Review: VIZO - A HA
Synth-Pop and Synthwave have become a global trend, and is certainly nearing the end of its life. I wouldn't be surprised if synth-pop is formally out of date within a year or two. That is the sad state of the music industry, trends move forward and back at a pace that remains unmatched. As mainstream artists move away from synth-pop, the indie scene seeks to be the biggest gainers, especially if they adapt this style quickly. VIZO is a fresh and new indie Korean artist, and while I have just heard of him, his new single, A Ha makes an instant impression.
With how often it is used for lighthearted pop and cheesy throwbacks, I think it is easy to forget how dark synthwave can be when used right. A perfect example would be The Weeknd's recent songs. A HA riffs off a similar dark sound. I love how the song instantly dips you into the world of VIZO with the waterfall synths and a brooding atmosphere. As much as I enjoy the rest of the song, the first verse probably remains my favorite part.
I also love the instant chorus. The synths may be a little grating, but it somehow merges well with VIZO's nasal voice. While this entire segment might be a little too acidic, it somehow merges together smoothly enough for me to really enjoy it.
I only wish that the song went more into its wackier elements, driving more into the twists and turns of the early moments in the song. Unfortunately, the song stays quite stable. I wish it indulged a bit more in its wild side. Nonetheless, I see long-term potential for VIZO, especially if he is willing to dive further into this sound.
Rating: 8.25/10
Purchase or listen to VIZO's A HA and Purple Heart right here!
Ohh first time hearing this guy too thanks to you! This song is pleasant. I especially love his vocals which I think played a big factor in me liking this song.
ReplyDeleteThe 8bit-like synths lowkey giving off Undertale vibes (not saying that's a bad thing)
Glad I introduced you to this song. After all, you've introduced me to so many good ones via your Twitter account.
DeleteWell, I didn't notice the Undertale sound design until you mentioned it, and now I totally see it! Frick, I just wish the song went further to the Undertale direction. Megalovania is a stone-cold classic for a reason after all. Toby Fox is one of the biggest geniuses in the world of music and game development at the moment!
DeleteOh I agree with you on what you said about Toby Fox! Megalovania is incredible.
Like I know we meme it so much, but like, that song goes so hard in its production. I think all the memes kind of made us forget why many of the soundstracks are so iconic.
Now you got me nostalgic in listening to some Undertale OSTs! And so far it feels like my younger self falling into the Undertale rabbit hole again lol, but it's nice. It's crazy how old these songs are (2015?!). But it's also crazy how much we can appreciate these songs a lot more now we've gotten older with experience :)
Toby Fox is such a genius, both as a composer and a game developer. I mean, yeah his games often purposefully humorous, but have so much heart in them. Seriously, Sans is such an iconic character for a reason. I am finally getting around to playing Undertale, and I love it! Seriously, everything in the game is fantastic.
DeleteBtw, have you checked out the soundtrack of Fox's new game, Deltarune? While not nearly Undertale good, it is really, really good.
Agreed! And from what I've read, Undertale subverts the rpg formula with the pacifist option. Gotta love Toby Fox.
DeleteAhh I haven't checked out the Deltarune OSTs yet. I know there's 2 chapters out right now but I have yet seen any gameplays of the latest chapter. And its been so long since I've watched a gameplay of the 1st... I think I held it back probably because I want to experience the music blind whilst the game plays them out. Maybe I'll try to give it the whole album(s?) a listen later.
I do know there's a song called 'Attack of the Killer Queen' and that name alone sounds awesome. Won't be surprised if I see any person commenting the jojo references for this song lol
More than just the pacifist option, Undertale manages to humanize every single character. From a psychopathic flower hell bent on destruction to a monster trying to gain a career in stand-up, Undertale somehow manages to humanize the characters we'd just walk over otherwise.
DeleteWhile I have yet to fully finish all Deltarune OSTs, I love how they switch between dramatic orchestration (Scarlet Forest) and 8-Bit stuff at its best (Rude Buster). Toby is pure genius.
Also, curious on the Jojo reference, as I am not a fan of anime. I assume you are referring to Jojo's Bizarre Adventure?
Ohh ok, thanks for expanding more on it. Yeah, that's really cool. Undertale really reminds us how to be human :)
DeleteI vaguely remember Game Theory mention how the word pacifist got searched up a lot more since Undertale's release and I think that's beautiful on top of Toby Fox's great work.
Also yeah I'm talking about Jojo's bizarre adventure! One of my fav animes. Outside of the jojo memes, it's a genuinely fun show with a lot of charm and wit. So if you love watching action then I highly recommend giving this show a watch when you have the time :)
Sidetracking a bit but given how we're a bunch of music nerds... I gotta mention that Jojo's creator, Hirohiko Araki, absolutely loves music. Like, really loves music.
So much that a lot of the characters and abilities are named after singers or their songs. E.g. Robert E.O. Speedwagon (REO Speedwagon), Killer Queen (the Queen song), Esidisi (yes the same ACDC - real slick there Araki). The list goes on
Undertale is such a great game. Btw, which Game Theory video was it mentioned this fact? I love MatPat, but his Undertale series is... controversial, to say the least lol.
DeleteOh, those Jojo names are absolutely incredible. That Esidisi in particular got a real good chuckle out of me lol! Since we are on the subject of Japanese entertainment icons having their characters named after popular musicians, the Koopalings enemies in the Mario franchise are named after famous musicians, Roy (Roy Orbison), Ludwig (Beethoven), Iggy (Iggy Pop), Wendy (Wendy O'Williams), and so on!
It's the "Why I Gave the Pope UNDERTALE!" video. It's definitely not as ridiculous as the "Sans is Ness" video lol. It's more of a video essay (+ some psychological theory thrown in) where he talks about video game violence (the typical debate of "oh video games are bad 'cause violence!") and how relevant Undertale was in breaking that stigma.
DeleteThe Google search trends part is at 11:35 of the video
NO way. The Koopalings were named after singers? I love it.
Oh, I remember that video. I guess I just watched it so long ago I forgot that lol. By the way, speaking of the Pope and Undertale, I think there is a very good chance he has played the game. Not only did MatPat give it to him, but...
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvdxHJmDDA0
That's understandable. Those videos are so old, phew! I thought whatever gray memory I had was just some imagination I had.
ReplyDeleteALSO lol Megalovania really got played in front of the Pope.
I can't believe it. I can't believe I'm watching it now for the first time. What a start to 2022 ðŸ˜
Ikr, its crazy, all the comments under the MatPat Undertale video are talking about it too now lol.
Delete