Concept
Right off the bat, there’s a gothic feel to the concept of this comeback besides the obvious grunge and punk vibe. Black ink seems to be pervading the overall aesthetic theme. At the same time, another predominant concept seems to be that of the game of chess and consequently strategy. This is carried over to the music video for the lead single and the title track, ‘Advice’ where we saw a distraught yet composed TaeMin initiating a game of wits, a push and pull of sorts, where he ultimately comes out victorious.
Fashion & Appearance
TaeMin showcases two distinct concepts when it comes to artistic expression through fashion. In one set of teasers (pictured below), he’s wearing a nude beige crepe top with a sword held to his chest in a field of reeds. A field of reeds is a common metaphor for confusion and indecisiveness. Upon closer inspection, you can also see what looks like bones in the background but those bones most definitely belong to some ancient animal, giving the entire scene a medieval atmosphere. There’s a picturesque quality to this image that amplifies the fairy tale effect as if TaeMin is a chosen warrior. His hair is slicked back and has ashen tones. The black nail accessories definitely give off vampire overlord vibes. The extensions are definitely experimental and give a much needed edge to Taemin’s look.Diametrically opposed to the previous set of concept photos, another set of teasers (pictured below) depicts TaeMin in a more punk-rock look. His hair is short and light silver in tone, his eye makeup is smoked out and his outfit is as cool as it gets. One can’t help but think of the famous movie “A Clockwork Orange” when looking at these images because there’s a distinctly rebellious feel to them.The most iconic look, however, would have to be that of the shirtless, inked-out, ski-masked-up TaeMin. He has dark hair with silver fox extensions, a choker (presumably diamond-studded) around his neck and his hands are entirely covered in black ink with a thick silver bracelet around the right arm. This is his look for the music video for ‘Advice’ and it is every bit as effective as the music itself.
The Dance
When it comes to choreography, needless to say, TaeMin is unbeatable. A common element in K-Pop choreographies is the killing point or highlight. This refers to a particular dance move incorporated in the drama that characterizes it and sticks with the audience. It is both difficult to execute but easy to follow at the same time. It is catchy and serves the same purpose as the hook of a song. In the case of TaeMin’s ‘Advice’, the music video is entirely made up of killing points. It is fast-paced and as always, TaeMin doesn’t miss even half a beat. It is also here that we get the first glimpse ever of TaeMin’s hip tattoo and it is indeed, out of this world. Almost immediately, TaeMin’s tattoo was trending on Twitter as fans couldn’t get enough.For a better idea of the performance quotient, TaeMin’s comeback stage on “M Countdown” is the perfect portrayal of his masterful choreography and talent in dance.
The Music
‘Advice’, the title track, can be described as an R&B song at its core, ornamented with choir-like piano flourishes and trap/EDM beats bringing it all together. The track ‘If I Could Tell You’ is a collaboration with label-mate and fellow legend, Girls’ Generation’s TaeYeon. It is a dream-pop/R&B song that perfectly suits the two artists’ vocals. ‘Light’ is a song truly destined to be TaeMin’s, especially because of its addictive groove and synth harmonies. ‘Light’ is produced by Moonshine (Jonatan Gusmark and Ludvig Evers) and Adrian McKinnon. ‘Strings’ is both a sonic and lyrical masterpiece with TaeMin comparing himself to a string instrument. Finally, ‘Sad Kids’ is a pop song and TaeMin sings us out in true TaeMin fashion, leaving us satisfied yet wanting more at the same time. What was your favourite track from TaeMin’s “Advice”? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below! SHINee’s TaeMin ‘Advice’ @Beyond LIVE - TAEMIN : N.G.D.A (Stage Ver.) VIDEO|May 20, 2021
