K-REVIEW #1
MONSTA X is known for their distinct use of synth, amazing vocal harmony, their visuals and on point choreographies. They are talented performers and in my opinion, they never released a bad track.
The group released their third and final part of The Clan series last March titled The Clan Pt. 2.5: The Final Chapter, after releasing The Clan Pt. 1 Lost in May 2016 and The Clan Pt. 2 Guilty In October 2016.
The lead single from the album ‘Beautiful’, was released on March 21 along with the full album.
Now, the group is back with ‘Shine Forever’ which is the very first repackaged album of ‘Beautiful’. It’s a sweet gift to Monbebes!
‘Shine Forever’ basically follows the concept and sound of ‘Beautiful’. It is very Urban Electro which is good since it’s a trend these days.
However, the instrumental sounds a bit common? As for the vocals, they are very good as usual. The raps were done well. I like the chorus, but Kihyun’s parts overpowered the rest as his lines are the most, if not the only memorable ones — at least on the first listen. I guess that was done intentionally to highlight Kihyun as the main character?
The music video for ‘Shine Forever’ is pretty light compared to their previous music videos. However, the story on the MV seems to be about a group’s journey on a dark past and present. The storyline went with Minhyuk and Kihyun getting into a car accident. We see Kihyun being blindfolded by Hyungwon.
Blindfold is a powerful symbol that can represent themes of the victim, denial, or impartiality. This could also mean that Kihyun became blind and broken or worse, died after the accident. This is why we see the members blaming and getting mad at Minhyuk. The blindfolded Kihyun appears with the members in different times. We even saw a scene where he appeared to comfort the broken Minhyuk.
Perhaps, the story is even darker than we think as mysterious events have also happened on MONSTA X’s previous music videos. The stories are connected. The characters are a clan and sacrifices are made. They have a very unique friendship.
Anyway, the cinematography of this music video is beautiful with fresh shooting locations. We see a lot of nature which made it seem like the group went on a very special vacation, and then the accident happened.
In the near end of the video, we see the devastated members picking up some light sticks seemingly realizing something which leads us to the scene where they all come together, setting up a field of lights. We see Kihyun eventually taking off his blindfold.
I like how that scene represents the members’ strong friendship. They come all-together at the center to shine the light for the lost one, Kihyun and helping him find the way in the dark — leading him to an awakening or rebirth.
All in all, I like how ‘Shine Forever’ was put together. It was not as addictive as ‘Beautiful’ but it is a beautiful song, and they gave us an interesting music video!
MONSTA X deserves more recognition for their quality works. I can’t wait to see their next concept!
Contributor: Crystal Sarah