TAMING OF THE 'T.A.O'


TAMING OF THE 'T.A.O'
 

#Album_review

 

 

[COVER]

 

AESTHETICS 

The title is simple, self titled. It doesn't beat around the bush and lets the reviewer know just who exactly is behind this diabolical extended play. From English to Chinese, T.A.O wishes to let fans know that language is not his barrier, he knows how to spell in both.

 

The graphics are dedicated to fans and foes alike. Game lovers will rejoice in the background, which is reminiscent of old school video games such as ‘Tomb Raider’ and ‘Call of Duty’ (give or take brightness levels). It brings a thrilling sensation to fingers, which itch to press buttons and exceed expectations.
 

This is an excellent marketing tactic aimed at netizens worldwide.


Unknowingly they tap their finger pads to commend the imperial structure, which is a delicious fusion of gaming and Chinese palaces. What they do not know is that T.A.O has launched a brand that will change the world as we know it.

 

He stands centre, shading the blinding light coming from the sun with his perfectly proportioned male physique. His pose is protective insinuating no longer will SPF be needed. Ladies abandon those sun umbrellas! T.A.O will shield you from those awful UV rays.

 

The guardian fights many a battle to become thy black knight. He wishes for acceptance. He wishes to be your SPF, your hat, your umbrella your lotion and more! The blackness of his outfit is ready to absorb all radiation! His gaze is sincere and alluring despite the itchy gorilla suit. Your fan fantasies matter to him. The tight black pants say so.

 

But can your heart accept him?

 

Can you accept the new T.A.O; the panda boy whose ultra violet hair characterizes his metamorphosis into a man panda that likes long walks at the beach, the thoughtful, poetic guy?

 

Solemnly he pens his proposal, an EP, his chance to show who he is and why you should love him.

 

***

 

ONE HEART

One Heart’ is a melodic sob story that depicts love. The angst nature of this song wrenches heartstrings from its piano opening. Breaking into rap, Tao reminds us that he is first a rapper above all else. Then he switches to singing to tell those who do not know that he can sing and he can sing well! 
 

With his powerful, newly discovered vocals he is able to hold anticipating breaths that dare not breath in case they miss a lyric over the sound of their breathing. The soft instrumentals propel his voice into the soul evoking choking emotions.

 

Tao reveals that love is not all rainbows and sunshine but there will be storms and tears and therefore sun protection may wash out. However he is positive, insisting that he will stick to his lover, like lotion, if feelings are reciprocated. He will not let you burn! His only desire is that his lover (fans, Kris, Sehun, any other OTP) stays with him and even uses the lure of 'games,' presumably rated, to hold on tightly.


***


T.A.O

An aftermath of ‘One Heart,’ ‘T.A.O.’ regenerates that unpredictable AB style fans have grown fond of. As the most controversial hit Tao will ever shoot towards his former employers, he depicts his bitter grievances in one go.

 

The music video constrains itself in few colors of blue, black and white to highlight the restrictions placed on the panda’s shoulders. The opening scene flashes between Tao in a dark room and a mountainous terrain leading to a white tiger.

 

The silent wushu master wears goggles and sees a mysterious vision of becoming a monster created by Colin Tilley.

 

The implication of a sci-fi masterpiece is quickly broken down into a selection of scenes, and a box set, to drop expectations.

 

Colin Tilley creates nothing greater than a mediocre video; surfing through stale face zooming, fluctuating camera movements, shadows, and a couple of dances shuffled with snowy imagery and tigers, lots and lots of tiger pictures.

 

When it becomes obvious that the MV is filmed with a brick phone, Tilley hands bulbs to the backup dancers in hopes of saving the disaster while he flickers the light switch.

 

The video is nothing short of a disappointment, a metaphor for the songs reception. Unlike its predecessors this song is harsher in sound and brutal in lyrics. It renders a punching whose words are hard to stomach all at once. Remorse has dried and it is rage that surpasses the young panda’s penmanship. He speaks of his independence with positivity, throwing shade wherever possible and drowning out the sounds of once upon a December.
 

***


YESTERDAY

Preceded by ‘T.A.O.’ ‘Yesterday’ contains all the sun-kissed, subliminal meanings of its lost lover, ‘One Heart.’ The beat is soft, gentle, caressing even. Written specially for fans, Zitao squeezes all the feelings in his heart and mops it with touching lyrics that will provoke buckets of tears.
 

The boy panda has transmogrified and wishes to fly out of his cocoon, to spread glittering wings made from love and anguish. Just like yesterday, his love for the sea is as undying as his love for his followers. They run deep blue and clear.  He crystallizes this memory of 'yesterday' as a collector’s piece for the future.
 

***


FINAL VERDICT

In conclusion, T.A.O may not be a new brand of UV protection but a tale that trudges through love and misery. The scrumptiously blended combination need not be feared as a vile cacophony of mish-mash hodgepodge. The symphony is a worthy listen. The music video is an indicator proving 'looks can be deceiving' and that perhaps SM did well to try and banish it. Despite the drawback, I welcome the solo debut of Huang Zitao and look forward to seeing the surprises in his hat. 

 

 

Message to stragglers: I've linked the songs for anyone interested. They're English subbed.

 

Message to readers: Did you enjoy my review? Would you like me to write one on 'Z.Tao?'

Message to listeners: You've read my opinion but I haven't heard yours. What are your thoughts?




 

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fefedove
#1
The mv seriously was disappointing
But have you seen the imperial crown mv?