APRIL - BOING BOING

1. Glass Castle
2. Muah!
3. Muah! (Inst.)



April made a splash earlier this year with their debut mini-album, 'Dreaming.' The album hit number 8 on the album charts and was an impressive debut for the six girls. After having lost member Somin, they are staging their comeback as a five-some, with their first single album 'Boing Boing.'

"Glass Castle" starts with synth blasts and a jangly guitar joins along with chimes and triangles. It's a light, playful tune with the girl's trademark high-pitched vocals and an easy beat. It's got a bit of swing influence here, but mostly it's pure saccharine pop.



"Muah!" has more of a horn influence, with some vibrating synth riffs behind them. This has a little of everything, with cute idol rapping, angelic bridges, and synth slams during the chorus to give the song some punch. It's a catchy tune, and the hook in the pre-chorus is what does it: "Come to me, baby kiss my lips."� The next lines change with the verses. The title "Muah!" refers to the sound you make you give someone a kiss.

April is a fun band. Why more people aren't into them I can't guess. Yes, we already have a glut of these bands, such as G-Friend, and Lovelyz, Red Velvet, and Oh My Girl, but some of these rookie bands have already managed to shoot into the charts, and I think it's April's turn. If you're a fan, this release is great news, and something to whet your appetite while waiting for a full comeback. If you're not, just think: you can get your "cute fix" from these girls while you're waiting for your bias.

MV REVIEW

Watch the girls from April fantasize about a kiss in their newest MV "Muah!"

The girls are all high school classmates (despite Jinsol being only 14 just this month), and they try their best to get a hunky guy to notice them. He helps with their tent when the hapless girl scouts can't set it up. And the scene eventually switches to school; the girls can barely keep from squealing when they see him, and each of them have visions of kissing him, but when they open their eyes they find it was just a dream. Eventually when he turns up again, he sees the whole quintet and chickens out and walks off. To console themselves at the end, they all pretend to kiss one another (but keep a respectful distance to keep the censors away).



The dancing is actually pretty energetic. They use quite a bit of arm and leg motion to keep it going, and it's at least as good as other bands. And it does have the added benefit that there's no twerking, which is always a plus.

The clothing is totally appropriate in most cases. I can sort of see the girl scout angle, and the 50's sock hop dresses were a little off, but they were trying to evoke cuteness, and that's one way to do it. It wasn't jarring, at any rate, and the schoolgirl outfits seemed up to spec. They did look adorable in the poodle skirts, though.



The MV was fun. It was funny watching them pucker up only to open their eyes and be frustrated. It was also amusing to watch the guy chicken out. There have been some people who were questioning the white romantic lead in the MV, but boy bands have been doing the same thing for years. I don't see an issue with it. Race shouldn't be an issue if you're into someone.� Besides, this MV was absolutely charming. I give it a thumbs up.�

SEE ALSO: PURPLE K!SS Announces World Tour