Out & About #598 | You Calling My Name

​You Calling My Name is a revolutionary concept for ahgases, especially those that have stood their ground since the beginning. Unprecedented in sound as well as style, the approach shifts from enigmatic synth sounds paired with powerful vocals to soft, seductive utterances and "sorrowful" verses.

Clad in fitted leather suits - with some strategically positioned slits - the MV depicts a desire for one's name to be called, along with regret for having caused feelings of pain to a past lover. The foundation of the song stemmed from fanchants, an impactful element of live performances and, especially, concerts.

​In the 90-minute-long showcase, the boys discussed the back stories behind B-side tracks, choreography trivia, and the members' individual efforts to sharpen themselves in preparation for the comeback. Leading up to the comeback, the already lanky maknae lost 3-4 kilograms, while our sunshiney otter summoned absolute willpower to drop 8 kilograms (the equivalent of 17-18 pounds!!), even exercising after hours amidst a global world tour. His efforts did not go unnoticed, for the 96-liner is rapidly rising on my list. Crash & Burn showcases his charisma and extensive vocal range, which is only further enhanced by smoky makeup and coloured lenses.

As for the title track, 니가 부르는 나의 이름 (You Calling My Name), there is not a single member engaged in the K-Pop scene who can deny the dynamic of my husbae. His newfound confidence enabled stylists to dress him in mesh and see-through apparel, moreover dismissing the all-too-frequent undershirt layers spotted in previous comebacks. My sanity, as well as the the minds of countless others, were thoroughly degenerated with the mere sight of him. New ahgases shall never comprehend the lengthy journey that was exposure beyond the neck and forearms.

The physical album was - and still is - beautiful, of course. Photobook contents did not adhere to the customary age-based sequence, therefore resulting in anxious flips of the page; units graced different sections of the booklet, while (closeup) solo shots followed suit.

Preorder benefits comprised of photos from Keep Spinning stops around the world, with one version particularly heavy on the Toronto waterfront snapshots, and four possible variations of semi-matte prints (from concert rehearsals or performances).

As to not overwhelm my existing collection of albums, I limited myself to only one randomly selected version. The Thai ahgase agreed with my decision, consequently following my footsteps. Three days after their arrival on my doorstep marked our joint album opening party - complete with snacks from Thailand that she had handed over during our jokbal fest.

​Photo assortment was similar across both black ("C") and white ("D") versions. Unfortunately, not a sole Jinyoung photocard was obtained, and I ultimately relinquished my Jackson to my purchasing partner when the "D" album was discovered to house only one of two photocards.

We then proceeded to collectively scream at individual performance fancams and V Lives until the late evening hours, until voices were hoarse and the warmth of the sun had long gone.

​The next morning proved relatively dry, however the GTA soon fell under a hefty blanket of snow over the course of the day.
With a distinctive reluctance to trek outdoors, I opted to give Carlo's Bake Shop another try. According to market preferences, the vending machine had restocked with three rows of Rainbow Cake slices - one Vanilla and the other Chocolate.The last slice of Vanilla was summoned by a hype-happy spender before my very eyes, so I naturally settled for the Rainbow Fudge.

The six-layer slice prompted me to re-evaluate my review of the Carrot Cake, for this calorie-dense creation was as dry as the Sahara. Evident by its crumbly, artificially-tinted cake slabs and even drier sheets of flaking frosting, the colourful pieces had unmistakably been residing for too long past its optimal serving date. I couldn't quite stomach the substandard ganache, and went on to pick at the spongy bits instead.

McDonald's mobile offers fueled a slushy, post-snowfall morning with one-dollar brewed coffee and a Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Cream Cheese at a sheer toonie.

​DAY6's The Book of Us: Entropy also arrived with my express-shipped Call My Name order.

To be fair, I haven't reviewed the album in its entirety just yet. Many musical releases are hindering such actions, though I'm aware that's just a pretty petty excuse for my second-ranked K-Pop group. (A part of me hypothesizes the reasoning to be the dismal memories of chemistry class associated with the word "entropy".)

​Delayed trains amidst -22 C degree mornings naturally result in trembling fingers and poor photo output.
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But the snowy weather didn't deter majority of those honouring the defenders of our nation. Royal City also paid their respects in the form of a Remembrance Day brew. Taste-wise, Remembrance Red was, regrettably, devoid of any distinctive qualities, however I did find solace knowing that a portion of the sales would be donated to charitable causes devoted to veterans.

​Jeju giant innisfree's downtown Grand Opening attracted more curious citizens than I had predicted. While smaller than the Yorkdale flagship, its presence within the Eaton Centre adds a layer of convenience to commuters. The lengthy lineup for entry was enough to send me back the way I came, to-do list incomplete in toto but Egg BLT Bagel in hand.

​Two furry creatures and a sugar-free cup of 3 Guys welcomed me back to the better, breathable side of the GTA.

​And as per Friday tradition, the work week did not finish without a KDC class. The slower tempo and fluid movements were much easier to grasp in comparison to the rap-heavy tracks. Our instructor was also very personable, even demonstrating the choreography at different ends of the studio such that each participant had access to an unobstructed view.

​A stopover at Erin Mills Town Centre enabled the sighting of our own community's lofty Christmas tree, as well as Santa's photo studio, backed by a (presumably unreal) fireplace.