VIVIZ (Versus) - 'MANIAC'

VIVIZ, the South Korean girl group, has made a significant impact with their fourth mini-album "VERSUS." Set for release on November 2, 2023, this EP follows the success of their earlier work "VarioUS". The album comprises five tracks, with "MANIAC" serving as the title track, showcasing the group's evolving sound and style.

BPM Entertainment, VIVIZ's agency, began building anticipation for the comeback through strategic releases. On September 28th, they hinted at an upcoming release in their Chuseok Greeting video. This was followed by a unique teaser video titled "VIVIZ : FAKE" on October 10th, where members imitated each other in a parody of a popular YouTube series. The same day, VIVIZ officially announced their comeback with a schedule poster, confirming the "FAKE" concept as part of the teaser period.

The physical release of "VERSUS" comes in two versions: FAKE and FATE, catering to different aesthetic preferences. The album's reception has been noteworthy, peaking at number 32 on Korean MelOn charts, indicating its popularity among listeners.

Visually, the music video for "MANIAC" has garnered attention for its striking aesthetics. Fans have particularly praised Eunha and SinB's platinum blonde and pink-platinum blonde hairstyles, as well as the chic black and white outfits featured during the chorus. The overall styling for this era has been well-received, contributing to the album's visual appeal.

Track list

"Maniac" - 3:15

"Untie" - 3:09

"Overflow" - 3:09

"Day by Day (한 걸음)" - 3:19

"Up 2 Me" - 3:00

VIVIZ's fourth mini-album "VERSUS" delves into complex themes, exploring the duality of human nature and the intricacies of modern relationships. The title track "MANIAC" encapsulates the album's core concept, presenting a dark and addictive soundscape that mirrors the obsessive nature of contemporary connections. The lyrics of "MANIAC" cleverly address the addiction to social media and the deceptive nature of online personas, questioning the authenticity of digital interactions.

The album's theme extends beyond the title track, with songs like "Untie" further examining the impact of social media on identity and self-expression. This exploration of digital facades versus genuine connections creates a cohesive narrative throughout the album, reflecting the group's maturation and their ability to tackle more profound subjects.

The visual concept for "VERSUS" complements the album's thematic depth. The group presents a striking duality in their aesthetics, offering two distinct versions of the album: FAKE and FATE. This visual dichotomy reinforces the album's exploration of contrasts and opposing forces.

In the music video for "MANIAC," VIVIZ showcases a darker, more sophisticated image. The members sport chic black and white outfits during the chorus, creating a visually striking contrast that aligns with the song's intense theme . Eunha and SinB's platinum blonde and pink-platinum blonde hairstyles have garnered particular praise from fans, adding to the overall visual impact of the comeback.

While specific details about the members' involvement in the creative process for "VERSUS" are not provided in the given information, it's worth noting that VIVIZ has shown growth and versatility since their formation. As former members of GFRIEND, Eunha, SinB, and Umji bring years of experience to their new group. Their decision to form VIVIZ together at their new company, Big Planet Made Entertainment, suggests a level of creative control and involvement in shaping their artistic direction.

The album's exploration of mature themes and the group's ability to tackle various musical styles, from the edgy "MANIAC" to more R&B-influenced tracks, indicates that the members likely had input in crafting an album that showcases their evolving artistry and personal growth as performers.

"MANIAC," the title track of VIVIZ's fourth mini-album "VERSUS," showcases the group's evolution in sound and concept. Released on October 2, 2023, the song has been praised as the "best comeback of VIVIZ". With a runtime of 3:16, "MANIAC" explores intense emotions and desires that can overwhelm individuals, perfectly captured by VIVIZ's vocal delivery.

The song's lyrics delve into the erratic nature of love and desire, creating an emotional journey for listeners. The narrative unfolds in three distinct phases:

The struggle to comprehend overwhelming feelings of love

The uneasy blend of excitement and fear associated with love

Accepting and facing true feelings with courage

The music video for "MANIAC" adds another layer of depth to the song's narrative. It begins with Sinb driving a car, revealing Umji in the back seat through the mirror. The video unfolds a riveting love triangle concept, which is gaining attention on a global scale.

While "MANIAC" has been well-received, some critics argue that the song undersells itself. The vocals remain relatively calm despite the intense lyrics, and the instrumental, while featuring a throbbing bass and welcome distortion, may not fully capture the manic nature described in the song.

"Untie" explores the themes of self-expression, societal pressure, and the desire for authenticity in the age of social media. The lyrics describe the feeling of being trapped within the expectations and norms of social media platforms.

Key themes in "Untie" include:

The pressure to conform and present a perfect image for approval

The addictive nature of social media and its detrimental effects on self-identity

The yearning for authenticity and genuine connection

The song uses powerful imagery, such as the "square shape" and "frame," to symbolize the limitations of social media platforms. The repeated call to "untie" signifies a desire to break free from these constraints and embrace one's true identity.

"Overflow" is the third track from VIVIZ's fourth mini-album "Versus," released on November 2, 2023 . The song was composed in the key of D minor with a tempo of 156 beats per minute.

The production credits for "Overflow" include:

Lyrics: C'SA, BYMORE

Composition: C'SA, Xxio (AVEC), BYMORE

Arrangement: Xxio (AVEC), BYMORE

Vocal Direction: C'SA, BYMORE, Xxio

The instrumental arrangement features drums and bass by Xxio, keys and synth by Xxio and Kim Jin-sol, strings by Kim Jin-sol, and guitar by Choi Jin-won. The song's production showcases VIVIZ's ability to explore diverse musical styles while maintaining their unique sound.

Eunha, often regarded as the main vocalist by fans, has become known for her high-pitched vocal delivery. Her voice has a distinct cute tone, which has contributed to her popularity as a lead vocalist. However, her technique has been subject to critique. Eunha's high notes, while impressive to many listeners, often involve overloaded high mixing that pushes beyond her comfortable range. This approach can lead to strain in her voice, particularly due to a lack of proper breathing technique.

Despite these technical challenges, Eunha has shown significant improvement since her days as a child actress. Her vocal control has developed, and she demonstrates a wide vocal range. She has become known for stable live performances, showcasing her growth as a vocalist.

SinB, initially considered for the lead vocalist position before transitioning to a main dancer role, has maintained a balanced vocal technique among the VIVIZ members. Her approach to singing is notably more relaxed and less nasal compared to her groupmates. While SinB's vocals may lack power in higher belting sections, she manages to maintain better vocal cord connection without excessive tightening.

Interestingly, SinB's rap sections often feature a laid-back delivery. Even during high notes, her facial expressions remain neutral, suggesting a comfortable range. However, this ease of delivery has been noted to sometimes result in a mix that sounds light and airy, occasionally resembling falsetto.

Umji brings a unique vocal color to VIVIZ, with a voice that stands out for its darker tone compared to Eunha's lighter timbre. Despite being less highlighted as a vocalist during the group's GFRIEND days, Umji has shown development in her technique. Her softer singing style, while sometimes perceived as lacking power, allows her to maintain better vocal cord connection without excessive nasality.

Umji's highest mixed note has been observed to be around D5, which, while relatively low in the group's range, she delivers with apparent ease. Her ability to handle C#5 notes comfortably and her skill in vocal transitions demonstrate her growing capabilities as a vocalist. While her technique may still be developing, Umji's distinct vocal color adds depth to VIVIZ's overall sound.

VIVIZ's journey in the music industry has been marked by a series of successful collaborations with various producers. The group's discography, spanning from their debut to their fourth extended play, showcases their versatility and growth as artists. Their debut extended play, "Beam of Prism," was released on February 9, 2022, under BPM Entertainment. This was followed by their second EP, "Summer Vibe," on July 6 of the same year.

While specific information about the members' participation in songwriting is not provided in the available sources, VIVIZ has shown a consistent evolution in their musical style. Their third extended play, "Various," was released on January 31, 2023, further expanding their musical repertoire. The group's most recent work, their fourth EP titled "Versus," was announced for release on November 2, 2023.

VIVIZ's music has been influenced by various factors, including their pre-debut experiences. The group's name, an abbreviation of "VIVId dayZ," signifies their commitment to expressing their unique colors to the world. This philosophy is reflected in their diverse musical output. Notably, VIVIZ has taken steps to expand their international presence. In April 2022, BPM Entertainment announced the group's preparation for entry into the U.S. market, which included signing with an American label and working on contracts for agents, promoters, and publishers. As part of their pre-debut plans, VIVIZ collaborated with Belgian DJ Yves V for a remix version of their song "Bop Bop!", showcasing their openness to international musical influences.

The music video for VIVIZ's "MANIAC" presents a captivating narrative that delves into complex themes. The video opens with SinB driving a car, setting an enigmatic tone as she adjusts her mirror to reveal Umji in the back seat. This scene, coupled with Eunha's interaction with a small piano in an office setting, establishes a mysterious atmosphere that permeates the entire video.

As the story unfolds, viewers witness a riveting love triangle concept, which has been gaining attention on a global scale. The video portrays contrasting moods and tense situations between the members, symbolizing internal conflicts and emotional turmoil. One particularly striking scene shows Eunha's framework flaring at SinB's car, emphasizing the significance of the vehicle from the video's onset.

The directing of the "MANIAC" music video brings out the brilliance of the song through innovative cinematography techniques. The sequencing of shots is masterfully executed, with well-timed cuts that enhance the song's mind-bending quality. For instance, during SinB's listless singing of "Hey, let's be honest, you're enjoying this right now," the camera cuts to a wide, warped angle of Umji performing a hand-lifting move with a slight look of disgust.

The video employs circular spinning shots and creative arm movements that are timed perfectly to throw viewers into the song's manic atmosphere. These techniques, combined with the abrupt cuts that isolate the bass, create a visually stunning experience that complements the song's theme.

The fashion and styling in the "MANIAC" music video contribute significantly to its overall aesthetic. The video primarily uses blue and purple neon lighting, which adds a romantic '80s neon aesthetic to the visuals. This color palette enhances the video's dreamy yet intense atmosphere.

VIVIZ's stylists have received praise for their work on this comeback. The members' outfits, particularly during the chorus scenes featuring chic black and white ensembles, have been noted for their visual impact. SinB's appearance has been described as "hot" and "badass," with her dance moves and styling choices drawing particular attention.

The music video also incorporates a gallery concept, with every shot crafted to resemble a painting. The symmetry and beauty of each frame contribute to the video's artistic quality, making it one of the most visually appealing interpretations of the K-pop gallery music video concept.

VIVIZ has been actively engaging with their fans through various live performances and promotional events. The group's discography, filled with unforgettable hits, showcases their mesmerizing vocals and incredible dance moves.

While specific details about VIVIZ's music show stages are not provided in the given information, it's important to note that such performances are a crucial part of K-pop promotions. These stages typically occur on popular South Korean music shows and serve as a platform for groups to showcase their latest releases.

VIVIZ has participated in several festivals, demonstrating their versatility as performers. Notable appearances include:

KCON 2022 Premiere Seoul on May 7, 2022, at CJ ENM Center in Seoul, South Korea

B.N.F Festival on June 4, 2022, at Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea

K-POP Festa on June 18, 2022, at Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall in Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan

MIK Festival on July 30, 2022, at Southwark Park in London, United Kingdom

KCON 2022 Japan on October 14, 2022, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan

Popstival on October 21, 2022, at Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Manila, Philippines

VIVIZ has held several fan meetings, allowing for more intimate interactions with their supporters:The 1st Vivid Dayz:

August 13, 2022, at Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul, South Korea

February 25, 2023, at Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre Rotunda 3 in Hong Kong, China

March 19, 2023, at National Taiwan University Sports Center 1F in Taipei, Taiwan

April 15, 2023, at The Parisian Macao Theatre in Macau, China

VIVIZ's career has shown promising growth since their debut, with the group exploring various musical styles. Their journey began with the release of their first extended play, "Beam of Prism," on February 9, 2022, followed by their second EP, "Summer Vibe," on July 6 of the same year. The group's versatility has been evident in their subsequent releases, including their third EP "Various" on January 31, 2023, and their fourth EP "Versus" announced for release on November 2, 2023.

While VIVIZ has established a solid presence in the K-pop industry, their position remains somewhat ambiguous. Critics have noted that the group's work has been "equal parts promising and frustrating". Despite delivering solid performances, some observers struggle to pinpoint what makes VIVIZ unique in the crowded K-pop landscape. The group's decision to explore different styles from their former group GFriend has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans appreciating their versatility while others miss their distinctive sound.

As VIVIZ continues to evolve, their future directions remain a topic of interest for fans and industry observers alike. The group has shown a willingness to experiment with various concepts, from summery tracks to more mature sounds. Their ability to adapt and grow will likely play a crucial role in shaping their career trajectory. While their work has been generally well-received, the challenge lies in carving out a unique identity that sets them apart in the competitive K-pop industry.