Eman's Black Mamba Review
Man I've had to watch this about 12 times.
There's so much going on with that video I had to repeat it so I could focus on different parts each time. It's so much at once
I actually really dig the song... Like damn I didn't expect it as this usually isn't my kind of style. I'm the guy that's into ballads and TWICE. But wow.
This is such a memorable song. And I mean that literally. Even if you may not even like it. It's the kind of song you can't mistake for another.
It's central chorus and surrounding structure all solidified around "black mamba"... This is the kind of of song that has an identity it weaves with its phrasing and repetition, digging into your ear so you can't mistake it for another.
It's very much branded in that way. Which is a good thing. Especially for a debut.
This ain't anyone elses song but AESPA's and they'll be known for it. Whether one likes it or not. It'll get the word out.
It's a driving high energy banger to announce AESPA on the scene.
As for the MV and aesthetic. A lot to take in At first I was overwhelmed. While I think the over the top kaleidescope of neon and scene changes makes a splashy statement and grabs attention. I think it actually could have benefited from reining it in ever so slightly and focusing a little more on a less frenetic visual style. They needed an editor to pare down to a more manageable visual narrative. We had snakes and trains and computers and rainbow neon and AI and red and black shadow rooms and a swan lake like ballet intro complete with Evil Dark Queen pause in the middle. It's all cranked up to an 11. When a 9 would have hit a sweet spot and I think.... Maybe not overwhelmed to that extent while still being a energetic aesthetic.
The central dance move where the camera swivels as they are on the ground swinging their legs in steps...... That was awesome. That will be their standout branded choreo section.
The rest though... Isn't as memorable. And had some really odd parts. Like the tiptoeing ballet like formation at the beginning that seemed out of place to the rest of the vibe. Black mamba ain't tiptoeing.
The members all looked great and did amazing. I won't comment at length on vocals as I'm not knowledgeable of that area but to my ears. They all sounded great and really fit the song.
As for overall presence of the members. I thought Karina did very well but perhaps didn't shine as much as her lead in promo might suggest she would have. She's often shown as the central focus and SM clearly wants to push her. But I think she's relying too much on her stoic bad queen aura regality to get her across. Hopefully she can let her personality come through more in the future. As for the others. They all did wonderful. Winter the standout visual. Giselle with confident attitude. And NingNing...... NingNing was was my personal fav. Perhaps because I wasn't expecting it. The girl has a spunky stage presence that shined in this. Bravo.
Overall I think this is a solid debut for them. It may not be everyone's cup of tea. But I think they put out a great driving banger with memorable central imagery that will help them "brand" this debut in the kpop scene.
I think it's a good base to grow from.
Hopefully it does well!