dvang 23,884 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 http://www.asianjunkie.com/2014/07/review-fxs-red-light-is-a-treat-for-both-the-eyes-and-ears/ Those who don't like have got to stop saying that people are forcing themselves to like this song and most of those who like it are f(x) fans............ [Review] f(x)’s “Red Light†is a treat for both the eyes and earsPosted by: theyellowslug 07/04/2014in Editorials & Opinions, K-Entertainment, Unflinching Reviews Leave a comment If there was a problem for f(x) heading into its “Red Light†comeback, it was that the group was increasingly becoming one note. And while that sort of branding may have helped the group establish itself when it was debuting, over time the same-sounding electro-pop anthems blasted over a stream of neon-colored dance-in-a-box sets started to become predictable. Last year’s “Rum Pum Pum Pum†displayed f(x) at their creative lowest — a misguided, sparse summer snooze-fest overlaying a video which may as well have been pieced together from other f(x) releases. Luckily, it’s a new year and “Red Light†is a fairly major corrective course for the SM Entertainment quintet. “Red Light†demonstrates that even a group with an M.O. as established as f(x) can release something that is both refreshingly different AND wholly within the group’s wheelhouse at the same time. The most surprising thing about “Red Light†is how it manages to make a tightly-composed beat sound utterly anarchic. The beat takes the standard f(x) electronic instruments and proceeds to work them tirelessly. Claps have an added electronic grind placed over them, as newly introduced elements keep adding on top of each other until a real rich and substantive lower register is solidified. Lyrical entrances alternate between being purposely hollow and double-tracked (a trick which is employed quite well throughout) to give some depth and balance the spastic electronic wail and thumping bass. The approach to each chorus uses the proper amount of build up, preparing the listener for transitions while never overextending their welcome to the point of dulling their impact. As for the choruses, they’re pretty fantastic. The synths gleefully bounce in every direction, while the vocals are blended together into a smoothie of synthesized glory. The bridge perfectly transitions to a slower and more subdued mixture of low keys and bombastic vocals before going for the final killer chorus. The vocal performances in the verses themselves aren’t particularly noteworthy or distinctive, but for a song like this it barely matters. As far as integrating f(x)’s sound into the current K-pop trend of having plenty of seemingly incongruous transitions between varying beats? “Red Light†knocks it out of the park. Then there’s the music video, which should be regarded as a shining beacon of hope for the poor dance-in-a-box concept. “Red Light†shows that with enough smart editing and imaginative direction, even the most basic of concepts can come alive. Of course, there are still solo shots interspersed with choreography shots and the tried and tested establishing group shots, because for an SM Entertainment production, those things are as essential as the idols themselves. Still, what makes “Red Light†a great video is how those things are employed. Lighting filters are used ambitiously and without much constraint. Dark and heavy filters are contrasted with bright kinetic strobes to give all the group and individual shots a sense of artistic foreboding that plays well with the music. Choreography shots are sometimes framed in the same style, but more often a wider angle and clearer lighting are used so that the intricacies of the group’s positioning and dance movements can *gasp* actually be seen and appreciated. The styling and wardrobe of each member is another added layer which shouldn’t be underrated. Every member is styled very distinctly from one another, which helps emphasize the purposeful controlled chaos that “Red Light†aims for. One can immediately tell Krystal from Amber from Sulli by silhouette alone (another thing which gives f(x) more latitude to play with lighting effects without losing any clarity). And like the sets of the video itself, f(x) simultaneously looks remarkably well put together and on the verge of dilapidation. The group is pretty (Luna and Victoria, good lord), but like every other component in this production, it’s a prettiness with a distinct and recognizable point of view. “Red Light†could have tripped up at so many points that it’s worth praising it for simply not falling on its face. The fact that it’s actually very good as a whole is honestly a small miracle. The song understands how to make something seem unstable while never losing grasp of sound pop structure through its mixture of layered beats and processed vocals. The video captures the intensity and insanity of the feverish techno-beats and manifests it as a kaleidoscope of imagery that successfully skirts the line between a psychedelic high and a bad trip. “Red Light†takes the standard f(x) package and throws it up against a carnival fun-house mirror, and somehow the group’s reflection comes out looking better than ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryan 11,519 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 “Red Light†takes the standard f(x) package and throws it up against a carnival fun-house mirror, and somehow the group’s reflection comes out looking better than ever. yAAAAASSSSSSS preacccchhhhh The group is pretty (Luna and Victoria, good lord) ABOUT TIME THAT LUNA'S BEAUTY GETTING THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES ya'll bettah be here for the GORGEOUS QUEEN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazeaire 5,629 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I do like the slug's reviews since he's so articulate and really goes in depth but in this case Imma gonna have to disagree with him, it;s just a bad song imo and no amount of visuals can save that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lily of the valleyლ 2,310 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I disagree with him. The song is just awful...this is coming from an f(x) fan. The MV is my favourite f(x) MV to date though Glad Luna is getting more attention these days, she's one of my favourite idols, truly is such a beautiful, genuine and sweet person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTI 7,017 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 terrible song, great video Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
continuum 993 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 Great song, great MV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumblebee 4,397 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 don't like the song but good mv at least Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not Your Oppa 961 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 the song keep growing on me, and now i love Red Light so much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remus 1,775 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I mean, it would be different if people were saying it was average when it was bad, but people trying act like it is good when it is really bad are just making themselves look foolish or just have horrible taste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvang 23,884 Posted July 5, 2014 Author Share Posted July 5, 2014 I mean, it would be different if people were saying it was average when it was bad, but people trying act like it is good when it is really bad are just making themselves look foolish or just have horrible taste. people like you are the reason people hate kpop fans so much.....who the fuck are you to judge somebody's music taste??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tya 2,675 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I mean, it would be different if people were saying it was average when it was bad, but people trying act like it is good when it is really bad are just making themselves look foolish or just have horrible taste. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure music is subjective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YesIKnowRelax 3,614 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I disagree it fell flat on its face plenty I just don't understand how SM manages to write the most awkward lyrics I have no idea what the song is about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassygoddess 3,927 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 the reviews were talking about musicality wise while people listening to it just reviewing it as a normal listener... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aegyo 3,461 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 Preach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temptastic VII 6,473 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I genuinely like Red Light. I like yellowslug too, so I'm glad he agrees with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballfina 29,566 Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 yes to everything - I appreciate a harmless catchy bubblegum kpop song as much as the next person, but damn do I appreciate a girl group smashing those expectations even more. Red Light is a challenging song, but one that I think has an enormous payoff. I absolutely adore the production as well as the trap elements and honestly just the whole feel of it, it makes me want to fuck shit up in six inch heels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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