Stellar ~ Sting
Stellar has
delivered yet another MV that is overflowing with sexy innocent charms! Being
crafty with indirect messaging in "Vibrato", Stellar pushes curiosity with their latest playful release "Sting".
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!
Track Listing :
Do You Hear Me? Click Here
찔려 (Sting) *Title Click Here
Insomnia Click Here
Love Spell Click Here
신데렐라 Click Here
떨려요 Click Here
찔려 (Sting) *Title Click Here
Insomnia Click Here
Love Spell Click Here
신데렐라 Click Here
떨려요 Click Here
No comments:
Post a Comment