So, Flashback by After School. 3 and a half minutes of pure sex and some random scenes of killing a guy (who presumably cheated on one of them perhaps?). Stripper heels, corsets, legs spread, suggestive finger crooks, fishnets... pretty much trashy-sexy concept [not meant to be negatively interpreted]
I'll say it right here: I was disappointed after the first time I watched it. My mind just went like "WTF omg they wasted ANOTHER good comeback". Why?
1. The song wasn't catchy at all, neither was it musically astounding. Average, at best. This is a dance track, and to be brutally honest, DJs are NOT gonna play this song in clubs. Not with Big Bang/2NE1 songs lying around.
2. "B-b-b-boy I miss you, baby oh-oh-ohhh~" was cringe-worthy.
3. I know they were using dark, smoky lighting to create this sexy, musky atmosphere but they've overdone it. The setting [car garage scene, them sitting in an art studio, the dubstep section] screams "BUDGET MV"
credits: allkpop.com
credits: allkpop.com
So yeah to put it succinctly: I disliked it. Alot. Seriously, that Pledis has once again just ruined After School's comeback by setting such a low, sub-standard song. Their vocals were HORRIBLY auto-tuned beyond recognition. Even Raina's build up and high note near the end wasn't note-worthy; it sounded like it was just thrown in to fulfill the "climax" requirement of a typical hook song. The only saving grace was probably Nana's talk-rap. Her thin, rather breathy voice suited the concept [SEX VOICE] and well, it's sure to arouse male audiences, apart from her other-worldly gorgeousness.
Visuals wise, even though the setting still screams cheap mv job, I liked the make-up and clothes that they wore. Jooyeon's crystal-studded eye make-up/ Nana's back-revealing corset/ Jungah's high low dress/ Uee's entire face make-up are especially gorgeous.
[credit: afterschooldivas.tumblr.com]
[credit: http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/after-school-s-nana-gives-a-glimpse-of-044039030.html]
As for the rest, Raina: she looked terrible with center-parted bangs; it made her cheeks look oddly distorted. E-young: fishnets are kinda too... sexual for her. Maybe for Uee instead? Lizzy: the push-up corset was kinda pushing limits too far [hahahha lame pun] and wtf why did Pledis give you the same hair as Nana. Gaeun: stylists PLEASE DON'T EVER LET HER WEAR THIS HAIR AGAIN. It totally exposes and amplifies her weak facial features! :( Gaeun is seriously gorgeous as well but no one's gonna pay her much attention if you give her urgh-worthy styles.
[credit: ka-eun.tumblr.com]
If I had to pick a member that suited Flashback the best it would be... Nana. Not just saying this because she's my ultimate bias in After School, but really... that girl can sell sex. And aeygo. And then goddess. But yes, sex. Why else was she so hyped during After School Red promotions last year? She was even favoured over Jungah and Uee, probably on par with Kahi.
Anyway. I have to admit that Flashback is a song that gradually grows on you - as much as you hate to admit it. It is a good song to listen to when you want to drown out surrounding sounds and just listen to some funky beat droning in your head. The underlying beat in the song, plus the dubstep (however weird and out of place) is awesome for choreography and freestyle if you wanna groove at home. Nevertheless, it is forgettable. It is nowhere near fabulous lyrics-wise and the vocals are just ... meh. The song is mostly banking on SEX SELLS and visuals to ensure marketability.
credits: as-gifs.tumblr.com
I still love After School though. And as a loyal Playgirlz, I reallly REALLY wish that Pledis Entertainment does something good for AS for their next comeback. Seriously, the group is way too talented. Still, rumors are going around that AS is collaborating with Brave Brothers (master behind "Because of You" + 5000000 hit songs that gave SISTAR it's popularity today) so I hope they shine again!
Rating: URFGHH so hardddd I love AS but... 2/5. So buck up girlssss and make me proud.
Ending this post with a gorgeous gif of NANA!
credits: visualkpop.tumblr.com
credits: as-gifs.tumblr.com
I still love After School though. And as a loyal Playgirlz, I reallly REALLY wish that Pledis Entertainment does something good for AS for their next comeback. Seriously, the group is way too talented. Still, rumors are going around that AS is collaborating with Brave Brothers (master behind "Because of You" + 5000000 hit songs that gave SISTAR it's popularity today) so I hope they shine again!
Rating: URFGHH so hardddd I love AS but... 2/5. So buck up girlssss and make me proud.
Ending this post with a gorgeous gif of NANA!
credits: visualkpop.tumblr.com
