VIVIZ - Bop Bop

(VIVIZ from the 'Bop Bop' M/V. L to R: Umji, SinB, Eunha. Credits to BigPlanetMade)

We have our 2nd GFRIEND re-debut, this time with Eunha, Umji, and SinB under the moniker of VIVIZ! I'll admit, I was very curious about what kind of sound they would pursue, considering GFRIEND's music kind of ended on a cliffhanger on the beginnings of a new chapter. In a similar vein, I was also a little skeptical about how well the trio would deliver the same energy and charisma as GFRIEND. Not to constantly bring it up, but their work as GFRIEND is an undeniable standard considering they're industry veterans. In saying this, their debut title track 'Bop Bop' may not be what I was expecting, but it feels quite fitting for them in the context of GFRIEND's history, and thanks to its quirkiness and sense of skill.

(Right: VIVIZ Beam Of Prism teaser images. L to R: Eunha, Umji, SinB. Credits to BigPlanetMade)

'Bop Bop' is a bit of an oddly produced song. The overall soundscape very clearly takes after the disco-inspired sounds that have taken the entire industry by storm, but if dissected a little deeper, the song doesn't actually seem to have that many distinct disco elements. This is actually kind of refreshing since it manages to foster a unique take on the whole retro trend. The end product is very catchy and addicting in a good way.

The plentiful inclusion of strings adds a tone of maturity, and in conjunction with their sassy tone, cements this perception of sophistication the song has. It isn't just some random cute song or throwback to GFRIEND's early years, but VIVIZ carry charisma in asserting their poise and elevating the song to a sense of maturity. It has a fun, "cutesy" tone that almost reminds me of the carefreeness and silliness of trot, yet their experienced singing style and these small production details like the strings help balance it well. This only adds to 'Bop Bop's eccentricity, since we haven't seen much of this assured-cute combination in K-pop much. Its presence here can only be attributed to Eunha, SinB, and Umji's experience in the industry.

(SinB from the 'Bop Bop' M/V. Credits to BigPlanetMade)

'Bop Bop' is also a little more "lowkey" than what one would expect: the chorus is relatively restrained, stripping down to just the bass melody and percussion, and in many moments the song chooses to opt for a more moderated approach. I'm not the biggest fan of this. For example, as the pre-chorus shifts to the chorus, there is just a sudden silence that feels so abrupt and unpleasing. At that point, the only thing that tethers me to the chorus is the catchiness of saying "bop bop."

The hook is definitely the savior of this, and as such manages to tie the song together well when it swerves in. It's much more intense and full, with the vocal execution getting even sassier and even a little bit sultry as the synth travels all over the place in quite the catchy melody. It acts as a good foil to the grooviness of the chorus, and a reinforcement of the momentum seen in the pre-chorus. In this way, the restraint of 'Bop Bop' actually ends up being justified since it formulates a robust listening experience in conjunction with parts like the hook.

This balance of 2 sides characterizes 'Bop Bop' well. Whether it be its sonic production, either moderated or unrestrained, vocal execution, either sassy or alluring, overall ambiance, either groovy or confident, the song interpolates all of these elements within one another in forming a flavourful song that manages to stand out. In saying all this, I will admit that it is not the most mind-blowing song ever, but these small details truly personalize it to fit VIVIZ, and thus, make their debut feel fitting.

(VIVIZ Beam Of Prism teaser images. L to R: SinB, Eunha, Umji. Credits to BigPlanetMade)

It's also undeniable that 'Bop Bop' showcases how the reduction in members from 6 to 3 actually benefits VIVIZ. SinB was always a prominent part of GFRIEND, and as such, she continues to shine well here. The same goes for Eunha, but there seems to be a renewed air of confidence and freedom around her. The biggest surprise of all, though, was definitely Umji. Umji was probably the most sidelined member in GFRIEND, mostly relegated to supporting vocals and small verses here and there. Here, however, she's given a much larger slice of the cake. It's quite gratifying to see the true extent of her vocal abilities, and even just the charisma she displays and the attention she demands in the music video. Her sections of the song were major highlights that just had the flow of an experienced performer. They all definitely held their own here!

I never really knew what to expect for VIVIZ, but I can definitely say that this debut did them justice. Isn't quite ironic that I'm becoming a fan of GFRIEND after their disbandment?

(VIVIZ from the 'Bop Bop' M/V. L to R: SinB, Eunha, Umji. Credits to BigPlanetMade)