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

Woollim's YOO JIAE Debuts with "Delight"

        Two years ago, I've heard rumors indicating that Woollim Entertainment will debut their first girl group, surmised by many to be named "Eternal." A year later, I get hints that it might come true, seeing as three high-school, female Woollim trainees made cameos in SBS's Running Man. Three years after Infinite's "You Are My Oppa," Yoo Jiae, their virtual little sister from the show, is now debuting as a solo artist. Woollim is a secretive and surprising agency, that's for sure. Yoo Jiae had first entered the agency with hopes of becoming an actress, but is now debuting as an idol-soloist? It's not permanent, in the same way that Baby Soul and Yoo Jiah's duet is only temporary. The individual debuts introduce to the public that these girls are going to be part of the official girl group, but nothing's set in stone.

As for debut single "Delight," the instrumental music is upbeat, bright and eclectic (think of the background music in a make-up store or trendy teen boutique), but Jiae's voice doesn't impress me. Yes, her voice is curiously high and sweet, but it also sounds thin in the higher notes and more like 'air' singing through her nose. I wish to hear her real voice, and I don't think this track does it justice. In fact, for a studio version, she sounds unconfident in her own vocal skill. What this debut presents is a very cute, pretty girl who is mesmerizing on camera. She's definitely "delightful" and charming, but her voice is a little weak for a soloist.

The MV is beautifully directed. Jiae looks young and pure in a school uniform and flowy white dress,  running around with wind in her long hair, streamers blowing and cherry blossoms softly falling. All this dreamy loveliness catches the eye of our young lead (B1A4's Baro), who looks completely captivated (honestly, I don't think he's acting). Then the two frolick and hold hands in the soft romantic way that first love should look like, but never does. Surprisingly, the song lyrics are  actually a little sad; it's about a girl asking her ex to let her go. I applaud the casting director for this shoot. Baro looks really good with Jiae here.

Since I first saw her fiesty, elephant-stomping self on "You Are My Oppa," I thought her debut would be much funkier and maybe even sassy. Instead, Woollim gives her a 180 degree image that transforms her into this innocent, sweet girl that looks the part, but doesn't bring anything new to the table. Instead, it would be great to find a refreshing, spunky personality underneath that innocent concept.

With Yoo Jiae's debut and interview (below), it is confirmed that Woollim Entertainment is indeed planning to debut a girl group, though each member will be introduced separately one by one (and at a snail's pace). So far, the members are Baby Soul, Yoo Jiah, and now Yoo Jiae.

"Delight" Behind the Scenes A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFWPJtK10O4

"Delight" Behind the Scenes B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PLVwYeVNaB8

"Introduce Myself: Yoo Jiae" (Eng Sub- click captions)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5Z6OdX5Wv0E

A-PINK member Yookyung to leave group

           With the recent announcement of 4Minute's comeback, I thought A Cube Entertainment would be trickling out some hints about A-Pink's comeback as well. After all, the girls have recently celebrated their 2nd anniversary since debut (April 19th) and have only made three comebacks total. Then I hear the devastating news that maknae Yookyung will be leaving the group. I mean, she's one of my favorite members! Yookyung may not be the most popular member but she has very steady live skills and is probably the only quiet, classy one in the group (a Pink Panda joke). Similar to Jiae from Girl's Day, she will be leaving with the decision to attend college and pursue her studies instead. Of course, there are many idols that accomplish both, but I'm guessing her prestigious upbringing (her dad is the CEO of multi-million dollar company) needs a better education than what idol life can allow her. Before Pink Pandas can even process this loss, A Cube is already announcing the addition of a replacement member to complete the 7-member girl group. Come on, Cube. Even food needs to be digested slower than that. They basically dropped a bomb on us and told us to come back to work in an hour. The only thing worse is if they tell us who the new member is now, but at least that part is still being decided. What they did say is that the new member will be introduced with the new album. What they should do is just leave the poor replacement member out of the picture because she'll just receive a lot of hate no matter how talented she is. Since coming out with a new album may take months to train for, I'm thinking A-Pink won't be coming back for at least another two months.

The official A Cube Entertainment statements are as follows: "We first want to apologize to all the fans for having to deliver news of this nature. Yookyung, who debuted on April 19th of 2011 and received a lot of love while shedding tears and smiling with many fans over the past 2 years, will no longer be with us as an A Pink member. Yookyung has always tried her best since her debut and has been a hard working member. After debating for a long time between continuing as a celebrity and focusing on her studies, as well as the other six members' futures, Yookyung and her agency have made this very hard decision. As Yookyung will be entering university this year, she will no longer be A Pink's Yookyung, but a student like others her age. Please support her and her future."

A Cube also added, "They won't be promoting as six, but we are planning on adding a new member. We are looking for someone, but nothing  has been decided yet... The new member will probably be revealed with the new album."

UPDATE (130503):
I seriously thought this was a mutual thing, but her departure just isn't being wrapped up quietly. Yookyung's father, big conglomerate CEO that he is, speaks out on behalf of his daughter that her dismissal is a one-way decision that she heard about just recently.While A Cube insists that the agreement was mutual, her dad requests that A Cube issues an apology to fans, and for Pink Pandas to help Yookyung resume her post. A Cube is still sticking to their statement, but the situation looks very suspicious here. It's not the part where Yookyung's dad speaks out and says it's untrue so much as he's asking fans to help her come back to the group. This means that indeed, Yookyung did not voluntarily wish to depart (because really, A-Pink is at a rising stage in their careeer, why should anyone leave?) and the pressure originated from her own agency. This is the first time I've heard of scandal from the Cube family (A Cube is a subsidiary of Cube Entertainment), and I'm really disappointed. I really thought they were one of the better agencies, but now I feel betrayed. In fact, her father claimed that there was also media play about her only joining the group because she wanted to get into college. Furthermore, since the release of her wealthy family background a year ago, some even believe that she bought her way into the group.

In response to her father's tweets, A Cube issues the following statement, "The company’s position is the same as last time when we revealed our official statement… There is nothing else to say. It’s the truth that [Yookyung] left after settling on an agreement, and we have no intention to bring her back in."

Yookyung may not be the most popular member or the prettiest, but that's not the point. She's part of the A-Pink image and helped create it. Bringing another girl in during this controversy would just hurt public reception of the group. This is a really bad situation for both sides, because the damage is already done; if Yookyung does come back, that would only cause unnecessary tension between her, the company and the other A-Pink members. If A Cube comes out and apologizes, then their image is forever tarnished for covering something up, while not coming out will create even more controversy, as Yookyung's father is threatening to reveal the actual negotiation. If neither side agrees, this issue might go to court, and then what will become of A-Pink in the end? *Thinks of T-ara and shudders*


Read the original article here:
http://www.allkpop.com/2013/05/a-cube-entertainment-and-yookyungs-father-give-conflicting-reports-on-yookyungs-departure-from-a-pink
Update (130507):
http://www.allkpop.com/2013/05/former-a-pink-member-yookyungs-father-fires-back-at-a-cube-entertainment

It's a sad day for PINKFINITE...

Original Image source: https://www.facebook.com/apinkandinfinitefanpage

            Pinkfinite shippers, brace yourselves for some extremely frustrating news. Firstly, SHINee's Taemin and A-Pink's Naeun are confirmed by allkpop to be the newest couple on "We Got Married," a virtual marriage dating show between celebrities. Then, there's a new controversial article about Infinite's L. First ZE:A's Kwanghee and Secret's Sunwha are leaving WGM early, now you're replacing them with a barely legal couple? It's not like I dislike Taemin, because really, I don't know much about him. However, I do know about Naeun, and I'm so sad that she's making her first virtual romance debut with someone other than Infinite's L. I mean, he's maybe, probably- so into her! Main visual, wavy long hair, pretty, innocent, feminine, also likes the color black, and everything on his ideal type list! Then matters got ten times worse when Super Junior's Shindong pointed out on Beatles Code 2 that in 2008 prior to his debut, L answered the question, "What should I do if I want to become a celebrity?" His most noticeable remark was, "The labels focus on your looks to a certain extent. SM Entertainment considers looks at about 60% and talent at around 40%. The labels that concentrate more on talent are JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment." Shindong then teased, "You criticized our label. You're telling us we have no talent." Naturally, L became very flustered.

Though Shindong said it as a joke, the situation can easily turn very nasty. Netizens and SM fans can easily be insulted and create anti-L or anti-Infinite remarks. In fact, they already have. Some already point out L as 80% looks and 20% talent, arguing that variety and acting skills don't count. Others are dragging in Sungyeol and Sungjong, saying they have no vocal talent, either.

SOOO?? They make me happy, SO??! K-Pop has a distinct mixture of many different components. Talent, effort and looks are among the top three. Closely following those are personality and creativity. Things like learning how to play an instrument, composing, singing and rapping skills can be learned then honed. The same with variety skills and acting skills. However, you can take 100 individuals, give them the same training and resources, and not all of them will yield the same results. Not everyone will be loved, either. The whole point of being an 'idol' is for people to love you just as much (or more) than your music. This is why entertainment companies mix and match members to form a group: usually 2-3 main vocalists (people who can "really sing" if you wanna put it that way), 1-2 main rappers/dancers, and some type of "visual" that is physically beautiful. The "lookers" tend to gain skills over time, but the point is to immediately hook audiences onto the visuals so they'll stay around for the talent. Sometimes, it's the other way around, but I'm talking about the South Korean culture here, where there's a heavy mentality of 'having a pretty face gives you a greater advantage' in life. I'm sick and tired of Netizens lip-smacking each other through fan wars and comparing groups like their hard work and lifestyle deprivation wasn't a factor to their success. Not all success is achieved equally, mind you, but sacrifices must be made to earn a spot there. No one gets famous overnight, (not even PSY), and no one does it without blood, sweat and tears. As a public figure, if they receive a ton more love than they do hate, (and if that love steadily grows) that says something about real talent. So THERE. SUCK ON THAT. 

Image taken from: http://fyeahpinkfinite.tumblr.com/post/29057222889/i-hate-pinkfinite-rainfinite-is-much-more-better-and

Further Comments:
Taemin and Naeun? Really WGM? You're going to replace the hilarious socialite couple (Kwanghee and Sunhwa) with the shyest, greenest couple? What are you doing? Just because Shinee is a big group and A-Pink are no longer rookies doesn't mean you can just put any two idols together. Not all star-power is synergistic. In fact, when two people are too similar or reserved, it's completely boring to watch. I seriously applauded them for putting opposites 2AM's Jinwoon and actress Junhee together, but I'm shaking my head at this new combination. Either it'll be very sweet and cute, or aawwwkward... But- but- what about L? Him and Naeun are so fated to be together their articles are number one and two on today's allkpop news. A-Pink is on hiatus lately, so news of those ladies are currently very scarce. For it to even appear on the same day as the release of L's controversial article... man. My fanfiction heart aches for them. Sungyeol should really get the alcohol ready for L's sob attack.

As for this L article, I'm worried that too many people will just take it the wrong way and... another Jay Park situation occurs (a single social network comment stated as a trainee four years prior to his debut caused so much hate Jay had to resign as the leader of 2PM). SM is only tied for first place with YG in the idol agency competition, and despite Infinite's rising popularity, they're from a little fish pond called Woollim Entertainment that can easily be squished by SM's crazy loyal, bajillion and beyond fans. L would never say something like that now, but it's not like it hasn't been a discussed topic before. SM artists are trained for perfection- and that applies to looks as well. The crazier part is, Infinite (and the rest of the idol world) are big DBSK5 fans. Of course they recognize DBSK's crazy talents. They also worship SNSD as goddesses, and have openly sang F(x)'s "Hot Summer" in reality show "Sesame Player." Shinee's Key is also Woohyun's best friend. There really should be no uproar, but... still, you never know. You just really don't wanna mess with SM. If they can suppress their own super boy band DBSK5...

Idol Olympics MyungEun

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

Pinkfinite: Visual line's obsession with black

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwh88qICOqs

Source (allkpop articles):
Infinite's SM Past SM Comment:  http://www.allkpop.com/2013/04/infinites-l-claimed-that-sm-entertainment-artists-are-60-looks-and-40-talent
Taemin and Naeun WGM Couple:
 http://www.allkpop.com/2013/04/both-agencies-confirm-taemin-and-na-euns-casting-for-we-got-married

BTOB Thanks fans with "Second Confession"

       It's a beautiful start to 2013 when I get all my favorite boys bands coming back in a timely manner. First it's Infinite H, then it's Teen Top, then U-Kiss, then Infinite7, now finally BtoB! Thought I didn't expect both Infinite and BtoB to return with 'romantic spring' concept comebacks, I am glad to hear both bands' distinct vocals anyway. This newest single, "Second Confession," is a thank you to fans for their dedication and support over the last year since BtoB's debut. The lyrics are about coming back to a past lover and confessing a second time. Now that's different. Not repetitive mistakes, but a second chance at love. Though I can't help thinking that the "for the fans" announcement is just a lame Cube marketing strategy, I appreciate that they're giving me a BtoB song I didn't expect. As the new raw rookies of Cube, BtoB absolutely blows me away with their vocals. Out of seven members, there is probably only one or two relatively 'weak' vocals- and they're the rappers! What I like about BtoB is that they never stop trying to acquire new musical abilities- a rapper isn't just a rapper, like in the case of Minhyuk. He's also a steady vocalist, plays the piano, a rookie actor, does intense acrobatics, and a diligent English student.

"Second Confession" is one of their 'softer' songs, with a slower ballad-type melody, but the music video highlights what Cube is really shooting for. I don't like comparing groups, but BtoB is has the same intention as Infinite- they are displaying their individual personalities with minimal embellishment. When I saw, "Man in Love," I thought, "Ah... this is what Infinite is really like." I felt the same thing when I saw the "Second Confession" MV. What sets each comeback apart is each member's personality and varied interpretations of what it means to be in love.

BtoB "Second Confession" MV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zuoNuI4fHQ

BtoB "Second Confession" MV (Eng Sub) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR6Wvc2iMtE

BtoB "Second Confession" MV (Pajama version) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=i06rYg2Kqyg#!

How I saw the (original) MV:
From the start of the MV, Minhyuk is reciting fan letters from a radio station in his prim scholarly manner. A letter flies past a building that looks like something from their "Irresistable Lips" set and lands on Ilhoon's bike, as he pedals enthusiastically while reciting an energizing rap. While he acts his age as a cute kid, Minhyuk jogs by on his morning run, pumping his fists boxer-style and spinning smooth dance circles. The letter makes its way to Eunkwang, who is neatly dressed in a blazer and lying on a bench. The camera pans down the same sidewalk, where Changsub is sliding by with smooth jazz moves, his hat pulled stylishly low over one eye. In that moment, I swear I was seeing a younger version of Taeyang from "Wedding Dress." I know Changsub's a surprisingly good rapper, but I didn't know he had so much dancing swag, either. This active letter then flies into a brown market bag containing baguettes, and Sungjae jauntily saunters his way through a high building walkway. He gets bored and hands it to Hyunsik (imploring puppy style), who gladly accepts the bag as if it were a badge, merrily carrying it along with a triumphant smile on his face. The two perform a small jaunty dance and hook elbows in bromance. The group then reunites and perform a little skiddattling dance (I'm running out of words here) while Peniel raps a cute English segment in a loose, just-got-out-of-bed manner. Next, Minhyuk is riding shotgun in a silver Oldsmobile with uncle driver Eunkwang. The windows are down and he raps dreamily until they come to the red light, where Ilhoon is crossing the street. I swear, he's one of the few that can pull off a rap wearing green pants with white polka dots. This entering and leaving of individual members repeat throughout the song, until everyone finally settles by nighttime in a wooden-paneled room with soft but bright lighting. They are all dressed in casual blazer outfits, and continue their mellow singing jig while fiddling with various instruments. Peniel throws in another particularly memorable rap, "Throwing away my pride to ask you to come back, I'll be your shoulder strap and you can be my backpack." Then, a random girl appears, staring at the moon. It's the only part of the MV I have a problem with, just because it was unnecessarily moody when the boys had been cheerily singing. Then, the letter rides the wind through mysterious girl's open patio door and voila! She reads it. The last shot is of the boys giving derpy expressions and posing at the camera in their sitting state.

Comments:
Though I feel this MV and track is a little too mellow for BtoB's style, I'm glad that they're trying something new. I enjoyed the simple outfits and haircuts as well, because it showcases just how surprisingly handsome and charming these boys are. The hand rolling dance is the best addition. I also like that each song highlights different member's vocals. In "Second Confession," main rappers Minhyuk, Ilhoon and Peniel took the spotlight, bringing in energized raps in the midst of sweet choruses. Strangely enough, they did all this without devoiding anyone of singing or rapping parts. The song was very evenly divided, even more so than their previous tracks. Way to set up each member to be a vital component, Cube. I hope to see BtoB increase their performance difficulties next. Maybe something dark and mysterious? With a 'pretty please' on top?

The "Pajama" version of the "Second Confession" MV is just too precious. They look too darn adorable to be teens and males in their early twenties, but I'm glad they can pull it off so well. The dancing is a little awkward because they're wearing such light clothing, but I still like this casual, carefree BtoB more than the one trying to "confess."


BtoB "Second Confession" Live Performances:

130411 M! Countdown Comeback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bapxcVKUGYo

130412 Music Bank Comeback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51CtmIId0Bw

130413 Music Core Comeback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPGaZBtBM8M

130414 Inkigayo Comeback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mppKoJjSh_8

Eunkwang: leader, main vocalist (high notes)

Changsub: vocalist (emotional)

Minhyuk: rapper, vocalist

Hyunsik: vocalist (mellow)

Peniel: rapper, Chicago boy

Ilhoon: charismatic rapper

Sungjae: vocalist, maknae