shirts. I'm also glad they're still sticking with a fun, flirty image instead of making drastic changes in concept too early after their debut.

On the downside, I'm disappointed that the song does not showcase the members' vocals well, especially Yoonjo, (who is supposedly sings at a soprano) and Lime, who took over the high notes in previous track "Venus" when Yoonjo was recovering from an injury. Instead, Alice is assigned major parts with high notes that seem strain her voice. Not only does she lack confidence singing it, but she doesn't hold the high notes long enough. Though it can be attributed to the fast-paced position change, it's still shouldn't be an excuse. Their background music is usually louder than their singing voices, which gives me the impression that they're singing weakly into the microphones.

Despite the catchiness of the song, other than the rapping parts, I'm not truly captivated by this particular comeback. Most Hello Venus tracks are audio-blocked on Youtube, so it's difficult to make further assessments on their vocal talent as well.


Check out the mini-album tracklist below:

1. What Are You Doing Today?

MV (Eng Sub) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w59NVdjNKU

2. Romantic Love
3. First Love
4. Same
5. Winter Fantasy

From left: Lime, Yoonjo, Yoo Ara, Alice, Yooyoung, Nara

From left: Yooyoung, Alice, Nara

From left: Yoonjo, Yoo Ara, Lime

Yooyoung & Nara

Ara & Alice

Yoonjo & Lime

Nara

Yooyoung

Yoonjo

Alice

INFINITE H Comeback with "Fly High" Mini-Album

From left: Hoya, Dongwoo

            Infinite H is back and promoting their first mini-album "Fly High," with a title track called, "Special Girl" featuring Bumky. Teaser images and videos have been released since January 1st of 2013 KST, while fans are anticipating the release of their album on January 11th. A track list was released, featuring six songs, half of which are composed by producer Primary and features artists such as Bumky, Beenzino, Zion. T, Dynamic Duo, and Baby Soul. The background music for the teaser and track-list indicates that Dongwoo and Hoya are stone-faced and serious about their hip-hop genre, but their title track "Special Girl" poses a pleasant surprise. I like that there is a clear image and genre, but the boys are putting their own twist to it.

The scholastic "before" image...

The first teaser image released was of a neon-purple background paint-splattered with other neon colors. In the center, 'Infinite H' is scripted in an urban style, and the single name, "Fly High" appears underneath in white. My first impression of the image was that the raised "Infinite H" lettering looked tacky, mainly because it was overpowered by a stronger neon background. Had it been black, I wouldn't have complained. Paint splatters- eh. It didn't seem that innovative a concept... until I saw the second teaser image, featuring the duo themselves (featured above- first image).

Dongwoo and Hoya are seated front of a purple background with white suits... only they're outfits and the wall are both paint-splattered. This instantly turned the paint concept into a really cool one, because they're being splotched with fun neon colors, but their faces are stoic and manly. Think of the walls as expressive graffiti, and Infinite H a part of the message.

A second teaser was released for their title song, "Special Girl" on January 8th, showcasing another side of Infinite H in bright funky street gear. The teaser features a blonde girl being pursued by many guys, but Dongwoo and Hoya seems to be the only ones she pays particular attention to. While the first teaser was to establish the boys as urban and cool, this second teaser shows that they're not forfeiting quirkiness and romantic charm, either.

On January 6th, Woollim Entertainment released a "Fly High" teaser of the two through LOEN Entertainment, which made many fans' hearts flutter. The video starts in black and white- showcasing a nicely detailed heart drawn in black on a white wall. Right underneath is Dongwoo and Hoya looking sexy and surly. The screen colors wipe from the left and you can see the heart is actually black filled with red, revealing Dongwoo standing in a black suit and Hoya posing in a red suit. A shot of Dongwoo is seen in a vintage green car, followed by Infinite H in dark sport coats bedecked with heavily jeweled necklines and metallic stripes. This sounds like another K-Pop fashion crisis, but they actually look really sharp and business-like. There are shots and rewinds of a glass breaking, pendulums swinging, red wine pouring, red liquid poured on a skull, a burning neon Infinite H logo at the end, and bass-heavy hip-hop playing in the background saying, "Watch me dude, watch me!"

Infinite H "Fly High" Teaser http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxnDCtN8qvY

"Special Girl" Teaser http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9Lchkl6t0Rc

"Fly High" Mini-album tracklist: 
(Track # 3 translates into "When You're Not Here," while track #4 is "Can't Do It." - Source: allkpop).

           As of January 10th, Infinite H made their official debut on M!Countdown with a performance of "Without You" and "Special Girl." They also released their "Fly High" mini-album, performed an exclusive comeback showcase for over three hundred randomly chosen fans, and released their "Special Girl" MV on the same day. Needless to say, the boys fulfilled all my expectations! Sounds like the background music for the "Fly High" teaser was actually from their first track, "Victorious Way." I'm surprised they didn't start with that track first, even though it sounds more hardcore hip-hop and makes a stronger impression. Nevertheless, I'm excited about track "Special Girl," seeing as Dongwoo and Hoya performed it almost flawlessly except for one especially low note when Hoya sang "all night loooong..." The track has a light, casual melody that sounds like a summer song you pull your windows down and feel the wind to. I also like that they kept the choreography simple and fun, my favorite move being the chorus part where they sing "You-oou," while raising their arms and doing the 1,2 bouncy leg step. It's a memorable move and completely fitting for the track. I'm also surprised at how sweet and solid Dongwoo's voice sounds singing, especially when his rap voice sounds is low and brusque. I'm not sure why Bumky sings in the studio version of "Special Girl" while Infinite H just raps, but I guess I'll just have to be satisfied with Infinite H singing only the live performances for the song. As for single "Without You," despite seeing the performance so many times from them, I'm still flustered every time they chant the "baby, baby..." part. Seems like this re-vamped version has English lyrics performed by another rapper as well.

Infinite H "Special Girl" MV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnEHiMVgEII

M! Countdown Comeback "Without You" + "Special Girl" (130110)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9Gypy5OZTk&feature=youtu.be

Music Bank Comeback "Without You" + "Special Girl" (120111) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5DMGsPAXwFA

M! Countdown Backstage Waiting Room (130110) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzrBxJmwkVU

Comeback Music Core (130112) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DwekDcjLDI

1. "Victorious Way" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nby3pDprp4M

"I Can't Tell You" featuring Gaeko of Dynamic Duo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANvQkdwjhv4

"Without You" featuring Zion. T http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CtihZIp-QyE

"Fly High" ft. Baby Soul http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FAQ7BOD76l8#!


For international fans, the album will be released from YesAsia on January 16th:
http://www.yesasia.com/us/infinite-h-mini-album-vol-1-fly-high/1032239108-0-0-0-en/info.html


Side Comments:
        I think I'm starting to see why Dongwoo and Hoya are such a good pairing to work together. Besides the fact that they can rap, dance and sing well, they also balance each other out. Despite Dongwoo being the older one, his movements tend to be like that of a restless child. As for Hoya, he seems more mature and manly, but he lacks that casual flair that makes Dongwoo seem so likeable. While Hoya brings serious and sexy to the table, Dongwoo rounds out the severity by making performances fun. Also, thank you Infinite H producers for creating such a solid album! I can tell these songs were carefully selected- it's a very natural style for them.