Welcome back, readers! This week’s Best of Weekly Music Shows had some interesting content to choose from, both in terms of comebacks and performances. Comeback-wise, music shows featured new tracks from A Pink, Crayon Pop and Got7. As for the performances, several channels hosted outdoor specials, which could be seen either as a collection of stages from artists who have been missed since their last promotions, or a galore of bad camerawork, depending on how optimistic you are. Without further ado, here are the stages that stood out to me this week!
Infinite‘s “The Eye”, MBC Show! Music Core, October 1, 2016
Infinite is still at it with the creative choreographies and the impeccable synchronisation. The dance for this song appears to be more undemonstrative, thus the members execute it with impressive restraint; and what the majority of the choreography lacks in intensity, Infinite makes up for by going hard during the dance breaks, and belting out their parts clearly. Furthermore, it is already well known that Infinite’s dancing is synchronised, but that doesn’t make watching their movements match down to every fine detail any less fascinating. The camerawork also does a good job of highlighting this, so props to MBC for that.
Red Velvet‘s “Russian Roulette”, Mnet M! Countdown, September 29, 2016
After the rough start the stylist seemed to have at the beginning of the “Russian Roulette” era, I’m happy to see Red Velvet finally being given some pretty hairstyles (particularly Seulgi and Joy). Combined with the simple but fitting outfits, it really doesn’t take much that to let the members’ attractive looks shine through. On another note, I will never cease to be impressed by the choreography to this song despite its rapid rhythm and complicated hand motions, the members manage to pull it off without missing a beat and make it look effortless in the process.
Got7‘s “Hard Carry”, Mnet M! Countdown, September 29, 2016
While I’m not a fan of “Hard Carry” as a song, it’s clear that that track was made for live performances. With the intense instrumentals and hard-hitting choreography, the stages for “Hard Carry” are nothing short of dramatic. This effect is amplified in the actual lives by the flashy stage effects and more importantly, the loud fanchants, which mix in the with the chanting of the members, that constitute the chorus of the song, to really give the stage an epic feeling. I greatly respect the members for maintaining their composure at the end of the song, instead of just falling over panting after such an intense choreography.
A Pink’s “Boom Pow Love”, Mnet M! Countdown, September 29, 2016
Honestly, the performances for “Boom Pow Love” are so much fun to watch that I almost wish Plan A had chosen that as their title song instead. The song has the same mature mature and elegant style as “Only One,” but presents in a more interesting manner than “Only One” A Pink’s trademarks – their cuteness juxtaposed with their subtle sexiness (as seen by Chorong and Naeun’s parts at the end), their playful interactions, and of course, Eunji’s amazing vocals. Not to mention, the choreography, although slow-paced, is quite powerful, and combined with the setup of the stage, gives the performance a unique vibrancy.
Song Ji-eun’s “Bobby Doll”, MBC Show! Music Core, October 1, 2016
Song Ji-eun’s comeback has her finding all the right elements that work to set her apart as a solo artist. The concept is well chosen, with its classiness, sensuality and slightest bit of darkness. Furthermore, it allows her elegance to shine through, which shows through live performances such as this one. The colour scheme of the stage is gorgeous, Ji-eun is dressed simply while still styled to stand out from her backup dancers, and the use of fans as a prop a creative touch, which makes the choreography more graceful-seeming, while giving the viewers something interesting to focus on.
