Vixx EP "Hades" Review

Vixx EP Hades

Review of Hades EP and "Fantasy" Music Video

Hello Kpoppers of the vast internet!

Starlights! The Kings are back with a new dark concept. They finally released the music video for "Fantasy" today!

With the teaser pictures they released leading up to their concert and the release of the EP, they really look like they could be Princes of Hades.

(http://www.soompi.com/2016/07/31/vixx-announces-comeback-next-release-conception-trilogy/)

"Fantasy" is strangely and darkly catchy. At first, I couldn’t comprehend what I was listening to, but it was so intriguing that I had to have another listen. After another listen I liked it, especially after having watched the mv earlier this morning. 

The EP includes three songs: Fantasy, Love Me Do, and 나비 흐과 (Butterfly Effect). All three songs were co-written by Ravi. I am continuously surprised by Ravi’s musical ability because of his diversity in songs. He helped write a dark ballad, a catchy slow EDM song, and a sweet slow song, not to mention he also co-wrote the songs for Zelos as well. Way to go Ravi!!

Fantasy has a dark piano introduction with a husky-toned Ravi and sweet adlib from Leo to begin the song out. Ken’s deep voice back to Leo’s high tone. I really like Hongbin's and Hyuk's part, playing off each other. Then at the end with N's beautiful voice with sorrow or desperation,it's just... ah... It's a good way to end the song. 

All of the songs have a certain appeal. Fantasy has a certain dark vibe that makes you want to listen to it continuously. I like Love Me Do because of the addictive to the catchy beat. Then Butterfly Effect has a particular slowness to it that you could take a stroll while listening to the beautiful notes that each member sings in the song.

(https://www.amazon.com/VIXX-Folded-Postcard-Sticker-Photocard/dp/B01JRK10H0)

The Music Video was released today, which is super epic. I love the dark background with the vines and them dancing in the woods. They really do look like they are in the underworld and roaming around in that realm, dwelling on a love that could not be. I like the outfits too, even though they stuck with black and white outfits. Compared to Dynamite, not quite as colorful. 

I am not a big fan of the choreography for this music video. Maybe because I didn't see a lot of choreography compared to other videos or what. I think if I saw them perform it on MusicBank or M Countdown! I might change my mind... There were some interesting dance moves, but it looked kind of complicated in the MV. 

Here's the link to the music video. 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuaRdAozUI0)

What did you think of it? Comment below!


~Andie

P.S. UPDATE 11/15/16: I have to admit, after watching them perform the song live and dance, the dance grew on me, but it is still not my favorite dance sadly. I think the "Love Me Do" dance is one of my favorites. 

VIXX "Zelos" Review

VIXX's EP Zelos

(http://omonatheydidnt.livejournal.com/17868663.html)

Hello my Kpoppers of the vast internet,

Oh my goodness, I have been on a long hiatus... so I am here to catch up on a few posts that I had ready to go but forgot to post.

First up...!

Starlights, Vixx had a comeback in April and is the first of three. This track has an upbeat sound with dark lyrics. The different elements of music are really amazing too and work well within the song. You have the popular pop music chorus with a slower ballad-like bridge that leads right back to the upbeat quick chorus. 

The Zelos EP is only three songs (four if you count the instrumental version of "Dynamite"). The lyrics for all three songs were co-written by Ravi.

This is also just one of three EPs they will be releasing. From the picture below, you can see that one-third of the mirror or pendant has been filled in. 

Their title song "Dynamite" is an upbeat song about obsessing over a love. There are powerful vocals that work well with the music. One thing I particularly like is that during Ravi's rap part his sings a little with Hyuk and it sounds good. It would be nice if there were more harmonies and two people singing together more often in the songs (and not just Leo and Ken).

In the music video, they used the chalk or powder (or whatever they use to make the colored clouds) well. The colors they used in the music video really made it stand out at certain parts. Especially closer to the end of the music video when the colored chalked shoots up and the Vixx members begin beating up the mannequins. I really like that we were able to see N show off some solo dance moves in the MV.  I am excited and looking forward to seeing if N or Hyuk will have more solo dance shots in future MVs. I was also happy to see that Hongbin got more than one line in the song. Looking forward to seeing more singing from Hongbin!

One complaint about the dance from the music video. The dance is cool, but when the members turn away from the camera and the audience during the chorus, no one can see their faces... face us Oppas! (Just kidding!)

That was the one thing I did not like about the choreography. The rest of it seemed playful and strong.

Below is the video for "Dynamite"!

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bnIb1JJHdA)

Let me know what you thought of the song and/or the dance.

~Andie