[Review] TOXIC – MEOVV

MEOVV kicks off the new week with their first comeback, TOXIC. The latest release follows on from their September debut with MEOW.

TOXIC keeps it simple with a vocal focus and minimalistic electronic instrumental. It’s so simple that the song has barely anything to it instrumentally, and I have yet to decide whether this is a good thing. The instrumental comprises a paced beat and a consistent soft bubbling effect for most of the song. Occasionally, an atmospheric sheen comes into play for certain parts of TOXIC, such as during the choruses and the end of the song. All is good, but it is so beige at the same time. Keeping TOXIC‘s instrumental bare allows MEOVV’s vocals to shine and be heard unfiltered. It is a risk, as there isn’t anything to hide behind. But listening to TOXIC a few times since its release, I don’t see that being a problem for MEOVV in this R&B ballad track, which is about realising how much one depends on a relationship despite it being so toxic. You can hear how stable the rookie group sounds, and you can also hear the emotions behind the voices, which makes the subdued TOXIC more impactful. I am drawn to the members’ falsetto in the choruses and vocals in the pre-choruses. But I wish the melodies and verses were more riveting.

My take on the video is that it shows two sides of MEOVV—once innocent angels (dressed in white and light colours) who have fallen due to a toxic relationship (dressed in black and with black wings). But regardless of whether they are innocent angels or fallen angels, they continue to do everything they used to do before, indicating that they prefer the status quo and hence can’t leave the toxic relationship (as depicted in the song lyrics). However, the fallen angel version of the group does have the added pensive moment. At the end of the video, we see a glimpse of one member trying to ascend back to Heaven via the elevators, which might be the code for escaping the toxic relationship.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.4/10