Friday, 27 July 2012

B.A.P - NO MERCY

Finally, the very first post on my highly-favourite-much-loved rookie group, B.A.P (Best Absolute Perfect). In this post, I'll be talking about their most recent comeback (3rd round) song+MV titled "No Mercy". Now, BAP made their debut on a very strong image in "Warrior" & continued on with "Power". This made us fans expect possibly a similar concept this time round but BAP has surprised us with a twist in it. Rather than the tough, spike-studded look worn in "Power" & "Warrior", BAP came out with a more trendy (definitely colourful) look which - termed by TS Ent. - the pop boy look. Some fans were a little sceptical with it but when you watch the MV & link it to the whole meaning of the lyrics, it actually makes sense.





Stepping into the lyrics first. The style & choices of words are definitely BAP's way. Ever since their debut, most of their songs are about smashing the constricting & fake image of music, coming out with their on originality & character. This song is no exception of course. In fact, this song talks  the most obvious on what they perceive of the music society is now. Yong Guk starts off his verse with a statement of music not being a joke & if you're playing the fool, just scram. Zelo then follows up with quite a bold verse (I have to say) in criticising his "sunbaenim" (seniors) who are not acting like men. This fits in with his position of the younger generation (he's only 17!). Both Daehyun & Youngjae speak of breaking the borders & separating themselves from the "parrots" (all talk but no action/repeating what is told of). The chorus then announces BAP's arrival & having no mercy to anyone, be it fans (yup, they definitely have no mercy on us spazzing fans) or enemies. The repetition of "Boom...Clap" lines create a sort of chanting+marching atmosphere, in sync with their announcement of arrival in the chorus as well as Zelo's line "We'll be back". Overall, the lyrics symbolize BAP's orginal character, sticking to what they sing for but at the same time, aiming at a change of targets.

Lyrics: http://www.kpoplyrics.net/bap-no-mercy-lyrics-english-romanized.html



Next step is the MV. On first view, I was A LITTLE disappointed at the variety+setting of scenes in the video. Apparently, the director this time round had also produced SJ's mv which could explain the decorated-indoor-rooms. This style contrast greatly to their previous MV "Power" which had an outdoor scene. The creativity of the rooms was a bit of a let down. I mean, how can these merely-decorated rooms compare to the inners of a space ship! Hopefully, BAP makes a future comeback with better settings. Below is the 3 settings used in the MV. The settings change with their outfits. I can't really explain the changes so see it for yourselves:



As for the plot of the MV, rather than creating a scene, BAP acted out the lyrics & displayed items relating to what they're singing. For example, Zelo raps about his "hyungnim" & acts it out by bowing to Yongguk who looks down at him (not exactly possible considering Zelo's super height). I find it really cute to see both of them together in role play (including Bang&Zelo sub-unit) because Zelo usually follows & listens to Yongguk for guidance ^^.

Hyungnim~

Throughout the MV, many items were quickly shown (similar to TOP's "Turn It Up" MV). I was confused at first on what these things mean but when you watch the MV with the translation, you understand that the items match to what their singing/rapping. Below is the comparison of lyrics to the items:


"We fly here BAP"











"Leggo"
*many were confused on what this meant or the connection of item to lyric. apparently, one of the definition of LEGGO is an expression used to portray excitement/readiness for whatever is about to go down. Well, BAP is obviously excited to bring it down :P its also a slang used by rappers. The headphones symbolised music in which BAP is aiming for*




"...badmouthing bad guys..."













"I will break apart the paradigm trapped in a border"
   




"Don't compare yourself, who is like a parrot. to me"










"Yo, want me to kick your butt?"
*Jongup, your butt's good enough without anyone kicking it :P



"..music is a fun game"











"..we makin' classic"











*a whistle is sort of BAP's trademark sound in all their MVs. Fans would use it as part of their fanchant during live performances. Worth checking it out!










*I'm not exactly sure about the skull but in the "Warrior" MV, skulls were also part of the props. My guess is the expression that BAP has leveled up to whole new "skull" which is now in flames & ready to go :P








If you listen/watch carefully, BAP has inserted a very out-of-the-norm element into the song & dance. What it is? Its the traditional instruments & dance moves (dance break part). I didn't notice it at first, thinking it was just something electronic but.......wow, I am impressed. The traditional sound beat gives complements the sound to another feel. Check out BAP's comeback performance on music shows. You'll see the inclusion of real traditional dancers in the performance. This twist I like :D There's also a few minutes of "game sound" during Yongguk's second rap verse which is commonly used in gaming. Again, a twist I like. Hahaha~


To conclude, I find this MV & song a fresh comeback from all the anger & hate in "Power" & "Warrior" but still maintaining the badass feel to it. The dance this time is not as intense as before but BAP stills pulls it off with a swag (not to mention a slight wrong interpretation). Need something to move your beat? This song is top for my recommendation *double thumbs up*


MV: 

PS: here's some extra shots I took ^^ enjoy~

Which do you prefer? Zelo's innocence or badass face.

Daehyun's version of the Grinch smile.

Zelo acting as the Grinch. He's even got the horns!

Daehyun & Himchan rocking the suits.

Leave it to Himchan to swoon the Babys~

Watch out for Jongup's swagger look + moves in the MV. He's got it.

Daehyun's changed into a cute yet mischief player look ^^

Loving Youngjae's hair. His best style so far~




2 comments:

  1. lol no wonder the mv set is very sj-ish -.-

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    1. kan?? haha~ but BAP are good in playing with their expressions ^^ sorta upgrades the whole concept :P

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