Viviz: VarioUS (EP)
Viviz VarioUS EP: An In-Depth Review of the 3rd Mini Album
VIVIZ, the South Korean girl group, has made waves in the K-pop scene with their latest release, "VarioUS." This EP marks their third mini-album and showcases the group's growth since their debut. With a mix of genres and styles, VIVIZ demonstrates their versatility and charisma, captivating fans and critics alike. The EP's title track "Pull Up" has already gained attention for its catchy melody and impressive music video.
The six-track EP explores various musical territories, from the energetic city pop vibes of "So Special" to the soulful "Blue Clue." BPM Entertainment, VIVIZ's agency, has put together a collection that highlights the members' vocal abilities and artistic range. As the group continues to make their mark on both domestic and international charts, including the Circle Chart and Oricon, "VarioUS" stands as a testament to VIVIZ's ongoing evolution in the competitive world of K-pop.
VarioUS
Type
Mini
Artist
VIVIZ
Released
January 31, 2023
Format(s)
CD, PLVE, download, streaming
Recorded
2022
Genre
Swing, pop, R&B, city pop, nu disco
Length
19:57
Label(s)
BPM Entertainment
Swing Entertainment
Distributor(s)
Kakao Entertainment
Track list
"Pull Up" - 2:55
"Blue Clue" - 3:16
"Love or Die" - 3:39
"Vanilla Sugar Killer" - 3:17
"Overdrive" - 3:31
"So Special" - 3:19
Background of VIVIZ and Their Musical Journey
Formation of VIVIZ
VIVIZ, a South Korean girl group, emerged from the ashes of the disbanded K-pop group GFriend. On October 6, 2021, BPM Entertainment announced the signing of former GFriend members Eunha, SinB, and Umji. The trio decided to promote as a 3-member group, marking a new chapter in their musical careers. Two days later, on October 8, the group name VIVIZ was officially announced.
The name VIVIZ, stylized in all caps, carries a special meaning. It stands for VIVId dayZ, reflecting the group's aspiration to create vibrant and memorable moments in the K-pop industry. On January 21, 2022, VIVIZ revealed their fandom name "Na.V" (나비), which cleverly combines "나" (I) and "비비지" (VIVIZ), symbolizing the beautiful journey the group and their fans will embark on together.
Previous Releases
VIVIZ made their highly anticipated debut on February 9, 2022, with their first mini-album "Beam of Prism". The album's title track "Bop Bop!" quickly gained attention, showcasing the group's versatility and charm. Following their debut, VIVIZ made their first broadcast appearance on Mnet's "M Countdown" on February 10.
The group's talent and popularity were evident from the start, as they secured their first music show win on MBC M's "Show Champion" on February 16, just a week after their debut. This early success set the stage for VIVIZ's promising career.
Evolution of Their Sound
Since their debut, VIVIZ has consistently released new music, demonstrating their growth and versatility as artists. Their discography includes several mini-albums and singles, each showcasing a different facet of their musical abilities. Some notable releases include:
"Summer Vibe" (2nd Mini Album) - Released on July 6, 2022
"Rum Pum Pum" (1st Digital Single) - Released on October 27, 2022
"VarioUS" (3rd Mini Album) - Released on January 31, 2023
"VERSUS" (4th Mini Album) - Released on November 2, 2023
These releases have allowed VIVIZ to explore various musical styles, from energetic summer anthems to more introspective tracks. The group has also participated in collaborations and remixes, such as their work with Belgian DJ Yves V for a remix version of "Bop Bop!", marking their first entry into the U.S. market.
The Concept Behind 'VarioUS'
Album Title Significance
The title "VarioUS" holds a deeper meaning for VIVIZ. SinB explained that they capitalized the letters 'V' for VIVIZ and 'US' to represent themselves, emphasizing their diverse images and colors rather than a stereotypical image. This clever wordplay reflects the group's intention to showcase their multifaceted talents and personalities through their music.
Visual Aesthetics
The visual aesthetics of "VarioUS" mark a shift from VIVIZ's previous releases. Eunha noted that while their earlier albums emphasized a bright vibe, this new album allows fans to experience the darker colors VIVIZ has gradually developed. The album cover and promotional materials feature a vibrant color palette and striking graphic elements, showcasing a bold and dynamic style.
Thematic Elements
"VarioUS" explores themes of self-empowerment, individuality, and the celebration of unique identities. The title track "PULL UP" embodies this concept with lyrics about speaking freely and disregarding others' opinions. SinB described it as a song filled with confidence. Umji added that the track has a distinctly different and new color, with a bold mood that naturally recharges listeners' confidence.
The album's thematic elements extend beyond the title track. "Blue Clue" features witty lyrics expressing love in unique ways, while "Love or Die" boldly conveys emotions through its R&B mood. "Vanilla Sugar Killer" creates a mood painted with lyrics about sharing trivial moments together, and "Overdrive" offers a fantastic escape from daily life. These diverse tracks collectively represent VIVIZ's artistic growth and their ability to convey various emotions and experiences through their music.
Track-by-Track Analysis
'Pull Up' - The Lead Single
VIVIZ's title track "Pull Up" showcases a new side of the group's artistry. The song harks back to the early 2010s brass-and-horn sound, reminiscent of iconic girl groups like EXID and LADIES' CODE. With its trumpet-filled instrumentation and exciting beat, "Pull Up" offers a fun listening experience that gets listeners nodding along.
During their album showcase in Seoul on January 31, Eunha explained the concept behind the title track, describing it as "a song about getting cute, satisfying revenge on people who talk about you behind your back". The group hopes that listeners will find the song relatable and feel as if VIVIZ is "throwing a satisfying punch for them".
The track's arrangement is varied and maintains interest throughout, moving through distinct segments without sacrificing its central appeal. Despite clocking in at under three minutes, "Pull Up" delivers a full experience rather than a fragmented dance song.
B-Side Highlights
The album's B-sides demonstrate VIVIZ's musical versatility and prove that their artistry extends beyond just title tracks. "Blue Clue" stands out as a snappy number featuring a jazzy pre-chorus breakdown, addictive whistle, and hand-snap sounds. "Love or Die" leans towards a tropical beat with bold lyrics.
"Vanilla Sugar Killer" showcases an R&B synth sound with a rhythmic chorus that proves to be incredibly catchy, sticking in listeners' heads after just one listen. The dreamy and breezy "Overdrive" evokes an '80s city pop vibe, while "So Special" concludes the mini-album with a lighthearted mood.
Musical Diversity
VIVIZ's "VarioUS" EP demonstrates the group's ability to explore various musical territories. From the energetic city pop vibes of "So Special" to the soulful "Blue Clue," the album highlights the members' vocal abilities and artistic range. This diversity in sound allows VIVIZ to showcase their versatility as artists and appeal to a wide range of listeners.
The album's musical diversity reflects VIVIZ's intention to present their multifaceted talents and personalities through their music. By incorporating different styles and genres, VIVIZ has created a collection that not only satisfies their core fans but also has the potential to attract new listeners to their music.
Production and Composition
Songwriting Credits
The "VarioUS" EP showcases a diverse range of songwriting talents. The title track "Pull Up" features lyrics by Lee Da-ol and Ellie Suh from 153/Joombas. Other notable lyricists include C'sa for "Blue Clue," Moon Seol-ri for "Vanilla Sugar Killer" and "Overdrive," and Jiwon from 153/Joombas for "So Special".
Notable Producers
The album boasts an impressive lineup of producers and composers. Dave Villa and Maddy Simmen collaborated on "Pull Up," while Daniel "Obi" Klein worked on "Love or Die". Other notable producers include:
C'sa, De View, and Wonder.B for "Blue Clue"
Shin Kyung for "Vanilla Sugar Killer"
Flum3n and Will! for "Overdrive"
Frederik Carstens for "So Special"
Additionally, the album credits 이단옆차기 and 박장근 as producers.
Musical Influences
The "VarioUS" EP draws inspiration from various musical styles. The title track "Pull Up" incorporates addictive brass sounds reminiscent of 2010s idol group numbers, accompanied by a groovy bass and disco-like synths. "Overdrive" and "So Special" lean into city pop and nu-disco genres, featuring engaging groovy rhythms and retro synth sounds.
The album also explores R&B territory with "Vanilla Sugar Killer" and "Love or Die," the latter incorporating alluring guitar sounds that add a Latin touch. "Blue Clue" stands out with its swing-inspired tune, offering a unique perspective on the color of love.
This diverse range of musical influences allows VIVIZ to showcase their versatility and appeal to a wide audience, reflecting the album's title "VarioUS" and its concept of presenting various images and colors of the group.
Vocal Performances and Harmonies
Individual Member Highlights
VIVIZ's members showcase distinct vocal qualities that contribute to the group's overall sound. Umji's voice is characterized by a soft, airy quality, though it sometimes lacks power and connection across her range. Eunha, often regarded as the main vocalist by fans, displays a tendency for high belting. However, her technique sometimes leads to strain in her upper range due to insufficient breath support. SinB, initially considered for the lead vocalist position, demonstrates a more relaxed and balanced technique compared to her teammates. She maintains better vocal cord connection and produces a healthier sound, despite some limitations in power and support.
Group Dynamics
The group's vocal performances have impressed listeners, with some fans rating their vocals highly. VIVIZ's harmonies and collective vocal abilities are highlighted in their latest release, "MANIAC," a pop dance song that showcases their attractive voices through a captivating melody. The group's styling and choreography complement their vocal performances, creating a cohesive and engaging presentation.
Vocal Techniques
As a vocal unit, VIVIZ faces some technical challenges. The members generally display limited breath support and sometimes struggle with proper vocal cord connection. Their techniques are mostly confined within the fourth octave, with higher belting often lacking power. Despite these limitations, the group continues to work on their vocal abilities, striving to improve their performances and deliver engaging music to their fans.
Music Video and Choreography
'Pull Up' MV Analysis
The music video for VIVIZ's "Pull Up" showcases a blend of sophistication and playfulness. It opens with a captivating scene of SinB cruising in a car, enhanced by an enchanting filter that adds an air of mystique. The visuals then transition to Umji and Eunha, set against a more enigmatic backdrop with a rich, velvety filter, adding depth to the narrative.
As the chorus hits, SinB reemerges, exuding a sophisticated yet edgy aura, shown with her electric guitar elevating the intensity of the moment. The spotlight then shifts to Umji and Eunha, both seen in the same car from the start with the same mesmerizing, hazy filter, perfectly complementing the essence of the bridge.
Dance Performance
The choreography for "Pull Up" has been described as slinky and sassy without sacrificing playfulness. It complements the song's energetic brass-filled sound, which hearkens back to the mid-2010s girl group era. The dance routine allows VIVIZ to showcase more personality than in their earlier singles, fueled by a sassy energy evident right from the start.
Interestingly, SinB initially found it challenging to envision the performance on stage. However, she quickly memorized it, claiming it to be the fastest she has ever learned a choreography.
Visual Storytelling
The "Pull Up" music video effectively combines visual elements to tell a story that aligns with the song's theme. The concept serves as a testament to VIVIZ's versatility, demonstrating their skills both visually and vocally, showcasing both delicate and mature themes.
The video's visual storytelling is enhanced by the use of filters and transitions, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that complements the song's energetic vibe. This approach allows VIVIZ to present a more mature image while maintaining their signature charm and appeal to their audience.
Commercial Performance and Reception
Chart Rankings
VIVIZ's latest mini-album, 'VarioUS,' has made a significant impact on global charts. Upon its release on January 31, 2023, the album debuted at No. 4 on the worldwide album chart and secured the No. 7 spot on the European iTunes album chart. The album's success extended to various regions, ranking No. 1 on iTunes' top albums charts in 10 different countries, including Bahrain, Hong Kong, Macau, Malta, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Turkey, Singapore, and Vietnam.
The title track "Pull Up" also performed well, ranking among the top 10 of iTunes' top songs charts in several countries, including Malaysia and the Philippines. More recently, "Maniac," the title track from their 4th mini-album "Versus," has shown promising chart performance, ranking 126th on the daily Melon chart as of November 14, 2023, with signs of climbing higher.
Sales Figures
VIVIZ has demonstrated consistent growth in album sales since their debut. Their total Korean sales for 2022 and 2023 combined reached 267,260 copies . Breaking this down by album:
"Beam Of Prism" (1st Mini Album):
First Day Sales (Hanteo): 22,566 copies
First Week Sales (Hanteo): 41,344 copies
Total Sales in South Korea (Circle): 50,000 copies
"Summer Vibe" (2nd Mini Album):
First Day Sales (Hanteo): 23,278 copies
First Week Sales (Hanteo): 59,757 copies
Total Sales in South Korea (Circle): 78,774 copies
"VarioUS" (3rd Mini Album):
First Day Sales (Hanteo): 23,508 copies
Total Sales in South Korea (Circle): 82,932 copies
"VERSUS" (4th Mini Album):
First Day Sales (Hanteo): 7,114 copies
First Week Sales (Hanteo): 47,195 copies
Total Sales in South Korea (Circle): 55,554 copies
Critical Reception
The reception for VIVIZ's "VarioUS" has been largely positive. Fans and critics have praised the album for its cohesiveness and mature sound. One reviewer described it as "one of my favorite albums from Viviz," highlighting its cohesive nature. The album has been noted for its tight bass lines and bright synths, confirming the group's mature and elegant sound.
Individual tracks have also received acclaim. "Blue Clue" has been highlighted as a standout track, praised for its mysterious, brooding vibe and catchy melodies. "Overdrive" has been described as a "city pop smash," with one reviewer calling it "pure serotonin in song form".
While some reviewers found the album to be somewhat safe in its approach, the overall production quality and execution have been widely appreciated. The visual aspects, including concept photos and the music video, have also received positive feedback, contributing to the album's overall appeal.
VIVIZ (비비지) - 'PULL UP' MV
VIVIZ - PULL UP (Romanized) Lyrics
[Verse 1: SinB, Eunha]
Nae yaegi geuman tteodeureo I'm sick of your lies
You know me da aljana singyeong an sseo nan
Neon jakku tto cham useupge ganeul bwa
You fool honja meongcheonghan jinman
[Pre-Chorus: Umji]
So what you wanna do museun baneungeul haejulkka
Guji mareul eonjeo mwohae oh, nan walk away
Jom aradeureonni geumanhal mam saenggyeonni
Why don't you back off?
[Chorus: Eunha, Umji, SinB]
So just pull up gidaehaji malgo back it up
Yeah, I say buzz off ne mam ttawi
Algo sipji anchi, yeah
Geogikkajingeol ppeonhan soringeol
Neoui heotdoen sangsangeseo nan ppaejwo
Neowa dalli naega jogeum bappaseo (Oh, yeah)
[Verse 2: Umji, SinB]
Meotdaero nal yecheukae aneun cheok geuman
Hanabuteo yeolkkaji matji anneunde
Ppeonppeonhan tu nal geokjeonghandaneun mal
Pardon geunde nugusyeotdeora
See upcoming pop shows
Get tickets for your favorite artists
[Chorus: Eunha, SinB, Umji]
So just pull up gidaehaji malgo back it up
Yeah, I say buzz off ne mam ttawi
Algo sipji anchi yeah
Geogikkajingeol (Yeah, yeah) ppeonhan soringeol (Yeah)
Neoui heotdoen sangsangeseo nan ppaejwo
Neowa dalli naega jogeum bappaseo
[Post-Chorus: SinB, Umji]
So geurae neon geunare meomchun chae bamsae honja tteodeulla hae
Repeotori tteoreojyeosseum go away, pull up, pull up
Mwon sori bull sikkeureo beep, beep, quiet
Geurae jeokdanghi jom hae
Igeon neoreul wihan joeon understand
Pull up, pull up
[Bridge: Eunha]
Ja seolmyeonghaejulkka imi beoreojin long distance
Banbokdoeneun story ijen jaemieomneungeol
Now turn off neoui voice nae ane neon not at all
What you waiting for? (Oh-oh)
[Chorus: SinB, Umji, Eunha]
So just pull up nunchi eopge kkieodeulji ma (Yeah)
Yeah, I say buzz off
Miryeon ttawi eopseo imi baby, yeah
Ppeonhae ppajin talk (Yeah, yeah) byeolgeo eomneungeol (Yeah, yeah)
Neon ttak geogikkajijana nobody
Aldasipi naega jogeum bappaseo
[Post-Chorus: Umji, SinB]
So geurae neon geunare meomchun chae bamsae honja tteodeulla hae
Repeotori tteoreojyeosseum go away, pull up, pull up
Mwon sori bull sikkeureo beep, beep
Quiet geurae jeokdanghi jom hae
Igeon neoreul wihan joeon understand
Pull up, pull up
Conclusion
VIVIZ's "VarioUS" EP has a significant impact on the K-pop scene, showcasing the group's growth and versatility. The album's diverse tracks, from the energetic "Pull Up" to the soulful "Blue Clue," highlight the members' vocal abilities and artistic range. This collection not only satisfies their core fans but also has the potential to attract new listeners to their music.
The commercial success and positive reception of "VarioUS" confirm VIVIZ's rising status in the competitive world of K-pop. With impressive chart rankings and sales figures, the group has proven their ability to connect with audiences globally. As VIVIZ continues to evolve and explore new musical territories, they're setting the stage for a promising future in the industry.
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