Kicking the single off is Namida no Heroine Kouban Geki and this was a little unexpected for me because usually the funky-type of songs are usually done by ANGERME or Juice=Juice so seeing Tsubaki Factory take one on is an interesting twist to be quite honest. Though I was mostly excited because the group added 4 new members to the lineup (Marine Fukuda, Shiori Yagi, Yuumi Kasai, and Runo Yofuu) and I was waiting to hear how they’d fair in the new songs. While I don’t think this song really showcases them too much, I do appreciate all the members getting solos. So far nothing is too impressive except for Yumeno’s adlibs and runs. Still, not bad of a song and pretty catchy!
2. Garakuta DIAMOND
Now, this was what I expected from the group a little bit of a dance track with guitar elements thrown in the mix. Plus it sounds a bit more serious which is a plus as well. I think what gets me is that the 4 new members get a bit more time to shine in this one (especially Yuumi and Runo, who are I would bet the leads of the song). I knew of Runo’s vocals from her Kenshuusei days and she’s young, yet mad impressive. Yuumi sounds really pleasant as well as Shiori too, both I feel could grow into awesome vocalists and Marine while probably the weakest vocally, still sounded better than I would’ve thought. Add on some epic low tones from Mizuho, Saori, and Kiki at the end of the choruses and I was just shocked at how good this was. Yeah, definitely my favorite from the single.
3. Yakusoku Renraku Kinenbi
As the 3rd A-side of the single, something about Yakusoku Renraku Kinenbi kind of just didn’t work for me like the other two tracks somehow did. Still impressed all 12 members got a solo line in it, but the track itself seems like something regular Tsubaki Factory would release. Did feel like it was more to showcase the elder 8 more than the new members, which make sense, but still…this song is kind of forgettable as an A-side for me…maybe this could’ve been an ANGERME track to be honest.
Beginning a new era of singles, Tsubaki Factory kicks things off with the addition of 4 new members and from the single, I’m getting a sense that they’re all pretty decent singers and will help with powerful lines moving forward. To be honest, Namida no Heroine Kouban Geki and Garukuta DIAMOND were the highlights of the single and did a great job showcasing the new members. Yakusoku Renraku Kinenbi to me is the only slight misstep due to the song not really being unique or interesting in comparison. Can’t wait to see whats next for Yuumi, Shiori, Marine, and Runo!
Bukatsu Owari ni Atarashii Jersey ni Kigaeru Otomegokoro
Animal Land
Mistake
Omotesandou A5
Hankouki! (Hello Pro Kenshuusei feat. Kanami Ishiguri)
Twilight Blue
Irotoridori Nobi yo!!
1. Kimi no Toujou
Yeah, I had hoped the album would kick off with this song! Actually this song reminds me of the first Kenshuusei album that opened up with “Say! Hello!”. Even the fact it’s also upbeat and kind of discotheque-y. I really enjoyed the powerful chorus and it’s bold screams as it continues on. Even better is the verses and the guitar solo in the bridge for sure. Considering that like the previous album, it’s not all the Kenshuusei involved in all the songs. Though this one, I definitely heard Natsume Nakayama’s, Ruli Hiromoto’s, and Runo Yofuu’s solos throughout. It’s a fun song and a great way to kick the album off!
2. Warui Hito
I should say that even some old Kenshuusei ended up appearing in songs, especially in this case with Warui Hito which features ANGERME’s Rin Hashisako & Shion Tamenaga and Juice=Juice’s Riai Matsunaga. Yeah, a lot of songs on this album have been known about for a long time (even to just earlier this year). I’m loving the brass on this one and it sounds decent and fun! I can’t tell who got the solos here, maybe the 3 aforementioned members? It’s a fun song, not as bombastic as “Kimi no Toujou” but definitely fun!
3. Upside down girl
Considering this was one that was performed a lot, Upside down girl is pretty interesting since it was more electronic/dance this time around, but I was more surprised only 5 members took part in the recording (Hiromoto, Yofuu, Honoka Hashida, Yuki Hirayama, and Ayana Murakoshi). I really do like all 5 members singing quite nicely together as a unit. It felt cohesive and the song itself was catchy and just worked really well. Not bad though, surprised the song didn’t have solos for anyone.
4. Zettai Idol Sengen
I had totally forgot about this one because it seemed to kind of disappear from Kenshuusei performances for quite a while. That said, the song was never one that really stood out to me when I saw the KSS perform this. While not all the KSS are involved, I did manage to hear Kisaki Ebata get a solo (a member that just had graduated to join Juice=Juice), Yulia Matsubara, and Sakura Ishiyama got one too. The chorus is catchy, but I don’t think it’s one of the best here.
5. Jounetsu Sparkle
Next up is Jounetsu Sparkle and I thought I liked this one initially but now hearing the recorded cut, I don’t find it all that memorable to me. I do like some of the arrangement, but a lot of the song is just kind of boring and I couldn’t even tell ya the solos here since there’s a lot of girls involved in the song, but I think Matsubara has one? It’s kind of the odd one out on this album for me though to be honest.
6. Bukatsu Owari ni Atarashii Jersey ni Kigaeru Otomegokoro
Though I was happy to see the album have brand new songs for people to listen to and this one only features THREE members; Runo Yofuu, Ichika Arisawa, and Sakura Ishiyama. It’s very interesting as the last two members were the newest members as of the recording. The tune itself is a bit slower than what I was expecting. Of course, these 3 members sound really nice together surprisingly with the flickering piano and light strings throughout. I really ended up liking it (except the few odd electronic parts in the arrangement, wtf was that?!?). Cute song though, not gonna lie!
7. Animal Land
I knew the Kenshuusei had to have a bizarre song like what “Oheso no Kuni Kara Konnichiwa” was a while back and here we have Animal Land. 8 members are involved (although 5 are now part of the new Kenshuusei Unit). That guitar riff at the start made me think of BEYOOOOONDS’ “Atsui!” with the kind of metal-ish mood behind it. Did like they brought in the girls that did have solos originally which is great and it seems the 8 members chosen did have all of them originally which is better! Crazy song for sure and I kind of enjoyed it.
8. Mistake
Next track up is a weird one because it’s actually not so much a Kenshuusei song. It actually belongs to the new Kenshuusei Unit, however it’s with the 4 original members (Kirara Yonemura, Kanami Ishiguri, Madoka Saito, and Nanami Kubota). I’m guessing we’ll get an updated version once they’re set to debut with the 8 members (or more depending on the current auditions going on). Now Mistake is kind of catchy and kind of groovy and has some oooph. For just being 4 members, I kind of am shocked that Saito had the most lines whereas Yonemura had none and the other two had some significant solos too. It’s a catchy song (despite the bad choreography IMO)…curious to see how they’ll fit in Kitahara, Nishizaki, Nakayama, and Hiromoto into the song now… Still a pretty good song, but still curious if this is gonna be updated not too far into the future and used as the group’s debut.
9. Omotesandou A5
Another song that’s pretty old and hasn’t been seen too much since it’s first performance, this is actually sung by 4 members (Yonemura, Nakayama, Hirayama, and ANGERME’s Tamenaga). I was curious because of the light selection of ladies performing, but I really love the synth melodies in this song. While the solos are a few here and it’s kind of hard to tell, I had a good time listening to this one for sure and the off-beat feels of the track is interesting to me. I think the only member that didn’t get a solo is Hirayama tbh.
10. Hankouki! (Hello Pro Kenshuusei feat. Kanami Ishiguri)
So the weird thing about the song is that this song was originally a Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido song (which is why Ishiguri is involved as she was/is the last of them). The remaining involved are the current members of the Kenshuusei (all 7 of them). It’s nice to see all 8 members here get solos and they’re pretty good at handling the song. The arrangement hasn’t been touched so it’s just new vocals. It’s still a pretty lively and fun song to listen to and yeah Kanami really sounded the best but I could say the same for Hirayama too. Neat addition (wished they stuck on “Ice day Party” too).
11. Twilight Blue
Interesting that the last two tracks on the album are both brand new as well, although it seems this one was recorded a while back for some reason. 7 members this time and all but 2 have now become H!P members, it was interesting how this would deal. Though what I wasn’t expecting a ballad-type song on the album and I’m surprised with the members who held it together. With Hirayama and Murakoshi, the song felt really nice and pleasant. The solos aren’t many, but I heard Nakayama, Ebata, and maybe Hirayama here? Regardless, it’s an OK song…using an older nostalgic arrangement for it. Not the most exciting but it was pleasant enough.
12. Irotoridori Nobi yo!!
Hearing Matsubara open the final track was shocking to me, but the song opens to this silly and bright song for the group to handle. Interesting to note that this is actually sung by just the 7 remaining Kenshuusei members. It’s interesting to hear a mostly higher-pitched performance (makes sense since the lowest singing member is Hirayama). I mean it’s fair she got one of the solos in the song. I think Onoda also got one too. I think Murakoshi got one in the bridge? Yeah, it’s hard to tell with the remaining members, but it’s a much cuter song than expected. Fun way to close the album out!
Tracks Recommended
Kimi no Toujou
Upside down girl
Mistake
Omotesandou A5
Irotoridori Nobi yo!!
Song of Avoidance
Jounetsu Sparkle
Wow! The Kenshuusei have a 3rd album now, wild! Not gonna lie, this album pretty much landed it well once again. 3-STARS is actually a lot better than their previous album, though I will say I’m kind of getting tired of waiting for these songs since some of these songs appeared almost 3 years ago. Granted it’s finally nice we have studio recordings of them. Wasn’t sure we really needed some of the ladies that were involved like Hashisako, Tamenaga, and Matsunaga as they’ve been long gone from the KSS, but it’s whatever…we’re down to 7 (well, 9 now with 2 joining after the album’s announcement). Curious to see new faces join. Great album!!
Ahhhh we’re back to cute synthpop for Ecommunication and it’s kind of simple once again taking that pico-pop style that worked for their B-sides which kind of bums me out, but it was a safe direction to take the song. At least the song sounds pretty catch and while the vocals haven’t really moved anywhere in getting better and such, I’m hearing some stark differences between Yui and Mai so that’s a good sign. That chorus is nice though…just wish it had a little more oomph behind it…
2. You make my day
For the B-sides, You make my day is the first up and not surprisingly the song doesn’t really sway me one way or another. The verses are light, but kind of vanilla compared to other songs and the chorus while happier in tone feels like older songs once again so it kind of just feels almost the typical Kus Kus song you would end up hearing. Bleh…
3. Pious Love
Oh at least the next B-side has a little something about it that kind of sticks out. I’m liking the broader sound here, despite the vocals of the two being shockingly high at points that sound a bit to squeaky for me. Still, the more progressive and neat arrangement is doing a much better job at keeping my attention. Probably my favorite off the single to be honest…
4. CATCH
Last, but not least, CATCH unfortunately doesn’t really much help out either. It does try to be somewhat different concerning vocal melodies and going up to higher registers like “Pious Love”, but the arrangement is a bit flat-lined and the melody itself wasn’t quite all that interesting either. I don’t know about this one tbh.
As Kus Kus’ 2nd single of the era, Ecommunication is a little better than their previous one, but not by too much. I felt like Pious Love was the best of the single as it had a bit of push versus the other 3 songs. Ecommunication is OK, it’s a lighter and cuter song than what I expected, but it’s got some memorability about it. You make my day and CATCH though are just forgettable to me…standard songs for the duo at this point. Yeah, this was a bit of a bummer single too…
Leading the single, Sayonara ni Negai wo starts quietly and kind of cute with both Mai & Yui having some lines and it leads to a what I’d say is a mid-tempo track. I would say I like the song if it wasn’t due to the rapidly clicking noises in the chorus…that seemed a bit unnecessary for a slower track (I think this is the slowest song Kus Kus has done for an A-side yet). That said, it’s probably my least favorite A-side from them yet.
2. LATEMAJORITY
First B-side up, LATEMAJORITY kicks things up a notch with a more beat-driven tune but with more of a mature vocal setup. I like the deeper sounds from the synths and the chorus is surprisingly smooth with the hushed tones of both members really gelling together. I mean there’s not much else to really say about the song, but it’s a cool track from them at least.
3. Koi no Shoumi Kigen
If you like songs like “Hatsukoi” and “Tirachuru”, you’ll definitely find solace in this B-side which caters to that full synth sound that they were more or less covered in their first album era. Though I will say, this one is a bit cuter than those two. There’s even 8bit sounds used in the after-chorus which kind of impressed me and the 2nd verse was quick and catchy. Decent B-side
4. Sou, Zutto
As the 3rd and final B-side, Sou, Zutto is kind of the middle song for me. I don’t really think much of this one at all because it’s similar to many past songs of theirs, plus a piano introduced in as well. It just felt slightly bland and nothing really caught my attention from this one as it played by.
As the first single after “matrikus”, I would say Sayonara ni Negai wo is kind of a boring single, at least half of it was. I really couldn’t remember Sou, Zutto for the life of me and the leading A-side was kind of vanilla and had an annoying sounding chorus. Luckily LATEMAJORITY and Koi no Shoumi Kigen were good songs for them (certainly songs that would’ve felt right on the album, ironically). I hope they have a more exciting single next time…
Interesting the duo would begin the album off with their 3rd A-side (which was the collaborative effort between them and idol group, With Love). Fair that it does because it starts with the slow intro before getting into the crazy gritty chiptune synth. Of course, Yui and Mai get most of the lines in the song because it is credited more towards them, but the other 4 members of With Love do get lines as well which is a pretty nice thing to hear. Granted the song’s overflow of buzzing synths and busy melodies kind of get in the way of me enjoying it. It’s a fine way to open the album, I suppose.
2. Digital Epidemic
Considering this album was released before the current situation that’s happening in 2021, Digital Epidemic being one of two new songs for the album was one of the songs that intrigued me! After their last single, I was expecting the duo to lean incredibly heavy on the pico-pop, but this song caters more to the chiptune sound that made more sense due to the title. It’s definitely interesting to say the least and the arrangement is a lot more busy and neat to listen to. Of the 2 new tracks, this is the better one for sure.
3. Suteki na Takaramono
Then we shift back to the group’s first single, Suteki na Takaramono when the group was a trio. Honestly, going from “Digital Epidemic” to this track is a little weird considering this song was more synth and electronics, than chiptune but the vocals are still filtered and auto-tuned. I definitely think the lighter atmosphere and slightly slower mood is a bit more refreshing to my ears after hearing the group’s singles after this single. Still a pleasant song for sure and great debut.
4. Tirachuru
A lot of B-sides have found its way onto this album and Tirachuru is the first to show up from “Koi Moyou”. I think after the singles I’ve heard, this was also kind of interesting to me as it fused some things from the previous track and adds a little bit more oomph with the beats and synthwork. The vocals are still relaxing and hits some interesting chords throughout. It’s grown on me a bit, still could be a little more lively, but it’s pretty good now!
5. Aoi Tori no Mitsukekata
Moving to a B-side from “Picolation”, Aoi Tori no Mitsukekata slows things down a bit with more of a sound that’s electronic but trying to be more natural with the acoustic guitar and Spring-like tone. I do appreciate Kus Kus trying to do something more relaxing and less vibrant than anything else on the single for sure. That said, this kind of auto-tuned try is a bit jarring to me and the folksy groove seems a bit off with the synths acting the way they do. Yeah, still kind of forgettable to me.
6. Hatsukoi
Oh I love that they brought this song onto the album. It’s funny because I definitely loved it when I reviewed the “Koi Moyou” single, but now I’m really liking “Tirachuru” as well and they both kind of have a similar flow and sound, but for whatever reason it still is a really solid track for the group despite its simplicity. Stupidly catchy and so synthy and neat to listen to and the whole ~puppy love~ hook is ahhhhh!~. Great B-side!
7. Sukiss
Yeah, may need to edit the original review, but this was the B-side from “Suteki na Takaramono”. I had to remember this one since it’s been a while. It does kind of cater to the cuter side of the group which makes sense but as I listened to the song I found myself remembering that I kept getting annoyed at the repetitive chorus it has. It’s so sparkly cute that I do find myself drifting away from it more…still fits their electropop/idol style, but yeah nah, this was throwaway for me.
8. White Line
Yeah, I remember this wintry chiptune B-side from “SLEEP DEMON” and it was a standout because of the genre they stepped into for the song. Considering this and “Digital Epidemic” are the only chiptune tracks off the album, it made it simpler to take in. Hearing it on the album, White Line is a nice listen, a little odd because of the mood of the track and happy-go-lucky sound (kind of like a better “Sukiss” almost). Not bad though.
9. Picolation
Since the group’s 2nd A-side didn’t make the cut, Picolation is definitely an A-side I wasn’t expecting the duo to go for their 4th A-side. Going for more a pico-pop style of song, Picolation does have moments of interesting parts and sounds, I still can’t find myself really fully loving it? I mean, like I said on the single review, without the beeps and 8bit moments, this song would’ve come off generic to me. So it kind of lays in the middle of the pack for me.
10. Mist to Rainbow
We finally get to the other new track off the album, Mist to Rainbow and it’s pretty different to the rest of the album as a whole. It’s more of a mid-tempo track and the song’s more ethereal flow and open spaced arrangement is a total 180 from the pico-pop/electro/8bit stuff we got earlier on the album. I’m kind of surprised how echo-y things are (like the pounding drum during the verses). It’s such a chill and laidback kind of song that feels like it shouldn’t work, but it kind of does…simple, fluffy, and light…not bad.
11. Shiranai de, Suki
The last 2 tracks are B-sides from “SLEEP DEMON” (meaning the whole single is here…). It’s pretty interesting to hear the song at first because it sounds a bit more serious and more deeper than other tracks on the album. There’s some LIGHT elements of dubstep thrown in, but the song opens up to a dance track for the chorus which is neat! Kind of gotten better with more listens as well.
12. Hajimari no Sayonara
Ending the album, we have Hajimari no Sayonara and it made sense because the song sounded like it was going to be a ballad from the lone piano that starts things up. Though it does grow into a mid-tempo happy song. To be honest, after hearing the whole album and ending on this, I fully forgot this song and just kind of let it fly overhead. Kind of a forgettable track when it isn’t on the single.
Tracks Recommended
Hatsukoi
Tirachuru
Suteki na Takaramono
Digital Epidemic
Shiranai de, Suki
Song of Avoidance
Sukiss
Finally got to review this album! When it comes to Kus Kus’ matrikus, I thought it was an OK first album, mostly felt like a best album due to only having two new songs on the album. They mostly chose really good songs for the album and curiously left out one A-side as well. Nothing much else to say really, it was a decent release, but I hope next time they get more new tracks for the release?
Well, here we are at the final DLC for Pack 2 and for Ultimate in general! It’s been a crazy ride for these last 3 years and now here we are with the 12th DLC character and boy I wasn’t expecting such a choice given circumstances, but I guess anything can happen with Sakurai around right? So let’s talk about itS
First off, before we get into the character, the presentation actually started with the Mii Fighter outfits and it was just that Octoling & Judd got headwear looks from Splatoon! and that Doomslayer from the legendary game, DOOM also made the cut. Yeah only 3, very light and weird, but it’s a thing that happened. Anyways let’s dive in!
Sora
Yeah! The big finale ended on the main protagonist from the Kingdom Hearts series, Sora! Yeah, he was kind of rumored beforehand and it did become true, but I think the audacity of this character was a huge deal because not only Sakurai had to jump through Square-Enix, they had to also do deals with Disney. Still it was able to happen and even better we get finality over the Smash Bros. Ballot as we found out that Sora actually had been the overall winner (Bayonetta won at the time of Smash 3DS/Wii U that were able to happen).
Quite indeed a great choice though and Sora has a lot of interesting things about him. His outfits are definitely the widest amount of effort put in because his first 4 outside are based off of KH, KH2, KHDDD, and KH3 on top of having the Valor and Wisdom form from KH2, the Ultimate Form from KH3, and even his Timeless River look (the old black & white look from KH2). Though beyond that and getting into his moveset, a LOT of Sora is based off of his original appearance from KH1
First off, he’s got a great air game with lots of combos and possibilities, but the main drawback is that Sora is incredibly light (even lighter than Isabelle from comparison). He also doesn’t have a huge mechanic to him either…has Link’s Up B, has a Down B counter, and has a in-line neutral B with Magic spells (Firaga, Thundaga, Blizzaga) in that order. Also if you were expecting any Donald & Goofy, yeah no, I think the main part is that nothing of Disney was to be used (except Mickey’s emblem on Sora’s keyblade).
Though I will admit, probably my biggest disappointment is of course a running in Square’s character additions IS THE MUSIC. Seems like most of the music is coming from the first Kingdom Hearts. Which is disappointing because it’s only 9 songs (10 if you have Melody of Memory save data) and I feel there’s just so much more music they could’ve used (even without Disney tunes).
Hollow Bastion – As for Sora’s stage, keeping up with rather bleh DLC stages, Hollow Bastion is a traveling stage (like Yggdrasil’s Altar), but this is a flat stage with one platform in the middle and basically the stage travels around the castle. Though once the timer gets low or stock battles get low, the stage transitions to Dive to the Heart (bascially the tutorial area from the original, but it has bigger meaning in later games). Kind of weird not to see Donald & Goofy involved, but once again….Disney?!? Yeah…it’s an OK stage, but I think I would’ve rather had something lighter like Destiny Islands or Traverse Town…but I suppose it works?
Yeah, I’ve been mulling over Sora’s inclusion because while I’m super happy he’s in, there’s just a bit of something missing…more songs, a better area for a stage, lack of what Kingdom Hearts is REALLY about…it feels a little empty to me, but the sheer fact Sakurai pulled it off is wild moreso than Banjo, Steve, or even Sephiroth. It’s not a terrible character to end DLC and Smash Ultimate with…but maybe a little more could’ve been included with his character.
As their 4th A-side, Cupitron decided to take a little bit of a risk and cover a song, this pretty old song from Isao Sasaki back in the 70s. Of course the trio took the song and made it more techno-friendly and cute and the girls in their computerized vocals do their best here. Now the song itself sounded OK, but that chorus has always kind of felt out of place and ends a bit abruptly for me. That said, they really stretched the ending by repeating this short chorus many times…it’s a bit weird to me…though I suppose it’s nice that each girl got to sing it as a solo line. Interesting song I guess, odd song to cover but did well I guess.
2. LOVE SCIENCE
The first B-side, LOVE SCIENCE slows things down a little bit, but keeps the same kind of sound for it and I kind of enjoyed it and moreso that it had a bit more going on as well like double melodies and cooler synth sounds as well. Though the after chorus felt a bit too drawn out, but it’s a small problem in an otherwise decent track!
3. Ifunkan Dake Yume wo Miru
Next up, this one continues the space-like sound and this one features more of the vocal filters here and once again, couldn’t enjoy the afterchorus since it took too long to get to the next verse IMO. Regardless the same sounds feel like they’re present for this one and yeah it doesn’t sound as triumphant as “Ginga Tetsudou 999” and doesn’t have the cool double melodies of “LOVE SCIENCE”, the low vocals are neat. Still, can’t help feeling this single is kind of one-note.
4. Techno Techno
Yeah, not much to say about this one that much as it features kind of a lot of the same features with the previous tracks on the single. Though, I don’t think I can get behind the repetitiveness of the title being said SO many times with the song. Yeah, no this was pretty annoying of a song to be honest and easily could’ve been worked on more or just left off as a whole.
As the group’s 4th single, Ginga Tetsudou definitely felt themed with all 4 songs which might have made things hard to sit through since none of the songs here were really all the great and Techno Techno was just gross. Ginga Tetsudou 999 probably is the best of the single, but it is a cover so take that as you will. I was wondering if the group would release an album, but two years later, the group would end up disbanding with a final performance. Shame…I figured their futuristic J-pop idol thing wasn’t going to work out (probably from the lack of interest after the EDM wave hit Japan). Odd single to finish their time on though…
This song is definitely an interesting one for sure being a leading track as the duo finally decide to lean on this pico-pop / chiptune sound for their 4th A-side here. It’s definitely a peppy song for them and the cutesy of the whole package sets itself apart from the previous singles as well. The beat is constant and the beeps and boops are adding a lot of character to what could’ve been a boring song IMO. Decent track overall though.
2. Kimi Shidai
Onto B-sides, Kimi Shidai is another synth-heavy song that’s in the same veins of some of their previous tracks. Though it’s a bit more like “Hatsukoi” with the kind of anison groove about it. It’s a bit more cutesy than that, but the vocals sound a bit more interesting and I kind of like the flow and sound of it. Don’t know if it’ll be any better than the aforementioned track, but this is definitely welcome to join!
3. Excursion
Not sure what the duo were going for for the next song on the single. It does sound toned down after both “Picolation” and “Kimi Shidai”, but it does give off a slightly summery vibe? Maybe not so much, but the song doesn’t quite seem to stand out amongst the crowd of Kus Kus songs available so it kind of just passed on by without much of a notice to me.
4. Aoi Tori no Mitsukekata
The last song on the single tones things down even further by introducing some piano to the mix and a slower tempo compared to the rest of the single. I think it’s supposed to be their version of a ballad, but the song once again kind of just passes over me beyond that as we’ve had this before. Really nothing special here either.
I think I’ve started to wonder if this is just going to be Kus Kus’ whole sound from here on out. I feel like they did try to step out of the zone with something more pico-pop / chiptune with the A-side and that turned well and Kimi Shidai was a reminder of their really good stuff before this. However…Excursion and Aoi Tori no Mitsukekata were pretty bland and forgettable tracks. Luckily this was the final single before they finally got to release their album!
Moving onto the next A-side, we see that Kus Kus has no become a duo unit after Maaya graduated out. Most logical decision I guess was to make their next single a collaboration with another idol unit With Love (huh). This is definitely their most dance-heavy track yet with it being full of beats and some chiptune levels of sounds thrown around it. I was wondering what was going on because of the vocals but it seems all 6 ladies involved do get their own solos throughout. I think Yui has the most unique vocals (she seems to be vocal lead in Kus Kus, no wonder). Personally, the song is better than “Koi Moyou”, but I still feel a sense of blandness out of this one and I wonder if it’s the vocals or what…
2. White Line
While I’m not sure if With Love was present for the remainder of the single, it seems not because I only hear Yui and Mai in the song. White Line seems to be the group’s Winter song and I hear the snowy weather in this one mixed in with chiptune sounds that’s even more apparent here than in “SLEEP DEMON”. It sounds way cute like some kind of SNES Kirby game for whatever reason and I find it funny to me. It’s cute that’s for sure!
3. Shiranai de, Suki
Type B’s B-side seems so strange to me especially with that opening of that wavy synth line. Though after that passes by, the song gets a bit better with the verses for sure and really starts to show off some interesting things like the prechorus and the higher pitched chorus. It does feel like a song that would’ve fit perfectly back on “Koi Moyou” but here it definitely stands out amongst the cutesy stuff for sure.
4. Hajimari no Sayonara
Type C has Hajimari no Sayonara and funny enough, it’s the ballad from the duo and it’s a little awkward at first hearing piano alongside the heavily digitized vocals. Luckily, it builds away from that to include shuffling beats and a more brighter chorus. While I personally am starting to get worn out from the cold, synthetic vocals, the arrangements still really pop out at me.
After losing a member, seems like Kus Kus went for a collaboration with another idol group (one who has since disbanded after the single), but this was maybe a smidge less liked than their previous single. SLEEP DEMON was OK, but nothing new here and of the B-sides, White Line stood out because of the chiptune influences. Shiranai de, Suki sounded something off the previous single and Hajimari no Sayonara is a bit ballad-esque song, the fact the vocals still are heavily digitalized during that was a bit annoying. Hmm…
Going into the trio’s 2nd A-side, Koi Moyou is a much cuter affair than their debut, “Suteki na Takaramono” was with the kind of more cutesy idol pop vibe that had been going around. The electronics are definitely still around and being really cute and more pico-pop than trying to emulate the Perfume vibes though and I kind of enjoyed the sway away from it. I don’t there’s something simple and cute about it, but at the same time, I think their debut stood out better IMO.
2. Hatsukoi
That’s where the B-sides come in because after the simple Koi Moyou, Hatsukoi seems to really fill in more of that electronic idol vibe which I appreciated so much more. Actually, the song sounds a bit more anison-like which adds more interest to me and the vocals while not the focus of the group in its whole, makes much more sense here. Very nice song with them hooks and cute synths throughout!
3. Tirachuru
I think of the songs, I feel like this one kind of harkens back to the previous single in its cute synths and dance beats. At this point, I feel like Kus Kus was going to focus more on the music and arrangement versus trying to give the girls some personality to their vocals. That said, there was a little feeling of something from the trio which is good to hear. Not quite as catchy as “Hatsukoi” was, but I think this was also a pretty good B-side for the single.
4. 1% no Yuuki
The last of the B-sides, 1% no Yuuki is pretty much the outlier for the single as it’s a much cuter song than anything from the single and sounds like it was given the least amount of oomph. I do kind of like the synth melody, especially after the chorus, but the rest of the song really isn’t much to gawk at personally.
As we entered Kus Kus’ 2nd single Koi Moyou was a bit better especially since it had more than 2 tracks to show off this time. While I don’t think the leading song was all that interesting to me, it was both Hatsukoi and Tirachuru that really caught me attention as both were leaning more towards their original electronic / Perfume-esque sound that seemed a bit more intriguing than their more girly idol-pop sound. Lil surprised to see Koi Moyou left off the album, but that and 1% no Yuuki weren’t really all that interesting. Didn’t help that member Maaya would leave at the end of the same year (2014)….What’ll be next?
Kurayami Monogatari 