VIXX LR - 'Beautiful Liar'
Tracklist:
1. Beautiful Liar
2. Remember
3. Words To Say (Leo Solo)
4. Ghost (Ravi Solo)
5. My Light (Song by VIXX)
6. Beautiful Liar (Inst.)
VIXX's very first subunit, VIXX LR, has dropped their first EP, 'Beautiful Liar.' Besides songs by Leo and Ravi themselves, it includes solo tracks by the duo, as well as a tune by none other than the full band VIXX. The boys show off their writing and composing skills here, too, with credits on all five tracks.
The title track, "Beautiful Liar," starts out very balladic, with Leo's high tenor on the chorus. It quickly switches gears to hip-hop , with Ravi's aggressive flow, and back again during the chorus. The fusion of rap and slow jams gives it a pretty epic, somewhat heavier feel. In this one, the singer is telling the girl it's alright if she leaves him, knowing the whole time that it's a lie.
"Remember" starts out with Leo again on the smooth chorus, using the title as the hook. This track is very much like the first one, structurally. What saves it is Ravi's matter-of-fact rapping, which is done to a different beat, changing things up some. The boys are reminiscing about spending a rainy night with their love.
They've teased us with ballad-like intros so far, and now they deliver with a Leo solo, "Words To Say." It's a typical lovelorn ballad, with all the trappings that go with it. It's okay, but other than Leo's impassioned, emotional delivery, there's little to distinguish it from the zillions of similar songs already produced by VIXX and others, lyrically and musically.
"Ghost," the Ravi solo, is full-on hip-hop. It's fairly clever, with references to the Joseon Era ("I'll repay you with a smile like a Hahoe mask") and that signature Korean wordplay that makes this tune a joy to listen to. The only thing I might quibble with is the chorus, which is kinda spare and repetitive. But still, it's fun and playful, and a change in tempo and mood from the rest of the EP.
The final song on the album, "My Light," brilliantly incorporates the titles of their past singles in the lyrics, a shoutout to the fans if I've ever heard one The tune itself is slower and less energetic than in the past, more resembling their deeper cuts. Leo and Ken's silky harmonies don't disappoint, and Ravi is on point here as well.
Overall, this is a strong debut. They've shied away from some of the other concepts they've used in the past. There's no recycling that I can detect here. They could have gone with cute or fierce or some such, but instead they've hit a happy middle ground. Smooth and sleek, "Beautiful Liar" is sure to please starlights while they wait for a sixVIXX comeback.
MV REVIEW
The boys are heartbroken in their new MV, "Beautiful Liar."
With lowered heads and darkened sets, the boys make their way through a breakup. Leo gets what looks like a wedding invite from his ex as she makes her way out. It's black, just like the mood here. Meanwhile, Leo pours his heart out through music as Ravi tries to talk (or rather, rap) him out of his funk. Later, it looks like she might be Ravi's girl, as he confronts Leo and the girl and she walks out, Leo holding Ravi back as he tries to run after her. There's some symbolism throughout with faces hidden and revealed.
It's primarily a drama video, with all that implies. No dancing, a few antics while Ravi raps but it's ultimately meant to convey a dark mood that some synchronized dance or too many costume changes might detract from.
Ravi's tattoos make for some interesting viewing, and I like how Leo is just tickling the ivories while Ravi is trying to get him to cheer up. Some of their antics like headlocks and such might be a bit out of place, but it can also be seen as perhaps playing to try and lift the mood. Overall, this MV, while light on plot, has more symbolism than I have room to go into. Suffice it to say, it's a good MV married to a good song.
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