[ASKKPOP] [MV Review] Bob Girls - 'No Way'
AsBob Girlsis the sister group of the awesomely wackyCrayon Pop, one might expect their recent debut to pack a punch with its own unique twist. Unfortunately, the result is something quite the opposite--a music video and song that seem to get lost in its concept, and thus comes across confusing and bland.
From the very start of the music video, it's evident that the girl group is going for a sexy feel. The lingering gazes, the wandering hands, the plucks of dem sexy guitar strings. These are their attempts to entice us viewers for a fun time, and what ensues is a visual, dance music video. Some may complain that this new "sexy trend" in Korea is getting a bit old, but that's not really my problem. I'm fine with girl groups touting the sexy, even for their debut, because I never find it boring. In fact, I believe that sexy concepts usually bring about some of the funnest, or funniest, dance moves, depending on who's doing the dancing (MasterKkabJo Kwon, come back to show these basics what I'm talking about please).
Bob Girls, however, take the sexy concept and kind of do nothing with it. WhileGirls' Generationhad us hypnotized with their "Tell Me Your Wish" leg-flicks andGirl's Daypulled off a "now-you-see-my-leg-NOW-YOU-DON'T" tease in "Something", Bob Girls only offer us what we've already seen before--butt-shaking, finger-wagging, whoa-is-this-my-body-commence-erotic-touching. There is no shock value that usually comes with successful, sexy videos--nothing fun like the sultry, swaying hips ofBrown Eyed Girlsin "Abracadabra" or jaw-dropping likeHyuna's leg-spread in "Ice Cream". The self-touching, in fact, gets repetitive and even a little excessive to the point that I don't find it to be sexy but to be just a poor copy of what sexy is. There's no fun, interesting surprise for the eyes.
Not that the girls themselves aren't eye candy, but there are plenty of pretty women in the K-Pop industry. What sets girl groups apart during their promotions are either key points in their choreography or at least in their outfits. In this music video, Bob Girls try to fashion their own unique style by wearing bob hairstyles and what appear to be almost Minnie Mouse-like outfits, complete with mouse/bunny ears. The result is actually pretty cute--but unfortunately, not very sexy. Nothing is slyly exposed a laAoA's "Miniskirt" "say-hi-to-my-thighs" zip-up skirt or boldly accentuated likeStellar's infamous "Marionette" cleavage. It's just cute cosplay that, although is interesting in its own way, doesn't match the mood of the song and doesn't accomplish its goal of seduction.
Now, of course, "sexy" doesn't necessarily have to mean "outrageous" and "scandalous." From the mood of this tune, the forlorn looks in the mirror, and the lyrics of the song itself, it seems like Bob Girls were going for the kind of sexy thatSISTAR's "Alone" and Girl's Day's "Something" accomplished in projecting--a sad, sultry, and mysterious kind. This concept doesn't really call for much skin exposure, but what makes Bob Girls' attempt plainer in comparison to the music videos of itssunbaesis the complete lack of that mysterious tone and atmosphere.
While "Lonely" and "Something" make an obvious effort to create a specific kind of mood with hot, red outfits juxtaposed against cold, blue splashes of light, "No Way" takes place in two seemingly random settings that don't appear to be relevant to the song itself. While some dance scenes are shot in an ornate building complete with fancy pants chandeliers, others are shot outside in what appears to be the streets of an ordinary neighborhood. I'm not sure what either setting says about loneliness or the sadness of a one-sided love. Perhaps it's telling a story about five lonely, rich girls who just want to play in the streets of Seoul. Or maybe they're some rich guy's playboy bunnies wishing that their main man would treat them seriously. If these scenarios sound super weird to you, either it's the fault of the music video's ambiguity or it's me--BUT I'M ME. So in my defense, who knows what the heck is going on with this music video. We're not given much of a clue, and in the end, the setting just seems to serve as random backdrops to the not-so-sexy action.
There is no catchy dance move, nothing outstanding about their looks, and finally no feeling put into the music video itself. It's a big package of bleh all put together, ready to be forgotten among the sea of debuts and sexy concepts.
Yes, I realize I'm being quite harsh, but that comes with high expectations and failing to deliver.Chrome Entertainmenthas proven to us before that they can provide us entertaining gems via Crayon Pop. I'm sure Bob Girls have more to offer that just hasn't been properly visualized yet. It's just a matter of Chrome Entertainment figuring out how to bring out the "oomf"that makes sexy concepts so popular or to perhaps go in a completely new direction. Seriously, the mouse ears are cute, so why not utilize them for a more cutesy concept?