SF9 Returns with the Striking “비보라 (BIBORA)”
If you ask our opinion, SF9 has always been criminally underrated. Debuting back in 2016, the nine member group has gone through a number of different transformations to find their signature sound. Since they originally debuted as a performance focused group, they have always delivered clean and impressive choreography, yet they rarely get the recognition for it. It’s been a year since we’ve had a release from the boys, and in that time there’s been some lineup shuffling. Rowoon left the team to focus on his acting career, which is going quite well. Inseong and Youngbin returned from their mandatory military service, and Jaeyoon departed to fulfill his service. The seven active members return with their thirteenth mini-album [Sequence] and title track “비보라 (BIBORA).”
“비보라 (BIBORA)” follows the formula of the type of tracks SF9 has honed in on, a sound that I would classify as an EDM club banger. The song has a heavy electronic driving beat from the start that remains constant through the track, keeping the high energy consistent. As usual the vocals are strong, especially with Inseong returning to the lineup. The bridge does a good job of building up the energy into the drop at the chorus. Even so, I was hoping for a bit more in this song. Not to say it’s a bad song by any means, a lot of SF9’s strong points shine, but perhaps a bit more variety in the melody of the track would have made it perfect.
The video has a more mature and dark vibe, with the members dressed in a casual sophisticated look and often in black. This has certainly become their M.O, and they do it well, so it’s no surprise this was the creative direction. The muted colors and sepia color palette drive home the melancholy lyrics, which contrast with the high energy beat. It’s also noticeable that there’s no distinctive hair coloring on the members this time around, and the overall black hair and clothing makes for a unified look. The visuals go crazy in the final chorus as the final part of the choreography is shot in the rain. Visuals are certainly one of SF9’s strong points now that they are eight years into their career, too.
Check out the music video for “비보라 (BIBORA)” and find [Sequence] on your favorite streaming platform!