Let’s be real for a minute–the K-Pop world isn’t the same when VIXX is inactive. The powerhouse vocal group made a name for themselves as a staple in the third generation of K-Pop, known most widely for their dark and intense concepts. It’s been four years since the release of the last album, and a number of lineup changes have occurred in that time. The new mini-album CONTINUUM features Leo, Ken, and Hyuk, five tracks total, with a couple penned by Leo and Hyuk. Leo had some words to share about the comeback via Helix Publicity:

“Hello, this is VIXX, back with our mini-album [CONTINUUM]! We wanted to give our thanks to the countless STARLIGHT who have been waiting for us to return as the group VIXX for four years of only being able to meet via individual activities and digital singles. Through this album, we were able to look back on each of our own paths, as well as the path we've walked as VIXX, so please give it lots of love and attention!” 

– LEO, on behalf of all of the members of VIXX

Title track “Amnesia” feels like a classic VIXX release. The base of the song has an R&B influenced rhythm designed to place heavy focus on the vocals of the group, which is obviously their strong suit. The addition of an electric guitar at the climax of the chorus makes for an addictive sound and hardens the intensity of the song to match the darker aesthetic of the video. Even with the familiarities in style, this is obviously a new era for VIXX as a vocal only group, since there’s no rapping verses in the track. I’d particularly like to commend Hyuk’s vocal talents in this song, in the past it was easier for him to fade into the background of the group because of the pure vocal strength of the members. It’s nice to see him not only be able to keep up with Ken and Leo, but have the chance to share the spotlight for once.

Dark and mysterious is the name of the game for VIXX music videos, but this era has a bit of a new spin on it. Shadowy scenes are replaced with a brighter, albeit still grim aesthetic. While Ken is in a futuristic, lifeless lab, Hyuk is trapped in a desert, sand hourglass room and Leo falls into a deep, dark and black pit in a well. To me, the music video does a great job of blending past and present, where we get a lot of elements that we loved in VIXX’s older releases, while adding different aesthetics to indicate a new era for the group. It may not be a dream VIXX comeback, but it’s a new start and is executed beautifully.

Check out the music video for “Amnesia” below!

Edited by Cara Musashi