Summer comebacks

Twice just gave us Yes or Yes. IZ*ONE debuted recently. Momoland and Blackpink are going to Manila next year. But I'm just posting today my thoughts on recent comebacks, particularly last summer. While I missed reviewing Twice's Summer Nights, I was able to write my thoughts on two notable comebacks of the past season—those of five-piece female group Red Velvet and four-member co-ed KARD.

Sourced from YouTube

KARD amplified summer vibes

Last July, the four-piece co-ed group KARD joined other groups for a bunch of summer comebacks. Yet, KARD was back with a very unique package that consists the 6-track Ride On The Wind after last year's You&Me accelerated KARD's sound and image to a deeper level. Ride brings KARD back to its firsthand sound, while building up a hip-hop/dance visage with identifiable tropical vibes.

The mini-album's title track marked the group's comeback, jiving in with the summer feel which was tapped by other groups like Twice (in "Dance The Night Away") and Red Velvet (in "Power Up").

The music video for "Ride On The Wind" is another visual treat from the co-ed group, not only for the beauty of each member, but more importantly for another series of on-point choreography.

While "Ride" is a good summer single, another track from the album could have been a great alternative. "Knockin' On My Heaven's Door", at the first time I heard it, sounds so unique and fresh for the group well-known for its EDM identity. For me, "Knockin'"—with its fluid transitions, fair share of vocals, and  a head-bopping drop—could very much anted the impact of KARD's comeback, showing another unique flip of the 'KARD' as they did in You&Me. 

As KARD deals another combination of crafts from their deck of talents, what still remains—and will likely mark the group—is the tropical vibes their songs evoke. From the feel-good "Hola Hola" to the breezy "Ride", KARD blended in the Kpop summer vibe with what appears to be a standard for that season's releases.

They have 'aced' their fans with their new mini-album, nevertheless. What would be exciting to look forward to is the group elevating their talent further and bring in upgraded tracks and performances that would astound long-time fans as well as draw in new ones who will appreciate their style of music.

Sourced from kpopreviewed.wordpress.com

Red Velvet's Summer Magic a refreshing treat

Reveluv's (fans of Red Velvet) must have been excited for the five girls of the legendary Red Velvet (RV) to once again amuse audiences on their screens and listeners on their headsets. Last August 6, RV returned with the EP Summer Magic, coupled with the lead single "Power Up!" and a music video for that track.

While "Power Up" is a cute song performed by both cute and pretty women, its lyrics itself aims to 'power up' its listener. As Danny Kim of YouTube channel DKDKTV explains, the "Power Up" speaks to who appears to be an ordinary, tired worker in a standard hot summer day (perhaps that's why the things in the MV are melting!). The song evokes a motivation to "do whatever you want, even if it's a vacation to Hawaii". Isn't that a good song to play on pang-masa (mass-marketed) radio?

When it comes to the members, I could say all have a fair share of vocals and visuals. As much as they are in harmony on classics like "Automatic", "Russian Roulette", and "Red Flavor", they are again blending themselves well on this comeback that has refreshed their fans. Another notable thing to see are their set of wardrobe for this new release: scouting uniforms, baseball/soccer kits, and the usual checkered summer dress. Especially when you see them donned by Yeri, Joy, Wendy, Irene, and Seulgi, you will get amused by how they finely carry themselves.

Summer Magic further quenched people's thirst for new material as it served not only a cheerful single, but also cool R&B tracks and upbeat pop songs. One of those upbeat tracks is the fiesta-esque "Hit That Drum". I like it for being reminiscent of RV's inaugural song-turned-signature greeting "Happiness", as well as of Simply Red's "Fairground" (in terms of rumbling percussion). "With You" and "Blue Lemonade" are good tracks for sounding smooth and easy.

The 7-track EP also features an English version of their first single for this year, "Bad Boy". Finally, a group has sensed its international listeners and fans, and so offers an English track in the album. It was first heard in the KCON event in Los Angeles. Now, it is a track for us to hear anytime. And hopefully (in my wishful thinking) this song from the Kpop genre could resurface playlists of contemporary hit radio stations (even mass-marketed ones).

RV has shone bright again as it returned a little bit in its sort-of-bubblegum pop vibe with "Power Up" (aside from Japanese mini-album #Cookie Jar) after they went on a deeper level in "Bad Boy". It is a cool treat for their avid listeners who have been waiting for them to take the stage and deliver new performances.

They have just come back with what appears to be a follow-up for the very solid "Bad Boy", "RBB (Really Bad Boy)". The title seemed to be not that well-thought (even becoming another material for memes). But don't be fooled by it. It's another astounding performance from the group.