Welcome to another edition of weekly music show recaps! We’re well into summer now, and the comebacks just keep on coming, the most notable of which this week include Girls’ Generation and Girl’s Day. Meanwhile, Big Bang swept up the awards on M! Countdown, Music Core and Inkigayo, while AOA won on The Show and Sistar on Show Champion and Music Bank. As always, here are my favourite performances this from week; feel free to add your own in the comments!
“Ring My Bell,” Girl’s Day, SBS MTV The Show, July 7, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnasbCRQkk8]
Although I may have had qualms about this song being overly packed and bold-sounding on my first listen, these elements do seem to play significantly more to Girl’s Day’s advantage when it comes to live stages. Complete with the lit up set and filled stage, the performance comes off as loud and bright in a good way, and the Girl’s Day members also did a good job matching that energy in their performance. And while the point choreography still seems relatively awkward to me, Hyeri riding a male-backup-dancer-bicycle was certainly interesting to see.
“Hurt Locker,” Nine Muses, MBC Show! Music Core, July 11, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQxqbNTlYpo]
Nine Muses’ performances of “Hurt Locker” never cease to wow me, and this week is no exception. The choreography, especially in the verses, is incredibly sharp and in sync with the percussion in the song, and combined with the members’ clean execution of the movements on stage, the dance shows a high level of organization. The camerawork in this stage also involved many full shots that highlight the various formations in the choreography, which Nine Muses is able to make extensive use of thanks to their large number of members.
“Ah Ah,” Teen Top, SBS Inkigayo, July 12, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pvzOF2–8A]
Speaking of impressive choreography, Teen Top wrapped up music show promotions this week with their goodbye stages for “Ah Ah.” Amazing footwork aside, what I really enjoy about their stages is that while the dance is anything but easy, the members’ expressions and performance make it seem almost effortless. Their transitions between little to no choreography and tight choreography are also seamless, particularly in the ending when they wander around on stage for a bit but then launch into their footwork routine in a very natural manner.
“Check,” Girls’ Generation, SBS Inkigayo, July 12, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8bV45HUAd4]
While I loved the freshness of “Party” and the energy the members brought to their performances of the song, Girls’ Generation’s stages for “Check” were what caught my eye more. The song in itself already impresses with its mature sound and intricate melodies, but the performances really complete the piece. They give off a femme fatale vibe which the members pull off extremely well, and it also helps that their styling and makeup are on point. What I particularly like about “Check” is that parts really suit their respective members — I love Yoona’s delicate “lipstick, high heel, hairstyle,” and Hyoyeon’s vocal colour gives her parts a distinct flavour — and the ending closes the performance on a strong note.
“Mr. Ambiguous + Medley,” Mamamoo, KBS Yoo Hui-yeol’s Sketchbook, July 10, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VKKD523rbE]
This performance is definitely my favourite of the week. I love when groups like Mamamoo go on Yoo Hui-yeol’s Sketchbook because while their lives and stage presence are already impeccable, they are further given the opportunity to shine thanks to the program’s good sound system and live band. Mamamoo’s stage was enjoyable both vocal and performance wise, and the hit songs medley was really a treat amongst it all. They certainly did the songs they covered justice, and managed to convey the original feeling of most (such the lightheartedness and airiness of “Some” or the loudness and fun of “Her”) while adding their own unique flair. I’m glad the audience seemed to enjoy it as much as viewers did.
(YouTube [1] [2] [3] [4] [5], Image via SBS)
