Viviz - Beam Of Prism (debut)

In the dynamic world of K-pop, the viviz debut marks a significant milestone, bringing the much-anticipated mini album "Beam of Prism" into the spotlight. This debut is not just a release; it's an emotional prism that refracts the diverse talents and visions of VIVIZ members Eunha, SinB, and Umji. Formed under BPM Entertainment, a subsidiary of Big Planet Made, VIVIZ's entrance into the music industry promises a blend of vibrant rhythms and captivating melodies that aim to leave an indelible mark on the K-pop landscape. With tracks like "BOP BOP!" that serve as the title track, the album encapsulates an array of emotions, showcasing a fresh and dynamic concept that has been eagerly awaited by fans worldwide.

VIVIZ, a South Korean girl group, was formed in 2021 under BPM Entertainment. Consisting of former GFriend members SinB, Eunha and Umji, the group was announced on October 6, 2021, when BPM Entertainment confirmed their signing. The members chose to promote as a three-member group, focusing on a fresh start and new musical direction.

The name VIVIZ stands for "VIVID dayZ," symbolizing the group's commitment to always express their unique and intense colors to the world . The Korean name of VIVIZ is derived from the final syllables of the members' birth names—Eunha and SinB's "비" and Umji's "지," reflecting a personal touch in their group identity. This naming strategy underscores their connection to their past while paving the way for new artistic expressions as a trio.

The debut mini album "Beam of Prism" by VIVIZ offers a rich tapestry of musical expressions, reflecting the distinct styles and emotional depth of its members, Eunha, SinB, and Umji. The opening track "Intro" serves as a gateway into the album, blending electric music styles akin to "Bop Bop!" and transitioning into vibes reminiscent of "Lemonade" and "Love You Like". This strategic musical arrangement not only teases the diversity of the album but also sets a thematic tone that echoes the members' past experiences with GFriend while introducing fresh, unique elements.

"Beam of Prism" explores a variety of K-pop styles, each track bringing its own flavor while maintaining a cohesive sound. "Bop Bop!" combines Latin-style rhythms with disco elements, encapsulating the group's aspiration to enjoy and create vibrant music. "Fiesta" follows with a retro pop sound, offering a light and uplifting atmosphere. In contrast, "Lemonade" delves into R&B with rhythms that nod to the 90s, and "Love You Like" presents an alternative pop genre with a repetitive chorus that conveys gratitude and love to the fans. "Mirror" stands out with its emotional orchestral arrangements and lyrical melodies, providing a deeper, introspective layer to the album. Each track is carefully crafted to showcase VIVIZ's versatility and individuality, marking a significant step in their musical journey post-GFriend.

The "Intro" track of "Beam of Prism" sets a vibrant tone, encapsulating the album's essence with a blend of upbeat, retro, and sophisticated sounds, transitioning smoothly into the diverse musical styles featured throughout the album.

"BOP BOP!" emerges as a standout title track, blending Latin rhythms with disco influences. Its catchy chorus and energetic vibe exemplify VIVIZ's dynamic musical style. The track creatively incorporates reversed vocal effects, adding a unique flair that nods to their GFRIEND roots.

"Fiesta" delivers an exuberant celebration of VIVIZ's new journey, characterized by its 80s-inspired dance rhythm and lyrics that convey a sense of moving forward without regrets. The track, however, slightly overindulges in retro sounds, which some may find borders on the verge of being overly nostalgic.

Produced by Moonshine, "Tweet Tweet" stands out with its sleek future bass and hauntingly complex beats, contrasting markedly with the album's brighter tracks. This song showcases a darker, more experimental side of VIVIZ, offering a fresh perspective on their musical capabilities.

"Lemonade" features a bubbly 90s city pop vibe, with lyrics that playfully hint at deeper desires. The track's repetitive chorus, however, might come across as too predictable for some listeners, despite its charming delivery.

Co-written by Umji, "Love You Like" is a heartfelt tribute to fans, expressing gratitude and a promise of enduring support. The track's dreamy, folk-tinged pop sound provides a soothing auditory experience, resonating with themes of love and appreciation.

"Mirror" concludes the album on a reflective note, diverging from the overall upbeat atmosphere with its introspective lyrics and orchestral arrangements. This track explores themes of self-doubt and personal growth, offering a poignant glimpse into the emotional depth of VIVIZ.

VIVIZ marked their entry into the music scene with a media showcase, where they expressed the pressures and excitement of debuting for a second time. Hosted by actress and SNL Korea member Joo Hyun Young, the showcase was a platform for the group to discuss their new tracks and the support they received from former GFriend members.

The group's broadcast debut occurred on Mnet's M Countdown on February 10, just a day after the album release, showcasing their lead single "Bop Bop!" to a live audience. Their performance prowess was quickly recognized, as they clinched their first music show award on MBC M's Show Champion a week later on February 16.

VIVIZ's global appeal was highlighted when they featured in the Grammy's Global Spin video series on April 26. Performing "Bop Bop!" at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, they became the first K-pop girl group to participate in this series, showcasing their unique artistry on an international platform.

The visual presentation of VIVIZ's debut mini-album, "Beam of Prism," is encapsulated in two distinct versions titled To and Stand. These versions not only differentiate in musical content but also in their visual design, which was creatively directed by 강민주 and executed by Laundry Office.

In the lead-up to the album's release, VIVIZ's promotional strategy included a series of media showcases where the group discussed the pressures of re-debuting. These events also served as a platform to unveil the album's visual aesthetics, including the design and artwork that play a crucial role in defining the group's visual identity in the competitive K-pop market.

Upon its release, "Beam of Prism" demonstrated strong market performance in South Korea, securing the second position on the Gaon Album Chart for the week of February 6-12, 2022. The album's robust initial sales were highlighted by its debut at number eight on Gaon's monthly chart for February 2022, with 50,000 copies sold.

Internationally, "Beam of Prism" also made a significant impact, debuting at number 42 on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart in the chart issue dated February 28, 2022. This placement underscores the album's appeal across different markets, reflecting a successful outreach beyond South Korea.

The debut of VIVIZ's mini album "Beam of Prism" received a mixed response from fans. While some appreciated the nostalgic elements reminiscent of GFriend, particularly in songs like "Mirror," others felt that the album's reliance on familiar tropes might not attract new listeners. The track "Bop Bop!" was noted for its retro vibe but criticized for its repetitive chorus and beat drop, which some fans felt disrupted the flow of the song. "Fiesta" and "Lemonade" were described as fun and catchy, yet their predictable structure left a few listeners wanting more innovation. The emotional depth in "Love You Like" and the introspective "Mirror" resonated well, reflecting the group's matured musical direction since GFriend.

Critics generally viewed "Beam of Prism" as a solid entry into the K-pop scene, albeit with some reservations about its innovative reach. The album was praised for its clear connection to VIVIZ's past with GFriend, particularly through tracks like "Mirror," which was seen as a poignant reflection of their journey. However, some reviews pointed out that while the album was vocally delightful and optimistic, it might not sufficiently distinguish VIViz from their previous identity as GFriend, potentially affecting their appeal to a broader audience. The bold, experimental attempts in tracks like "Tweet Tweet" were highlighted as a departure from their usual style, offering a glimpse into what could be a more diverse musical future for the group.