Having being teased for the past 100 days - yes, it was 100 days of teasing - April 7th finally saw the release of  SM Entertainment's latest creation - EXO. EXO are a 12 member boyband technically but have split in half - 6 members have become EXO-K and will promote in Korea and the other 6 members are part of EXO-M who will be promoting in China. Because I'm a K-Pop lover and am currently learning Korean, this review will focus on EXO-K's version of their debut single MAMA.

Firstly, I have to be honest - I had completely lost interest in this whole project. I felt that we were overloaded with teasers and the hype was so over-the-top that I actually lost interest in them quickly. However, the first time that I heard MAMA and saw the music video - I was utterly blown away. From the cinematic introduction, explaining how EXO came to be, to the Iluminati-esque robes - I knew that this was not your standard run-of-the-mill music video. The music video seems to give each member a certain power of symbol - and each member can manipulate water, fire or other elements. This immediately gave the MAMA music video a unique and epic atmosphere because instead of seeing EXO-K as K-Pop Idols, they seem to be supernatural and out-of-this-world creatures. Also, the amount of special effects and the elaborate set design really shows how much SM has invested in this group. Indeed, this video is very slick and well produced - and combined with the superb choreography, the MAMA video truly is a winner and easily one of the best music videos of 2012 so far.

As for the song, it's just as unique and epic as it's music video. The strings and vocals at the beginning definately give this song a vibe that I can only describe as apocalyptic ...! I wouldn't say this song was the most radio friendly and I definately believe that MAMA will divide a few opinions - it's very brave for a debut single. However, for me, I think it's incredible. My favourite part of the song is undoubtedly the breakdown - the clashing drums, the heavy-metal guitar and the rap which wouldn't sound out of place on a heavy-metal song.

For a debut, this is flawless. But the only problem that comes with debuting with a music video like this? The follow-up. EXO may have lived up to the 100 day hype, but living up to this near-perfect music video may be even trickier. 

Well, I guess it wouldn't be right if I didn't review the latest 'prologue' song from EXO-K. Yes, prologue song. This is the second prologue song (after the reasonably good ballad WHAT IS LOVE) form SM Entertainment's latest boy group - EXO-K.

But what exactly is a prologue song? I don't think there is a definitive answer, but I guess that prologue songs are just 'teasers' befoe EXO-K unleash their FIRST single to the world? It's already so complicated before they've even officially debuted (!!!)

But still, EXO-K released HISTORY today and I have to say, I was really impressed. The song is a fantastic R&B number that really showcased the vocal abilities of the six guys. It did remind of a song that SHINee could have sung in their earlier days, but that's definately a good thing. I loved the beat right from the beginning and the acoustic guitar in the verses too. As for the music video, it really captured the 'cool' and energetic vibe of the song. I liked the video for many reasons: firstly, the video set was fantastic - it looked high-budget and I liked the look of both the outside and inside setting. Secondly, their styling. I really liked how their clothes were like proper dancers clothes - but with an extra Korean, haute-couture flair of course. And lastly, their dancing was pretty spot-on. It's great when you see a group with many members perform so perfectly in sync with one another.

So, even though this song isn't strictly EXO-K's debut, I was still impressed! If it's sign of the what's to come, then I will be anticipating their official debut.