Weki Meki are Back With 99% Summer Vibes!
If there’s any summer track that’s worth streaming right now, “Tiki Taka” would be it. Hardly three months have passed since the release of “Picky Picky,” but Weki Meki is here with another high-energy bop boasting a spectrum of color and a splash of sound to help deck out your summer playlists. With a track so perfect for summer, there’s just one question left to wander the minds of Ki-Lings worldwide—where are Lua’s lines?
The Review
The song is infectiously happy, from the tropical instrumental in the beginning to the refreshing yet strong vocals heard mainly in the voices of former I.O.I members Yoojung and Doyeon, alongside Suyeon—with delicate voices such as Sei’s and Rina’s being saved for the second half of the track. Even Elly’s powerful yet cute voice is integral to the group’s unique sound, as it really hones in on the teen crush concept the group is aiming for. With all of these beautiful vocals, though, it comes as more than a shock to discover that Lua has essentially no lines, with Lucy coming close to meeting the same fate. Both of these members are powerful vocalists, so Fantagio might have to deal with more than a handful of angry fans if neither of these two beloved members see the light of day in their next comeback.
One part of the song that isn’t so bubbly would be the lyrics, despite having a tone that seems as cheerful as the caravan park the music video takes place in. The focus of the track is on a mutual romantic interest, and how Weki Meki wants the other person to be more confident in their love before Weki Meki loses interest in them, so the girls are 99% sure that their romantic feelings are mutual but are waiting for just one more hint. It’s still a summery love song, but just not the kind you’d expect from a track that sounds as happy as “Tiki Taka.” One of the group’s previous songs, “Crush,” carries the same meaning from the other perspective, as it’s the Weki Meki girls that really like someone but are struggling on how to let him know. That could explain why the video for “Tiki Taka” starts with a scene that strongly resembles the aftermath of “Crush,” as if they are on yet another mission given to them by the radio box which Doyeon debates smashing at both the start and end of the video.
As for the video, it looks as if Fantagio took a rainbow from the sky and decided that it would be the color palette for “Tiki Taka.” The members are all seen relaxing on colorful lounge chairs, wearing white nightgowns and sporting various colorful sunglasses which are especially pronounced in the members’ close-up shots! Despite the outfits being suited more for a spa, they’re actually lounging in front of a caravan park’s pool, surrounded by pool toys and palm trees. In one of the shots, the members are even seen operating a tiki bar, which is fitting for the track’s name. The second half of the video changes drastically, though, as Weki Meki stumble upon a neon bar in which they spend the night dancing away with lightsticks and sparklers. Their wardrobe changes too, as they go from cute summer attire to dark clothing that reflects the change in scenery quite well—although the dancing for the final chorus takes place where the lounge chairs used to be, which is a nice touch as the neon signs above the caravans are lit up and the pool behind them is no longer obscured.
Despite the growing issues with line distribution, “Tiki Taka” still manages to impress as a midsummer bop that’s more than willing to jump into summer and gym playlists alike. Will Weki Meki stick to a high-energy teen crush concept, or will the next track be a slow lullaby for the winter months? Either way, we’re excited to find out!