[MV & Album Review] ODD EYE CIRCLE � 'Max&Match'

AKP STAFF

ODD EYE CIRCLE � MAX&MATCH

Track List:

1. ADD*
2. Sweet Crazy Love
3. Uncover
4. Girl Front
5. LOONATIC
6. Chaotic
7. Starlight
8. ODD Front
9. LOONATIC (Eng Ver)*
* Limited version only

LOONA subunit ODD EYE CIRCLE just released a repackaged version of 'Mix&Match.' Titled 'Max&Match,' it contains 9 songs, including the originals from 'Mix,' reworked versions of 2 songs, and another two new ones.

"ADD" just sounds like an intro track. It's a remix of one of the music from one of their teasers, and it ranges from dance to ambient at the drop of a hat. It's a great lead-in to the EP. "Sweet Crazy Love" is a pretty pop track, and I like the beats here. I also am a fan of those honeyed vocals. Even if the chorus sounds like "secret love." Is it as good as "Girl Front?" Nope. Is it close? Yes.�

"Uncover" is their stab at dream pop, whispery female vocals against a lush soundscape (exemplified by Belly, the Cocteau Twins, and the Sundays). I don't know if I'd describe it as lush, but it's definitely unique. And a really good jam. "ODD Front" is a remix of "Girl Front," and is fairly different, while still keeping many of the same thematic elements.�

"Loonatic (Eng Ver)" is the English version of the same song from 'Mix&Match.' It sounds very much the same, other than the fact there are English lyrics -- and I'm happy to report a distinct lack of fails. Every word sounds like it's supposed to.

For a re-package, it's not bad. You get a couple new songs, a couple remixes, and overall a different experience as distinct from 'Mix.' Really, I like the fact that this tops out at 9 songs, which is more ODD EYE CIRCLE music for the fan. Apparently, LOONA's concept is to expand their universe to include all the zodiac signs, and they have four more members to go. Frankly, this is LOONA's best subunit yet, and I can't wait to see what's next.

MV REVIEW

This is one of those MVs that has a narrative, somewhat. Jinsoul has some kind of problem with her eye. This is what prompts 2/3 of the video to be in black and white. It's a different feeling, considering most of K-pop is characterized by broad splashes of color, particularly where girl groups are concerned. However, by about 2:50 she doffs the eyepatch, and things happen. The eye acquires color, then the rest of the world.

Most of it I really can't comment on. It defies logical description. It's bizarre, with different color smoke for each member, and sparks from some electrical snafu behind Jinsoul as she runs through the streets. But it's extremely watchable, just so you can figure out what's going on. I bet some of it has to do with whatever's in that bag.

The dancing is above average. I could do with a little more movement with the legs, but the arms are thrust out, drawn in circles, and then pulled in close. Some of the individual dance scenes were a little more dynamic, but we see few of those.

Overall, it's a kind of got a weird story. There are many fan theories as to the meaning behind this, so you'll have plenty of research ahead of you�and maybe come to your own conclusions as to what it all means. I like it, and definitely, intend to watch this again. �