PREVIOUS RECAPS: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode 4
Originally of the episode, the Planet Okay and Planet C survivors have been revealed to one another by way of a dramatic falling curtain flourish. I do not know how they received everybody located behind all sides of the curtain with out one another noticing (although I’d guess good cash that they did discover and needed to faux shock). Gosh, the variety of Planet C boys appeared so small.
This primary efficiency spherical is made up of songs from artists who all received one of the best rookie award at MAMA, although many of the songs aren’t debut title tracks. We’ve received TVXQ’s Rising Solar in there, which along with being my second favourite Okay-pop track of all time is an… formidable selection, to say the least. (And by “formidable,” I imply there’s no method these guys are going to do it justice)
And predictably, MNET has structured the foundations in order that we get an “Avengers group” crammed with all of the standout, top-ranked contributors. The producers LOVE this trope and refuse to let it go regardless of how predictable it’s change into. And naturally, the highest-ranking group will get to choose their track first. The caste system is robust this season.
Anyway, this spherical is about up in order that two groups carry out the identical track and problem one another for the win. It’s an actual “David & Goliath” idea, because the lower-ranked groups have an opportunity to win extra factors in the event that they problem the higher-ranked ones and win. A lot of technique, right here.
At one level, one of many teams was panicking, saying “we don’t have a important singer!” I’m like… welcome to Okay-pop proper now, guys! “Primary singers” aren’t in vogue, sadly. In actual fact, so many trainees have been avoiding the primary vocal place just like the plague. I assume they don’t need that dreaded voice crack second that will get replayed time and again. In the meantime, rap and dance have been well-liked in each group. Le sigh.
At one level, a member was nearly pressured into the “sub-rapper” spot simply because he was the shortest! Not cool. I’m rooting for that shorty, now.
Additionally, we have been handled to a extremely horrible rendition of Rising Solar’s iconic excessive be aware over and over. Thanks, producers. I hate it.
In actual fact, that energy be aware grew to become a recurring drama all through the episode. You realize, in case you give attention to one thing an excessive amount of you’re certain to psyche your self out. However in case you have any doubts whether or not or not you possibly can hit an enormous be aware, you most likely shouldn’t be trying it within the first place.
Okay, now it’s time to get this present on the highway. We received’t see all performances this week as a result of every comes with roughly two hours of behind-the-scenes footage (very slight exaggeration, there), however the first spherical kicks off this week. The efficiency order was determined by a collection of foolish video games that’s principally simply an commercial for one of many present’s sponsors (Bibigo). It’s ALWAYS product placement with MNET.
S-Class (Stray Youngsters) Staff 2
It is a “one star” group, that means their ranks are all very low. They’re battling an “all star” group, which is clearly not honest however creates good TV drama, I assume. Although they’re “Staff 2,” they’re performing first. Complicated.
This efficiency was an actual combined bag. Min Jae is sort of a robust performer and anchored the stage, however there have been additionally some downright terrible vocal moments from different members (Han Wen, largely) and it’s not like it is a vocally demanding track. Plus, it felt like they form of misplaced the beat because the track went on. A number of the rap felt a bit aimless. I assume that’s what you get with a “one star” group, although.
S-Class (Stray Youngsters) Staff 1
That is that aforementioned “all star” group. Clearly, their efficiency is significantly better than that final one. Thanks for eliminating all stress, MNET! They actually nailed the vitality, even when I don’t personally like this track or model of efficiency. It was very polished and debut-ready. Largely, although, I’m simply joyful I don’t have to listen to this track once more.
My Selection: Staff 1
Voting Outcomes: Staff 1 (as if it was ever in query)
Plot Twist (TWS) Staff 1
I’ve mentioned this earlier than, however I truly assume “refreshing” songs like this are loads tougher to drag off than the badass shouty numbers. You actually must get the stability of persona and vocal expertise excellent. The large story behind this group is that a few of the members don’t match this idea due to their deep voices and “manly” presentation. They’re form of bitter apples about it, too.
Anyway, I believed this efficiency was fairly good. The vocals have been stable throughout the board and the vitality was vivid and buoyant. I favored the addition of a climactic excessive be aware, too. In fact, the power of the particular track does plenty of heavy lifting too.
