Just when VIXX wrapped up "Hyde" promotions, they pleasantly surprise fans with the announcement of a repackaged album! VIXX made a fresh-faced transformation back into young
lads for their repackaged album "Jekyll" and added three new songs. The
newest promotional track is "G.R.8.U." (or "You're Impressive") which
showcases their bright, fun side after two back-to-back paranormal
concepts (as vampires and winged demons). There's a new intro called
"Jekyll" and another bright summer song called "What to Do" to complete
this ambitious return. I deem it ambitious because VIXX seems determined
to not leave the K-pop scene anytime soon. They might be taking short
breaks in-between to prepare for another comeback, but it doesn't seem
like they'll be keeping their Starlights waiting long.
In
the "G.R.8.U." MV, the boys are lounging around in a white room with
colorful objects and shenanigans occur in reverse. In order to film
convincingly, the members had to memorize the sound of their parts
backwards in order to lip-sync for certain scenes.
What's
truly great about this comeback is that it's a mid-tempo song instead
of an intense, rushed track like "Hyde," so individual vocals really
shine here. Leo really holds out his high notes, and Ken's mid-range
sounds very masculine and charismatic. Hongbin sings very clearly and
Hyuk has a surprisingly warm voice. The best part is that their live
vocals are just as solid as their studio recording, so you live stages
which are always fun to watch. In fact, "G.R.8.U." and "What to Do" are
as boy band as you can get, bringing on a cheery, refreshing vibe and
highly catchy beats to an otherwise dull summer (as always, I speak for
myself).
Further comments:
I had to
stifle a fangirl giggle that their first few comeback stage featured a
few of the members with "Hyde" expressions. It's like they forgot which
song they are currently singing and that their concept has switched 180
degrees. It's okay N, we know you're always overflowing with charisma,
and Leo, we know you fit better into dark concepts. These facial quirks
ease out to more relaxed, engaging smiles over time, but I still feel
like N is trying too hard to flirt with the camera while Leo is failing
miserably at being casual and looks like he's trying to seduce the
audience instead. *Sigh* Can't say I'm complaining...
Five member boy band Myname returns with title track "Baby I'm Sorry" and their first Vol. 1 mini-album since their debut in October of 2011 with "Message." Myname is still considered a rookie group since they're still relatively unknown in South Korea (having primarily promoted in Japan). However, their agency H2 Media promises a strong comeback with an MV made by the Zany Bros for "Baby I'm Sorry" that costs over $430,000 USD and contracts professional actors like Yoo Oh Sung and K-1 fighter Chu Sung Hoon. The title song itself is an emotional track that effectively
weaves a piano melody with electric guitar and electronic sound. Watching the teaser, I thought it would be similar to B.A.P.'s "One Shot" gangster-related storyline, but Myname's creative team centered it around a more intense and emotional storyline.
MV Spoiler:
The Myname boys start out as a group of student hooligans who enjoy fighting minor gangs to defend their maknae's honor, and they always end up winning. However, two rival business gangsters are in the area, and Leader Gunwoo secretly works for the Tan Baddie. Seyong joins the rival gang force belonging to Pale Baddie and is asked to assassinate Tan Baddie. Inexperienced as he is, the plan backfires and Seyong ends up killed. Angered, Gunwoo, Insoo, JunQ and Chaejin angrily arrives at the gang's den, prepared to take revenge for Seyong's death. Outnumbered by at least twenty dark suits, they quickly go down in a grotesque display of close-ups and blood. I felt distraught just watching the sheer hopelessness of the situation, but it was easy to see the strength of their brotherhood. The MV started out unconvincing because the members look like puny punks compared to solemn looking men, however the dying scenes were impressively expressed for a rookie group with no prior acting experience. It's the despondent look in their eyes that make individual shots very stirring.
Comments:
"Baby I'm Sorry" reminds me Big Bang's heartfelt hit track "Haru Haru," where a clear storyline was established and people felt frustration because the situation hovered between life and death. "Why didn't you tell me? I could've been there for you" is the message in these MV's, and it's a deeper look into love despite being expressed numerous times before.
Gunwoo looked mature and angsty in this music video, but I really, really wish they didn't chop off so much of his hair. Since he has prominent ears and even larger eyes, the guy needs hair to create shadow and volume around his smaller face. With that said, I really enjoyed his acting.
I hope Myname receives much more recognition for their music. Track "Let Me Cry" is basically the sequel to "Baby I'm Sorry" and has a similar dark sound to Daesung's "Lunatic," while "In My Place" is a somber, soothing track that would sound amazing at the end of any sad romantic film. "You're the One" has a casual, sweeter sound, while "Luv Taker" has a dance club beat. Myname Vol. 1 Mini-Album Tracklist:
After a perplexing controversy that involved the removal of a their seventh member Hong Yookyung, A-Pink finally made their comeback on July 4th with mini-album "Secret Garden" and title track "NoNoNo." Though sticking to their usual cute concept, dance styles and music genre, the message for this comeback is the main distinction. The lyrics provide encouragement for someone going through a tough time rather than having a crush on a boy. It's also with these lyrics that I see small changes in the members' expressions. Eunji and Chorong look particularly glum in the MV despite their efforts to appear bright, and though everyone looks adorable, there's still a glaring realization that their group was shattered by Cube's decision to let Yookyung go. In fact, some Netizens are even commenting that "NoNoNo" sounds like A-Pink's indirect message to console Yookyung.
Comments:
Though "NoNoNo" is just as sweet and catchy as prior tracks "I Don't Know," "My My" and "Bubibu," my main concern is that it's too much like their previous comebacks. I had hoped for a return with something slightly different like their flirty "Hush" track, or a fun sound like "Up in the Sky" featuring Joker from their "Une Annee" mini-album. Instead, I see too much of the same choreography, too much of the same sound (even Eunji's high notes are in the same part of the song) and even similar MV styles (in fact, the filter, background and filming set looks the same). I understand that A-Pink's fans adore them for their innocent style, but they're not always going to be young girls. A little bit of change or advancement is a good thing, and despite their popularity, they're not moving forward with this comeback. In an industry of ever-growing new idol groups, being fresh and innovative is what sustains interest. Despite playing it safe, A-Pink's popularity and the mere catchiness of "NoNoNo" still allows it to rank quite high on music charts.
What I enjoyed:
- They all look so pretty and youthful in those simple outfits! I like that their personalities shine through without too much decorum, and even the make-up looks very natural. They pull off sporty looks so effortlessly!
- That wriggling transition dance looks like so much fun! That and the electronic tune is what really highlights the song.
- Bomi and Eunji's vocals sound awesome in "NoNoNo," and I didn't know Naeun and Hayoung could sing so well! There's a more equal distribution of parts this time around, but it also means Chorong and Namjoo receive less spotlight in this comeback.
- Chorong looks so much thinner- I miss her chubby cheeks! Still, it's a good look for her, and some Netizens are already calling her a "fairy."
From left to right: Hayoung, Eunji, Bomi, Naeun, Chorong, Namjoo
Yookyung's removal/controversy:
A-Cube at initially claimed that Yookyung would be leaving the group due to her acceptance to college and a decision to focus on studies. Yookyung's father Mr. Hong went on twitter and posted otherwise, venting his frustration in the matter and asking A-Cube to not cover up the fact that it was a contract dismissal that had only been announced to Yookyung a month before.When A-Cube stuck to their statement, Mr. Hong issued another warning statement and asked fans to help reinstate Yookyung. Despite fans' protest, the damage was already done, and Cube had even informed that another trainee would replace Yookyung as A-Pink's seventh member in their July comeback. However, their comeback has arrived and Pink Pandas are all issuing a sigh of relief to not have to harbor unreasonably hard feelings towards a new member. It's the very least A-Cube can do for Pink Pandas, but it sure doesn't lesson the burden on the original members. It's saddest that other members never even had a say. Under A-Cube's management, I
doubt they will be able to disclose any details or feelings about what
happened.
From left to right: Hayoung, Eunji, Chorong, Naeun, Bomi, Namjoo
Someone hold me- Infinite is making a comeback!!! As of June 30th, their official website was updated with a new chrome on black infinity logo, and the very next day, a "Destiny" video teaser announced their July 16th comeback. They were also spotted at the LAX airport on the last week of May to film their newest music video. Under a company of creativity and secret weapons, Infinite is the first idol group to obtain permission to film at Universal Studios on the set of Transformers,The Amazing Spiderman and Inception. The set location is known to be super-exclusive and has only permitted filming rights to top stars like Lady Gaga and Chris Brown. Most of their filming took place in LA and Las Vegas during a 9 to 10 day stay. As much love as there was for their latest title track "Man in Love," this summer comeback indicates a return to the dramatic Infinite concept that ruled their prior hit track "Before the Dawn."
Woollim Entertainment dished out almost one
million US dollars to film this Holly-wood blockbuster video, and
Inspirits all know Woollim provides impressive teasers even without the
budget. The background music is already ridiculously stimulating, so the
epic cinematic visuals just make this comeback that much more exciting.
My heart isn't just racing, it's threatening to blow apart. Big screen Infinite? Bring it on!!! MV Comments:
The "Destiny" MV definitely lives up to Infinite's mounting
popularity scale as it combines both stimulating visuals, scope and
hype. However, what this MV lacked compared to their previous MV's was
creativity. You have a practically legendary film set in Universal
Studios, and the most innovative ideas you can come up with is
speed-running, hand-flaming and chair throwing as the climax? If not for
the layered camera angles, BTD style (epic) dancing and the members'
charisma, the MV would've fallen very flat for me, especially since the
set backgrounds were all very barren. In that sense, the stylists did a
great job in integrating rough black and white patterns and texture
(stitches, straps and buckles) to make the boys look larger than life
despite their MV setting. If I had to compare, their MV for "BTD" was much
more engaging (albeit a little too dark and creepy)
As for
the song itself, "Destiny" sounds determinedly epic and would be a great
addition to any Transformer's/Iron Man type movie. It has a very
electric, technological sound with dramatic breaks that leave audiences
waiting for some enthralling climax where a building will explode or the
hero makes his last stand. I love that the theme of "Destiny" is all or
nothing, and the boys still epitomize their (consistent) obsession with
lost love. The main difference is that they're promising not to leave
their significant other anymore, instead of being the "chasers."
Side Notes:
I
see a reserved, slightly more determined Infinite than ever before. I
think the group is at the point where the can see how far they've come,
and there's no option now but to reach for higher plateaus. I bite my lips to see them comeback so soon because they have always been so active in promoting that
any mistake can be a real tragedy. Thank goodness their personal
records are still pretty clean, because the recent controversy with
Sunggyu jokingly (but inappropriately) calling a female cast on "The
Genius" a "yomul" (woman who uses deceit to lure guys in) has already
been damaging enough. It's just one word in a situational context, but
on national television (even cable) there will always be repercussions.
So with that, I hope they guard their popularity well and always remember that their first priority is Infinite the band.
Unfortunately, I can only loosely call "BTD" a 'hit track' because it was an awesome song combined with intricate choreography, stellar live stages, outfits and intriguing action-style MV film style, but they were still too young a group in early 2011 to have the song be fully recognized for the genius composition it was. It definitely wasn't the only dramatic K-pop tracks at the time, but it was definitely one of the most distinct comebacks with the utilization of an interpretive storyline, intensely dark filter and an intro that made you wonder if you had accidentally clicked on a horror movie. Then the music begins and these seven guys in full black clothing are in an arena that looks both barren and desolate. They start relating an obsessive, defeated love to starving and extreme conditions. Members Woohyun and L later appear, completely beat up, dirty and frozen, running for their lives in a foreboding building with a tall hulking man catching them at every turn. They fight, continuously lose, work together, and still end up prisoners. What gets me is the cloud of cold air issuing from their lips as they cry and beat out their desperation on solid metal bars. They can clearly see the way out- there's just no way to get there. Now that is dark. Surely, the only thing that didn't make "BTD" a mega-hit was its lack of notice at the time.
Fangirling:
What was your favorite scene in the teaser??? Mine was when Dongwoo drove down the barren desert. There's nothing more romantic, sexy and intriguing than a guy driving to nowhere with all thoughts directed somewhere. His hair is lightly blowing, and his air of casual sophistication is superb. What about Sungyeol's short hair and outfit transformation? Is it just me or does he look even slimmer than before? It's not a bad look for him with his long legs, but he sure looks solemn with the tougher image. Both Hoya and Sungjong look stylish in entirely different ways, while L is still working on his posing skills, haha. It seems like the main vocalists are the only ones not making dominant appearances, but we have yet to see the full music video. ;)
Check out stills from their "Destiny" teaser that are as colossal as their comeback!
