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| From left: Ravi, Ken, Honbin, N, Leo, Hyuk |
Six-member rookie boy band VIXX (Voice, Visual, Value in Excelsis) is back with another exciting track called "On and On" from their single album released on January 17th. Though the music video has the boys being abducted and sent to space in what would've been a Russian-POW turned martian theme, the concept this time is vampiric. The boys appear in sleek suits, with saturated hair and creepy contacts. Along with the heavy Marilyn Manson inspired smokey dark eye make-up, the boys look successfully deranged and hypnotic. Though the music video wasn't as interesting or comprehensive, the song, choreography and concept come together brilliantly. I can't help thinking that "On and On" is inspired by Rihanna's "Disturbia," a dash of Michael Jackson choreography, and the Cullens' closet. Though 4Minute also displayed a vampire concept in their "Volume Up" track, I feel that VIXX pulls it off with more effect. Their gazes are very convincing with the colored contacts, while the sharp, simple suits paired with skinny tie and single-tone saturated hair makes for quite the impression. I've always had a passive reaction to VIXX before, but this latest track truly grabs my attention. My only regret is that they didn't add fangs too, haha.
VIXX "On and On" MV
Vixx "On and On" traditional version
Prior to "On and On," VIXX has released some catchy throw-back type songs with strong dance beats. Though bright, flashy colors saturate almost every current K-Pop music video, VIXX uses it to enhance a retro theme- basic colors that you would expect to see in cartoons like Gundam Wing or games like Tetris. In fact, the set for the "Rock Ur Body" MV features an arcade. What's more, their pop-synth tracks reminds me of American pop music in the 90's in songs like "Super Hero" and "Rock Ur Body" (except for maybe the guitar riffs). My only concern is their unexpected integration of English in some of the lyrics. For example, who else cracked up when main rapper Ravi started the track yelling, "We back again NOW... 'cause I ain't playing AROUND!" Haha. I could neither understand nor take him seriously. Still, the energy was apparent- Ravi was yelling at the top of his lungs. In the very least, I can expect VIXX's tracks to have strong choruses and addictive lines like, "I need therapy, lalalalala therapy..." Really, I can sing that part all day. :)
As for stage presence, VIXX performs with such power and confidence it's surprising that they're still rookies. While N really captured the vampire feel in this concept, shyer Hongbin seems doe-eyed and meek during his live stages. Their choreography hasn't always been the most interesting or inspiring prior to "On and On", but it always requires a lot of energy and movement, so I commend them for being able to steadily sing live. I also wish their background music wasn't so loud sometimes. No doubt the members are actually singing, but it's not always easy to hear.
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Other thoughts:
As a group, VIXX has a very versatile but varied look. Members like Leo, Ken, Ravi and even N have very distinguishing features, so I hope they will play up the crazy concepts (maybe a zombie theme next time?) and their take advantage of their slim builds and tall height. (Everyone is at least 180cm, give or take 3cm lifts). Since they've introduced themselves as strong, on-point dancers with a chic, manly vibe, I really hope Jellyfish Entertainment doesn't go backwards and give them 'aeygo' concepts in the future. Spare me, please.
Check out their handsome live stages/stills below, as they make creepy look hot!
KBS Music Bank 130118 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV4X5YHLlaA
SBS Inkigayo 130120 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CYCwsnYyVE
Mnet M! Countdown 130131 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSicdZ5qXjM
SBS Inkigayo 130203 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Wx4ZUviBQ
MBC Music Core 130213 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPbli2i_gG8
KBS Music Bank 130217 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_-1hxgfCPU
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