01001111 01001110 01000101 01010101 01010011 00001010 - “BLACK MIRROR”
To Moons rejoice! ONEUS is here to show us how it's done once again. By now we're all too familiar with ONEUS's tendency to bring something new to the table, and fifth mini-album BINARY CODE is no exception. Reeling it back in from the mayhem they embodied for previous release "No diggity," ONEUS puts a flashy spin on the ‘70s musical influences made popular in the last year with title track "BLACK MIRROR."
Tracklist:
BLACK MIRROR*
Connect with US
Polarity
Happy Birthday*
Valkyrie (Rock ver.)*
*Author’s favorite pick(s)
“BLACK MIRROR”
I've said it before—with their last four music video releases—and I'll say it again: You have not yet seen ONEUS like this. Opening immediately with a quick disco beat that melds into a smooth bassline, the music video starts on a high note with member Xion surrounded by dancers in mirrored hand positions, and the mirror motif remains consistent throughout. When members aren't dancing near reflective surfaces, the space is filled with reflective outfits—we're talking gold and silver shirts, jackets covered in sparkling sequins, and even iridescent slacks—creating such a colorful variety of visuals that the largely monochrome palette goes almost unnoticed.
Peppered with Michael Jackson references in choreography and in the lyrics—"Bad" and "Man in the Mirror," specifically—"BLACK MIRROR" is delightful in sight and sound. With the lot of them looking sharp—notably Ravn in a pinstriped suit—and Hwanwoong charismatic as ever, the song is so upbeat in sound that it's easy to miss the vaguely bleak lyrics. By the title alone, we can discern that the song highlights the ever-present social emphasis on virtual communication. Referring to the reflection that appears when one's screen goes dark, "BLACK MIRROR" begins on the note of:
"We're on this Babylon / The problem is black mirror."
In theory, this could imply that not only is there currently too much reliance on screens to connect with others, but the mention of Babylon may further imply that this structure, while very powerful in some ways, is a corrupt system that ultimately keeps us farther apart.
If I have one qualm with “BLACK MIRROR,” it's that the music video throws in another popular trend seen in recent months: flashing lights (although much more palatable than I've seen in the past). If you struggle with light sensitivities, proceed with caution!
BINARY CODE
With concept photos featuring cracked mirrors as well as Ravn being photographed by phone screens, Leedo with a color-barred television, and Keonhee's face partially obscured by polaroids of himself, the message for the whole album is quite clear if the title of BINARY CODE wasn't enough. Just as well, after "BLACK MIRROR'' whets your appetite for a slightly dystopian outlook, the rest of the album provides some fresh content for variety.
"Connect with US" takes the same narrative of virtual connection from another angle. A slower song, though not a full-on ballad, "Connect with US" depicts the hope provided by connecting with someone far away.
"It doesn't matter where you are / We share each other's feelings."
While there is definitely such a thing as too much screen time, one just can't deny there is a certain feeling of comfort in being able to connect with someone on another level, even if it's someone you're unable to be with right now.
"Polarity" picks things up with a jazzy guitar melody and complementary piano harmony, and the lyrics tell a story some may be all too familiar with—fighting hard for a relationship that is destined not to work out, as those involved mix about as well as oil and water.
"Happy Birthday" really took me by surprise. There just, typically, is not a way to make a song with "birthday" in the title sound enticing, but I couldn't have been more wrong about this one. Opening with "Happy birthday / Happy happy birthday," it begins exactly the way I was anticipating—only to melt away right after into an unexpectedly sultry R&B song about celebrating the one you love and listing all the reasons why.
"Even if I'm born again, you're my girlfriend / I want to have all of you, you're a gift from God."
If you're into songs where pretty boys simp like crazy, a big, big shoutout to you, it’s your birthday now.
Last but not least, they give us that which we didn't know we needed: a rock version of ONEUS's debut song, "Valkyrie." While "Valkyrie" in its original form is excellent, the rock version builds upon perfection with this fun variation. While most of the song is remixed in a manner very directly complementary to the track’s original sound, there’s the occasional heavy electric guitar riff reminiscent of '80s classic rock—but like, in a good way—that helps it hit a little harder.