[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Red Velvet - Russian Roulette (2016)

Red Velvet is back again this year!

On Wednesday September 7th 2016, Red Velvet just released the music video for their newest single called Russian Roulette. This single along with same name album comes three months after their last comeback, One of These Nights on March.

Judging from Russian Roulette teasers, Red Velvet seems aiming for another cheerful and energetic concept known as their Red concept. It's not really surprising since One of These Nights showed the mature and elegant Velvet side.

So, how is Russian Roulette? Check out my review for their music video below...........................................

Back to basic, that’s the perfect term to describe Russian Roulette. There is no experimental sound or complicated dynamic like Red Velvet previous title tracks. Russian Roulette has a usual song structure with verse, bridge, and refrain on repeat. This added by catchy hook part during refrain.

Russian Roulette is very pop, which reminds me a bit with Girls’ Generation songs. However, Red Velvet signature electronic music is style there. I like that they try something new with retro synthesizer and 8-bit sound.

All of that makes Russian Roulette becomes easy to listen and enjoyable since the first time. But, that’s just it. Russian Roulette sounds too simple. It lacks of kick for a title track.

Red Velvet vocal unfortunately doesn’t help much. Their voices sound really similar between one another in Russian Roulette. It’s a pity because Wendy and Seulgi offer powerful vocal while Joy provides distinct vocal color.

Thankfully, Russian Roulette music video gives more kick to the song. Red Velvet once again brings out the unique aesthetics for Russian Roulette music video.

Everything in Russian Roulette music video is so quirky from the cinematography to their style. Both cinematography and style also shows more retro side. The zoom in and zoom out shot reminds me with old school movies as well as the tone.

Red Velvet represents style from 60s to 80s era throughout Russian Roulette music video. I like that Red Velvet goes for cute and sweet style in Russian Roulette compared to previous music videos. Their makeup, wardrobe, and hairstyle are adorable.

The cute and sweet theme also can be seen through the color tone. For Russian Roulette, Red Velvet uses pastel colors like soft pink, baby blue, and light yellow in most scenes.

Despite being sweet and adorable, Russian Roulette music video has its disturbing side. Red Velvet girls compete against each other to win love. This is related with the song lyrics where it tells about love is a game like Russian Roulette. However, their competition is unhealthy.

Red Velvet girls try to get rid one another through heavy violence. The music video doesn’t blatantly show the violence, but some scenes suggest there. Red Velvet girls do the violence in expressionless face, so it makes the music video creepier.

Russian Roulette is SM Entertainment and Red Velvet attempt to bring out K-Pop old school signature sound. The song is pleasant listening, but it doesn’t really go anywhere at the same time. The quirky yet scary music video fortunately makes up for what’s lacking in the song. Better luck next time Red Velvet!

Rating:                        3/5

Categories: Irene, Joy, Kpop, Red Velvet, Russian Roulette, Seulgi, Wendy, Yeri