[Review] KISS OF LIFE’s ‘Sticky’: The perfect summer comeback
The hot quartet came back on 1 July with their new single album ‘Sticky’. The release featured two songs: “Sticky” and “Te Quiero”, with a one-take style video accompanying the title track.
KISS OF LIFE “Sticky”. Images throughout: S2 ENTERTAINMENT.
Known for breathing life back into the K-pop industry, KISS OF LIFE are back with the perfect summer tracks.
As the girl group’s first summer comeback, “Sticky” gifted fans with a one-take style video featuring hot choreography that would be perfect for Waterbomb Korea. Filmed in a summer location, the video perfectly encapsulates the fun that comes with the sunny season.
“Sticky”’s music video was colourful and playful, making it a fun watch. Starting off with a string opening and a tropical instrumental, this comeback feels specifically inspired by South African singer and songwriter Tyla.
The dance moves in particular are reminiscent of the bacardi style dance that made Tyla so popular, and perfectly showcases KIOF’s ability to be both cute and sexy.
KIOF’s leader, main rapper, and lead dancer Julie immediately sparks attention with this comeback. “Sticky” is clearly Julie’s era. The way she embodies the dance, her charisma, and performance skills feel so fresh and perfect for this summer comeback. Her rap was smooth, and it was so clear that she felt very comfortable with this style of dance.
The group’s lead vocalist and maknae, Haneul, also shone particularly brightly during this comeback. Her tone suited this song so perfectly. Every time her voice appeared in the chorus, it felt like this genre and range was made for her.
“Sticky” also gave another opportunity for Natty to showcase her talents. As the group’s main dancer, lead rapper and sub-vocalist, her dancing skills, voice, and charisma shine throughout the title track. Belle, the main vocalist for KIOF, also flexed her sexy dancing skills for the music video of “Sticky” and it fit her well.
While “Sticky” came under some controversy for its sensual dance, the choreography could instead be seen as more fun and as the group’s aim to try something other than the ‘cutesy’ concept.
As all members of KIOF debuted as adults, this track feels like a representative summer bop for women who want to have a good time in the heat. The transitions in the dance are exciting and don’t feel as provocative as many said they were.
“Te Quiero” is the second song on this single album. Opening with a sensual Latin guitar and housing the occasional Spanish lyric throughout, this song is mainly in English.
It talks about a possessive love; the member’s describe their fears about the relationship encapsulated in this song. Scared of being left as well as how much they love their partner — the voices fill the song with a raspy tone.
The KIOF member’s voices combine beautifully and express the song’s main theme of longing and need perfectly. The song has also been highly appreciated by fans online with some even arguing that it’s better than the title track “Sticky”.
As far as summer comebacks go, this one is a must add to your playlist. Both songs compliment one another perfectly and highlight the talents and versatility of each individual KISS OF LIFE member.
At the time of writing, the music video for “Sticky” has already surpassed 10 million views on YouTube. It is so clear that this is the perfect season to represent the group, where their sound and attitude excels the most.
“Sticky” and “Te Quiero” make it so easy to call KISS OF LIFE the queens of this summer.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.