The 4 seductive ladies of Stellar put a spring in one's step with the enticingly upbeat "Sting". The song and MV have a mischievous feeling while emphasizing feminine charms. Like a cat, the instrumental pounces into your mind as it is fun, energetic, and tantalizing. I feel as if the vivacious charms that made "Fool" so enjoyable was fused with the sensual but flirty "Vibrato" to create their love child that is "Sting".
I appreciate the emphasize on the title "Sting" being visually displayed in the MV through arrows, rose thorns, cactus needles, diamonds and bug bites. Love either stinks or stings and, in this case, it is the pestering thorn in their side. The song carries a tune similar to a game soundtrack that you'd find in one of the more fun towns or levels of any RPG. The alien-like whistle, rhythmic xylophone, and elongated piano notes make it funky and cheerful. It isn't a dance track but can simply be described more as an exciting, energy-inducing can of 'Red Bull'! The somewhat chirping sounds before the chorus are also oddly entertaining that I feel without it, the song would sound incomplete.
The song is quite lyrically driven too. It brings goosebumps to my heart the minute "Stellar" is whispered in the beginning! I also enjoy the energy found in each verse! The cleverly used English lines like "Judas Kiss or what?" is unique because it emphasis the idea that this kiss is betrayal or simply an act of friendship that may screw over the receiver's true intentions for love. Upon first hearing this sassy fun tempo, I really wanted to hear the girls push a deeper, huskier tone than a delicate upscale one. However, it is what helps the song become a real earworm.
The whine of "Do my words sting/make you feel something?" becomes undeniably catchy and fast. The main chorus leads to the notion that questioning this false love makes the recipient feel guilty and making uncomfortable expressions that lead to further doubt. Stellar can't tell if their lover wants to be friends or ever felt love for them to begin with, leading them to become "sherlock" and "a magnifier who sees through your mind." The use of realistic sounds like a clock ticking, dishes breaking, bubbles popping and their "ooh wow" has a panache that not all songs often include.
Not to mention the MV is superb, well done, and filled with many aesthetically pleasing scenarios. Some might find it distasteful but I love the fact the girls can appear lifeless on the bed one moment but induce trance-like movements with their sexy legs the next. It also highlights how sexy they are, and continue to be, in a teasing way when compared to the in-your-face choreo of "Marionette". The magazine covering Minhee's eyes, from an extremist point of view, make her appear without a mind, that her body is the only worthy aspect. Others can argue it emulates that she is thinking with her body rather than her mind or that she is literally reading between the lines and insinuating the listeners share this same perspective.
The picture of famous American Hollywood actor Clark Gable was another odd feature in this MV and they seemed to highlight him a lot which provided the intention he had a powerful meaning. It links to the plot of the classic film 'Gone With The Wind', emulating that the love in this song is the same. Long story short, the lead female of 'Gone With The Wind' vows to win over the love of Clark Gable, whom she loved all along but felt constantly misled by other situations.
The ladybug is another big reference throughout the MV that identified with another interesting back story. Ladybugs best represent 'Lady Luck,' which means luck in any aspirations - including love! Like a ladybug, this song brings an instance of pure delight! However, it also represents childlike behavior, notions, and intentions. That is why throughout the MV it is flicked away or even smacked because it is a consistent and repetitious depiction of the lovers childlike love and manner. If you notice the girls constantly draw in their legs and close off their bodies which represent the sheltered/withdrawn feelings toward the situation. This love isn't outwardly clear, more coy and hiding away. Another unique aspect is the fish eye viewpoint throughout the MV. One can assume we are the magnifying glass they speak about, closely inspecting what exactly we want from them and they want from their lover. The viewer can also get a sense of being a mirror in their bedroom, which suggests the walls and eyes have ears as only we view their inner thoughts. In the end, who is more conflicted; the confused lover or the one who can't give love back?
Regarding the track list, "Insomnia" has some potential but isn't a home run side track. "Sting" seems to outshine this song if anything. The angelic strums of the harps, the best part of this song, coupled with somewhat tough pounding drums/snares and synthesizing make "Insomnia" interesting but not as intense as the songs to follow.
When it comes to continue the light hearted sensations, "Love Spell" maintains this album's inner groove, making it a good listen! The "shabababa"is like a small love spell between the bridge and chorus as they depict their lover to open their eyes and realize their love instead of being a bad guy. It can further carry out their emotions from their first song as it even uses that same electric, synth sound in the instrumental.
"Cinderella" pushes a serious tone that gives Stellar more of a band style than an idol image. "Cinderella" also rushes into the chorus rather than building up with an intense bridge. It continues to describe their search for love, as well. However, it isn't as out there as the title track tends to be. However, it leads into "Vibrato" which brings that funk, which you can't resist loving, back into your mind!
In the end "Sting" is just beyond fun! Without a doubt their are countless amounts of metaphors and symbolize, carried over from their "Vibrato" MV, which I admire most about this group comeback concept! Eccentric and flashy symbolism makes for an entertaining MV, especially when it can still be appreciated with little understanding of each quirky additive. I hope they keep with this sort of story telling because it makes them more intriguing to look at as you eagerly, yet suspiciously, await what will occur next! Listen if you haven't yet and prepared to be addicted!
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