[MV & Album Review] UNB � 'Black Heart'

AKP STAFF

UNB � BLACK HEART

Tracklist:

1. BLACK HEART
2. After the Rain
3. Moonlight
4. BLACK HEART (Inst.)
5. After The Rain (Inst.)
6. Moonlight (Inst.)

Formed through the KBS reality show 'The Unit,' UNB is back with their new mini-album 'Black Heart.' This comeback is a scant three months after 'Boyhood.' For those unfamiliar with the nine-member band, UNB is Jun, Euijin, Go Hojung, Feeldog, Marco, Ji Hansol, Daewon, Kijung, and Chan.�

The title track "BLACK HEART" is a bit lacking. It's meant as a club-banger, but somehow it's a bit by the numbers. I like the chorus better than the main verses, but it doesn't really have enough to distinguish itself. It even a lacks the standard rap line.

"After The Rain" is done in a rawer style than we hear most ballads. I like the chorus, and how that sounds more honest than tender. It's still emotional, but I like how their voices sound clear and not really whispery. It gives this ballad a more punchy feel to it.�

"Moonlight" is an R&B inspired tune, not as hyper as "BLACK HEART" nor as quiet as "After The Rain." In some ways, this one is refreshing. I like the raps in here. The tune is just super laid-back and playful, without trying too hard. And sometimes those are the best kinds of songs.

So, what do I think of this? I wasn't very familiar with their work. I was aware of it, just not familiar with it, so this is my first exposure. My take? It's a bit weak. I thought the title track needed to be way more dynamic than what it was. It just did nothing for me listening to it. The other two tracks are actually pretty solid musically, and maybe that's where they need to focus their attention for future songs.

MV REVIEW

In this MV, we travel to an abandoned factory, and a group of members meet with another group of members and have a dance battle. Later on, we get scenes of camaraderie.

Which is really the crux. There's very little plot, and the boy in a box thing has been done again and again. That doesn't make it bad, though -- if the dance moves are intense, then at least it's interesting to watch. And yeah, UNB can definitely dance.

Overall, it's not a bad MV, and the members definitely give their all with the dance moves. I like the dance battle, which lifts this out of mediocrity to give it a little originality. And the dance moves kept my attention. It's a good MV, just not great. �

Score

MV Relevance...........8
MV Production..........8
MV Concept..............8
MV SCORE: 8.0

Album Production.....7
Album Concept.........7
Tracklisting...............7
ALBUM SCORE: 7.0