VIXX Comeback with "Hyde"

          VIXX. CAME BACK. AS. DEMONS. Seriously, I could end the post right here, but there's so much to gush about. Their 2st mini-album "Hyde" is released today with a title track of the same name. Initially, I was surprised by their May 20th MV release date, since their their last single album "On and On" wrapped up barely a few months ago. Just when I think they can't get any hotter after their strikingly handsome vampire-concept for "On and On," their company, Jellyfish Entertainment, re-introduces the Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde concept in a mini-album released on May 22nd. The title track "Hyde" also follows a high-tempo, dance pop-synth genre, but unlike "On and On's" controlled voice style, the boys are integrating even more emotional flair into their singing parts. Paired with their super-synchronized, stylish choreography, the effect is dramatic and perfect for the intense nature of the song. Check out the MV below!

VIXX "Hyde" MV (Eng Sub)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM7DxfcwJuo

VIXX TV Ep. 49 "Hyde" BTS (Eng Sub)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ROXT7_YMlc

Vixx "Hyde" Live on Shimshipta Radio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L88y8jk5Bow

Vixx "Light It Up" Live Sound K Radio 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8Cg7qmsabk

SPOILER: The MV starts with the boys in white suits and nicely groomed, being seduced by a sexy female who also alternates between a white and black dress. Suddenly, things go very wrong with the arrival of live creepy crawlies (literally spiders, worms and snakes) slithering their way over skulls and slimey substances. It's not just the bugs that are creepy (and gross), but also the broken style of filming that makes the music video a tad scary (the R+ rating is still quite ridiculous). Simultaneously the members transform into demons with black clothing and dark eye make-up. Leo is seen with shoulder-length black hair before he proceeds to choke the female lead, while N pushes her to the ground in another scene.

In this comeback, N changes from silver hair to red hair, Ravi goes from bright orange hair to a platinum blonde, and everyone else returns with generally normal hair color and haircuts. I'm indifferent about all these new hairdos (except for Leo's, because it oddly suits him), but I really love how VIXX's stylists go all out with the concept. They first utilized bright contacts and black nail polish for the vampire concept, and now they bring in high-fashion hair for that extra display of danger. I'm super glad the stylists are also putting the guys back into suits, even if it's just for the MV. (Excuse me while I slobber on the keyboard.)

It's exciting that VIXX continues with the otherworldly concept. With their unique looks and tall height, the group has found their flair in strikingly dark and gothic styles. Still, I wish there was more of a storyline for such fantastic concepts and visuals. Yes, they have a lover who witnesses their emerging dark traits, but does it always have to be a female lead walking around with a downcast expression? Does her presence always fully serve its purpose? (Consider the final shot of the pale actress next to the tree in the "On and On" MV). It's kinda random, right?

As cool as the guys look in their supernatural outfits, I became increasingly confused as they introduced too many concepts. First, they advertised the Jekyll and Hyde theme. Then they tack on the demon and dark angel concept as well? How about throwing in zombies, ghosts and werewolves too? I feel like their creative team is trying to cover all paranormal bases in a combo mix to ensure that other groups will just be copying them if they happen to get a similar idea. ("We claimed all the sexy concepts first, what else are you gonna do?") Sticking to any one concept would be more than sufficient; they could be past century scientists experimenting with medicine and change into crazed men (Jekyll and Hyde). They could wear their white outfits before turning into chain-wearing, evil looking demons (similar to how they appear in the video). Or, they could fall from Heaven and become disgraced angels. It would make the MV so much more cohesive if they would JUST. CHOOSE. ONE.

Other than the above qualms, I'm fan-girling hardcore for these awesome live performers to return to the stage. VIXX is one of the most exciting rookies from 2012, and they just make 2013 that much better. VIXX fighting!


Check out their "Hyde" Comeback Stages below:

130523 M! Countdown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t1oGv3Q93s
This has to be the one performance where VIXX looks anything short of confident. It's evident how tired they are (usually groups stay up all night to practice choreography last minute), and their vocal stamina (Ken's, Leo's and N's) run out towards the second half of the show, while I'm not sure Hyuk or Hongbin is actually singing. It doesn't help that they kicked the choreography up a notch with electrifying speed, and it just makes the boys work that much harder to spin or glide their way into a narrow position change. I never judge too harshly with comeback stages, because it takes some time to get acquainted with weak areas and to make necessary adjustments. Watching the performance live, I have to say that VIXX is already being very ambitious, not just with their choreography but with some of the high notes required in the song. Ken just blew me away at 1:58 with his clear high note, but he got exponentially more tired having to carry most of the chorus. With all that said, I'm glad they performed with high energy and consistently dramatic emotions. On a side note, the choreography is just stellar! Netizens noticed that each member usually had one other dance partner next to him to express both good and evil natures.

130524 Music Bank Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsb9DBJveOk
Wow, black lipstick! It sure makes an impression...

130525 Music Core Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H9BxwLL68U

130526 Inkigayo Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cgoQkonSQY

 130529 Show! Champion Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOqigTYYSXc
Their vocals are finally catching up to the choreography starting from this live performance!

130530 M! Countdown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BSUDy0wD8U

130531 Music Bank http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iy2TVe-8bE

N: Leader, main dancer, vocalist

Leo: Main vocalist

Ken: main vocalist

Ravi: main rapper

Hongbin: rapper, vocalist

Hyuk: maknae, rapper, vocalist

VIXX (Voice, Visual, Value in Excelsis) Official Site:

http://www.realvixx.com/

4MINUTE "What's Your Name?" Comeback

             The sassy girls of 4Minute made a comeback on April 25th with their 4th mini-album titled "Name is 4Minute" and a title track called, "What's Your Name?" The song is created by hit producer Brave Brothers with a fantasy hip-hop genre, while the rest of the album contains music styles like rock, electro and blues. The concept is a bright, super colorful hip-hop theme. "What's Your Name?" is a casual, flirty dance track about meeting someone new. Though it's not my favorite song from them or my favorite album, I like that they are branching out and trying something more funky.

4Minute "What's Your Name?" (Eng Sub)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unn7oTfB-LU

Though I'm indifferent to the concept and zombies in the MV, I do have some mixed thoughts about the stylists' choice of outfits. First, Gayoon looks absolutely fresh and stunning with her wavy chesnut hair, bright skinny jeans and cropped top. On the other hand, Hyuna doesn't look so great in this comeback. Her haircolor and outfits are brighter, sure, but it's starting to overshadow her looks in general. She's known as a "sexy icon," but at 20 years old (international age), does she really need that much eye gunk and a constantly red lip? Does she really need to prove her sexiness by wearing see-through mesh cropped leggings and baring her butt to the camera for people to think her attractive? I don't blame the girl, I blame her company for sexifying her to the point where she starts to look tacky (and that's the nice word for it). Come on, Cube Entertainment. Sex sells, sure. But it's more innovative if you can hint at it instead of baring all of the poor girl's goods.

The photos below are their teaser/album jacket photos. Personally, I think it looks tacky, uninspiring, and is an overall lackluster effort from an otherwise large agency. Honestly, you can see the tan room background through those fake fronds! In the very least, blur out the background or something...!

Hyuna: rapper, vocalist

Jihyun: leader, vocalist

Sohyun: vocalist

Jiyoon: lead vocalist, rapper

Gayoon: main vocalist

NINE MUSES Comeback with "Wild"

        With all the sweet spring-inspired comebacks going on, I'm glad Nine Muses retains their strong image and is coming back sexier than ever. Their newest comeback teaser for mini-album "Wild" (to be released May 9th) is striking and seductive, with the girls wearing red lipstick, red nail polish, and suggestive clothing. Nine Muses as a group has a mature, sophisticated image, so I love that they're just kicking it up a notch to launch the 'womanly sexy' concept into high gear. Sure, we've seen various versions of 'super sexy' through After School's "Flashback," Sistar's "Alone," Sistar19's "Gone Not Around Any Longer", and recently, Girl's Day "Expectation," but Nine Muses' teaser video and photos alone suggest that they're moving closer towards the 19+ (adult) genre and appealing to a more mature audience. With Nine Muses' awesome stylists and the ladies' towering model figures, their "Wild" comeback is making other female comebacks look tame. The "Wild" title track is composed by famous producer Sweettune and sounds fast-paced and addictive. Check out the sizzling music video and teaser below!

Nine Muses "Wild" Teaser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI3_JjFFn3M

Nine Muses "Wild" MV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhI9m1-1VxA

Nine Muses "Wild" Mini-Album Tracklist:

1. Spotlight

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

2. Wild (Eng Sub)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLRNA2JnTa8 

3. Action

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

4. Paper Scraps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm1qUqxgm1E

5. Living Person

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZTgd-bWD0A

6. Wild (Instrumental)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW3isEFGIpU

Background:
Nine Muses is a 9-member model group debuting in August 2010 under Star Empire Entertainment. Since then, they have had a few members changes (members left to pursue their modeling careers), but have added new members to remain as nine. Originally, they weren't the strongest vocal group (really, I only recognized about two members who sang well), but they have improved dramatically over the last couple of years. Nowadays, their performances look very professional with better synchronization, solid live vocals and a more equal division of member parts. Maybe it's due to lack of show and variety promotions, but Nine Muses is still very underrated, so this bold new concept can only help launch them onto a brighter spotlight.

Nine Muses "Wild" Live Stages:

Mnet M! Countdown 130509: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nmPl8F2ZAAo

KBS Music Bank 130510 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pJYGaUhDJE
MBC Music Core 130511 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAnUhzbSH2w

Minha: vocalist, maknae, face of the group

Kyungri: vocalist

Hyuna: main vocalist

Euaerin: lead dancer, lead rapper

Sera: leader, main vocalist

Hyemi: lead vocalist

Lee Sam: vocalist, lead rapper

Eunji: vocalist, main dancer

Sungah: vocalist

Kyungri and Hyemi