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Rachel's Road to Kingdom Rankings Thread A supplementary set of rankings & thoughts that's too long to put directly into my end of year music thread. You should look up cams or practices for all of these stages but anyway, here are my arbitrary feelings!
TOP FIVE NON-BOYZ RTK STAGES 5. PTG - Shine & Spring Snow Now truly, this stage cannot be ranked bc it is so personal & emotional that it exists outside of consideration for "a stage." But it needed including. Intended as a sweet & joyful goodbye
for Jinho that in execution is a wrenching & raw display of found family emotions. Hui is sobbing before the vcr is done. Jinho whispering ìžì§ë§ to him!! Laughing & screaming as they cry!! The 1st half showcases the group's personality, backed by the genuine emotion in the 2nd.
4. VERIVERY - Photo I love a CONCEPT. This is the closest I found VV getting to what tbz were doing the whole time, using the camera & props in multiple ways & creating unique & haunting pictures. The horror elements hidden throughout & in the movement!
Like the section after the dance break at 3:20 is so creepy, I adore it! And obviously the ending shot & that hidden dancer in one formation. The remix on the song is fantastic & enhances the creepy vibe. Just a well-executed concept that combines all the elements of the stage.
3. ONF - Everybody This was very nearly my #1! First of all, another coherent & well-executed concept, down to their "corrupted" white suits. 2nd, incredible remix work that sells the concept, maintains the charms of the original & showcases ONF's vocals
3rd CHOREO. The blend of og choreo & new, creepy pieces put into it to sell the story! The camera pan at 2:56 to reveal demon king hyojin on his throne is still a gut punch. 4th the acting from hyojin & seungjun in particular. have this fancam for reasons
2. ONEUS - Come Back Home This is Oneus finally marrying their tricks & concepts with their overall stage & choreo and it works so well, & not in small part bc the song fucking bangs. It's a huge dramatic sound that lends itself to the chains, tosses,
many mini solo sections, fire, & massive light wall effects. Highlights include: Leedo & Ravn's shadow dance section at 2:26 both the literal choreo & the projection; all of the unison dance work, super strong & powerful; feral hwanwoong; any time seoho opens his mouth to sing.
1. ONF - It's Raining Now this concept is not as complex as some of the others & is low on camera work & tricks. But what it does have is performance quality!! Huuuge sections of dance work that rely on energy & personality & camera connection. In that way
it's one of the most traditional stages on RTK. This could be a year end show stage, a brilliant song mix, a few props& a lot of confetti w an infectious ramp in energy to the end of the song. But that's what makes it so memorable. Here, starting at 2:50
Look at that ending section in it's full glory. I often want less camera work bc a solid performance is one where the performers, choreo & costume are doing the work! Just point it at them at let them go. Their personality & charisma is why this high five lives in my brain.
