Welcome to another edition of Best of Weekly Music Shows! This week, there were two female rookie group debuts from April and MyB. Also, 2eyes, Ami, Beat Win and Ben all made comebacks. Girls’ Generation swept all the awards this week with “Lion Heart,” but they kept things light-hearted with the lion mascot head making an appearance on the encore stage for KBS Music Bank and with an unexpectedly funny mistake by Sunny during their MBC Show! Music Core winning speech where she referred to their fans as ‘Soonsoo’ instead of ‘Sones.’ Aside from the comebacks and music show trophies, here are my picks for the week. Please share yours in the comments below!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30fdKM9w7Lo]Idiotape‘s “Melodie” on KBS Yoo Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook, August 28, 2015
Idiotape has been steadily gaining more recognition, especially with shows like The Genius adopting their music as background themes. Their style of music is non-lyrical, post-rock electronic fusion. While they are wonderful on record, their high energy material translates just as well in their exciting live performance. With live drums, synthesizers and keyboards, they are able to recreate their sound on stage and maintain a balance between organic and electronic elements. The lighting also helps play up the rhythm and emphasizes the looping sections and different textures in their sound.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjTY-i_0ngg]VIXX LR‘s “Beautiful Liar” on MBC Show Champion, August 26, 2015
I would call VIXX LR a great concept and a successful venture for the subunit. The costuming has been exceptional and works well in highlighting the polarized emotions felt during the turmoils of a relationship. Leo and Ravi are both charismatic on stage. Even behind the piano, Leo’s stare and passion bubble over. He is vocally invested, and there’s a charged air in the way he connects with the audience. Ravi takes over rhythmically during his rapping parts and balances out the performance with his movement.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw2ceRubQD4]Hyuna‘s “Roll Deep” featuring Hyojong on Mnet M! Countdown, August 27, 2015
“Roll Deep” has grown on me a bit since I first heard it, but I still feel underwhelmed by the track. Hyuna does add something extra when she performs. Her charismatic gaze is arresting, and she is stunning on stage. Hyojong also seems more comfortable performing alongside his label mate. Even when she simply walks on stage, Hyuna has that extra intangible factor that is captivating. She knows how to command attention and delivers flawlessly.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8-z-iv5Yjg]B1A4‘s “Sweet Girl” on MBC Show! Music Core, August 29, 2015
B1A4 has been impressive during their “Sweet Girl” promotions. The styling and choreography is all on point. Their choreography has always been a strong aspect of the group. It features little movements that go in line with the beats but seems so smooth and effortless. It definitely goes well with their ever evolving sound. I prefer their Show! Music Core performance over the others because their vocals were easier to hear and the camerawork was well done — highlighting all the members.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z6WxZsRdyI]Mamamoo‘s cover of Tom Jones‘ “Delilah” on KBS Immortal Song 2, August 29, 2015
I feel like I always include Mamamoo whenever it is my turn to recap weekly music shows. Mamamoo never fail to impress me with their stage presence. These four ladies strive to show a different side of themselves each time they perform on stage, and this time was no different. Their stunning cover of Tom Jones’ “Delilah” was absolutely perfect. Hwasa set the tone from the beginning with her husky lower register. Whee-in and Solar‘s high notes were exceptional. As usual, Moonbyul finds a way to integrate a nifty rap section even with songs of varying tones and rhythms. They are a perfect quartet whose harmonious talents demand the spotlight.
