f(x) - Electric Shock (Best K-Pop Music Videos - Part II)

So, here we are back again with Part II (2) in the collection of The Best K-Pop Videos, if you've missed the other parts so far, you can find them as links below: 

Part 1 with Girls' Generation: http://scenesisters.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/girls-generation-i-got-boy-best-k-pop.html

So, in for Part 2 is the South-Korean girl group f(x), with their video (scroll down to watch) for their track 'Electric Shock', taken from their second EP of the same name. The song itself is an electronic/dance-pop mix, and the lyrics focus around an 'electric' type of feeling that occurs when falling in love (emphasised through the repetition of 'Electric Shock'). 

The aforementioned element creates a hook for the song and the varying electronic tones and beats in the track give it that something extra, making it easily memorable. It's an interesting sound and is fairly easy to bop (or dance) along to, and the video is well-matched for the narrative of the lyrics. So, what makes this one of the best (in my opinion) K-Pop videos? That's easy - it's not just the track which is so catchy and clever, it's the video; focusing around the electric theme, it incorporates a fusion of colour, 'shock' and dancing, which make it highly memorable. (Video below)

Ok, so the video itself opens with dimmed lighting, featuring a few spotlights accentuating the empty dance floor/set, whilst the girls hide away in the shadows. This creates the sense of atmosphere and the contrast in lighting help set the scene for the electrical display to follow. 

Suddenly the lights kick in and we're met with a infusion of pink, white and purple, as the girls formulate a circle, walking round and facing the camera in turn. The first person we see clearly is Krystal, who's wearing a skull jumper, patterned shorts and her hair in her usual style, whilst she sings in the 'Electric Shock' lyrics. 

Next up is Amber, who joins in and has similar attire consisting of a long, graphic print vest, long black and white shorts and gold jewellery. After her is Victoria, Amber and Sulli, in similar attire. The girls then break off and out body-pops Krystal who sing the first full length lyrics, and then the girls go back into a group formation and start their electric dancing. The girls switch between different outfits whilst they sing their verses, and then we're transported to a crystal white and blue room, adorned with quadric shapes. 

The choreography is slick, dynamic and exciting, reflecting the music beautifully. We then are treated to the first proper break and the tone and beat with a solo from Luna as the other girls explore their new surroundings. Then, as quick as a flash, we're back to the original room and Krystal is brandishing a electric 'tazer' complete with obvious sparks. 

Wild hopping and arm pumping ensues as the scene switches between the icy and pink room, featuring close-ups of all the members in turn. After the chorus, Luna then begins to sing again, and Victoria joins her. Then, Amber, Sulli and Krystal begin to harmonise and join in, but break off to allow Sulli her solo.

After a while, Amber performs her verses again, and then all the girls brand their electric weapons like some sort of vigilante group and a similar break to the tone and melody as before occurs. Now it's Krystal who takes centre stage and performs waves of dance and rhythmic movement with her fellow members. 

After a while of highly choreographed and strong dance sequences, Victoria can be seen laying on the floor of a different room and she sweetly looks towards the camera and sings softly, whilst the floor pulsates beneath her. More repetition of 'I'm in shock, Electric Shock' repeats and the girls shake and bounce their way through the rest of the song, playfully brandishing their electric weapons and various points. Overall, it's a high energy routine featuring fun and driven dance moves, it's sung well and the sounds are aesthetics of the video are entertaining and pleasing. 

The video isn't as crazy as some that are out there (or in this special segment of Best K-Pop videos) but it's fun, memorable and clever. The song itself was of course highly successful for f(x) and garnered them critical acclaim from critics and audiences alike, and really put them on the map in terms of K-Pop music and videos, so it's only suitable it feature in this segment. So, as always, are you a fan of the video? Had you heard of the f(x) before now, and if so, which is your favourite video (or song) by the girl group? (More Parts coming soon, keep checking back for new additions.)

Reviewed by Mel.