MONSTA X - RUSH

Track List:

1. Rush
2. Hero
3. Perfect Girl
4. Amen
5. Gone Bad
6. Broken Heart



After wowing audiences on the idol survival show 'No.Mercy'�which spawned the seven-member band, MONSTA X made another splash with their debut album, 'Trespass.' Now the rookie band is back with their new EP 'Rush,' containing six new hip-hop and R&B tracks.

Beginning with a honking, insolent synth, the title track "Rush" starts out strong with the hook, and then Jooheon comes in with his rap. I.M. lays down the raps for the second verse; I.M.'s part is distinct from Jooheon's, as the pitch and flow are different. They mesh well, and keep things interesting. Everything comes together to make this song pop. The point of the title? They want the girl to "rush" to them.



Sassy horns begin the second track, "Hero." The tune is noticeably different from the first in that it's primarily sung instead of rapped. It still contains that immediacy that characterizes "Rush." The transition to the rap segment is awkward, though, like a different song was tacked onto the main song. It recovers, but it takes a bit. The lyrics talk about how the singer will protect her from other guys who make her cry.

"Perfect Girl" is the first ballad on this album. This tune really shows off the boys' vocal abilities.� They croon to a gentle guitar while a space age synth provides accents. There are emotional raps that go along well with the flow of the song. The song itself is about how the girl is so perfect and he wants her by his side.



The fourth track, "Amen," is a smooth R&B piece; slower, like the previous track. All the pieces are in place here, technically perfect with a skillfully inserted rap interlude. Some of the deeper voices come through clearly during the bridge, giving the song some edge. There are sampled "heys" behind the chorus, too, a clever nod that helps this absolutely sick track. The lyrics are asking the girl to pray for the singer because he wants her.

"Gone Bad" just sounds delightfully bratty all the way around. The croons in the bridge just help set up the hook-filled, impertinent chorus. There's a beat drop at about 2:50, but do we really need an autotuned, downpitched voice pointing this out? It grabs your attention, which I think was the point. The song is about a love "gone bad," but the boys sound like they're telling the girl to get lost.



They switch gears entirely with "Broken Heart," a ballad about love and loss. Tenderly sung and rapped, the spare piano helps highlight the wounded voices. It's a pretty song, the boys trading vocal duties especially during the bridge.� The song is about their "broken heart."

I've raved about MONSTA X before, and they come through once more. 'Rush' is just as good as 'Trespass,' but with some definite differences in tone. 'Trespass' was trying to establish the band's concept and hammer it into you. 'Rush' sets up a more playful image, and even has some different styles for them to experiment with. It's not a hard sell -- they kill it on every track. �

MV REVIEW

Watch the boys of MONSTA X as they have adventures in the seedy underbelly of the city.

At least it looks that way, with signs and graffiti on the walls. They're shredding at a skate park, and then end up at a gas station. There they go about their day, playing video games, tuning drums, fixing a broken antenna, etc., until the counter girl opens up the concession stand. Of course she's gorgeous and they're taken with her, and...I won't spoil it. You'll just have to watch.



The costumes are all part and parcel of the hip-hop movement. Chains, baggy pants and shorts, muscle shirts, they have it all. They pose well, as I can think of some bands off the top of my head who just looked largely ridiculous.

The dancing was awesome. Not only were the moves fairly challenging and interesting but also some of the footwork practically made me dizzy.



The video is largely played for laughs, except toward the end. They look like they were having fun with it, even lending a humorous tone to the tough, angry expressions they sport in some of the shots. Rapper Giriboy has a spot in the MV as well, which is appropriate, since he arranged, composed, and produced the song, as well as had a hand in the lyrics. With awesome dancing, comedic moments, and a plot of sorts, there's nothing not to like here.� �

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