Over at New School Kaidan, I write a few words about some of the recently released promotional videos. At times, this is a bit of a grueling task, and all of my thoughts can get a little scattered when multiple PVs are released on the same day. But, I always try to present the promotional videos in the best light possible, and I try to remember that each of these pieces of entertainment for your a me is actually the manifestation of a dream for some young girl or girls out there in Japan. Here then is a collection of those write-ups, with a few words sometimes added after a week+ of viewing.
This week, we come back with a vengeance with Promotional videos from:
- Kobushi Factory[1] [2]
- predia
- Osaka Show Gangs
Kobushi Factory – Sha la la! we can do this
From the first frames of the new Kobushi Factory, you can tell how “Sha la la! Yareru Hazu sa” will be themed. September 2 is Fujii Rio’s last date with the group, and this promotional video somewhat fictionalizes how those last few days will look. There are no teary goodbyes; instead there’s work, work, work! As the Factory girls plan their live from rehearsals to costumes to choreography, it’s clear that the drive of the group is the reward for Rio’s years in the Projects. I suspect that Rio wants to be remembered for her part of that brilliant rise of Kobushi Factory more than any individual accolades. This just seems to be the Kobushi way. Say goodbye to Rio when “Shalala! Yareru Hazu sa / Ee ja nai ka Ninja nai ka” is released on June 14, 2017.
Kobushi Factory – Eejanaika Ninjanaika
What’s a 21st century ninja girl to do? If you can believe “Eejanaika Ninjanaika”: paint the nails of your ninja claws! That right there should tell you much about the upcoming “JK Ninja Girls” starring the girls of Kobushi Factory: yes, they’re ninjas but they’re also kinda girly. In keeping with the movie, “Eejanaika Ninjanaika” is a fun Japanese-inflected, horn-filled swinging number that laments the troubles complicit with the dual life of the Ninja Girls. Movie scenes intercut with performance shots of the girls in their sparkling “ninja” outfits. As long as you don’t take the historical accuracy of the product to task you will have fun with this song. Catch the Ninja madness on June 14, 2017.
Kobushi Factory Official Links
Web Site | Blog | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Google+ | iTunes
BRATS – PAIN (live)
Getting ready for that BRATS debut release on June 21? Well, to tide you over until then, the girls released a live video for their song “Pain”. This particular performance is from their March 29, 2017 “Ikebukuro LIVE INN ROSA”. Like my thoughts have always been about BRATS in general and Kuromiya Rei specifically, this girls sings better than you probably give her credit for. When BRATS burst into the chorus for the first time, I can almost hear the bones crunching under those Doc Martens. BRATS is darker and heavier than their/her more famous idol counterpart, and I can’t wait for debut single.
Brats Official Links
Web Site | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | iTunes
Sayonara Ponytail – After School Teleportation
Have you ever wanted to hang out with cute girls in high school? Well, Sayonara Ponytail give you the virtual experience you deserve. With five different scenes about the campus you’re sure to find your ideal situation. Drag the screen or tilt and pan your phone until the view agrees with your fancy. The song “After School Teleportation” is a cool and breezy affair with light horns to liven up the melodies. You can buy “After School Teleportation” on Sayonara Ponytail’s “Yumemiru Wakuai” album.
Sayonara Ponytail Official Links
Tumblr | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | iTunes
predia – Nouvelle cuisine
With red tones like a glass of Pinot Noir, predia presents a grown up and sexy look with their new single “Nouvelle Cuisine”. Accented with silhouettes of scantily clad women (think any James Bond opening credit sequences), the promotional video mostly provides images of predia performing their choreography … until the girls start playing seductively with the fruits of their wine-colored theme. Let’s just say that I’ve seen grapes go in places I never thought I would see (in a professional sense). When all’s said a done, you’ll remember the hooky chorus of “Nouvelle Cuisine” perhaps more than the racy imagery. You can buy the Bacchanalian glory of “Nouvelle Cuisine” on June 21, 2017.
predia Official Links
Web Site | Blog | Twitter | YouTube | iTunes
CLOCK & BOTAN – Gloomy
The solo project of former Bellring Girl’s Heart member Yanagisawa Ayano, CLOCK & BOTAN is a welcome addition to my personal listening rotation. Shot on a beach with early morning light, Ayano nails the dreamy mood of the song. Additional scenes of Ayano with a billowing lace clothe behind her ups her visual appeal. The stripped down (by idol standards) instrumentation are nothing more than percussion, some 1980s keyboard sounds, Ayano’s acoustic guitar, and a prominent bass. No, she won’t win many best vocalist awards with this track. But, if you are in the mood for a mood music you can trust in CLOCK & BOTAN when Ayano takes the moon in her hands. “Gloomy” is free for a limited time on Ototoy.
CLOCK & BOTAN Official Links
Web Site | Blog | Twitter | YouTube | iTunes
BAND-MAID – Daydreaming
Filmed mostly in the collapsed husk of a building, BAND-MAID’s second major single feels every bit the daydream of its title. The courtyard returns itself to nature, and there’s Miku shredding amid the tall grasses. The graffiti concrete colonnade plays host to Akane’s rhythmic pounding. Brief flashes of burned-in color continues the ephemeral mood of “Daydreaming”. The song is a slow burner: the ringing guitar leads slowly gain momentum until the full band chimes in with a focused, driving chorus. With a variety of textures, “Daydreaming” might not be a perfect introduction for those planning on seeing the group at J-Pop Summit this summer, the band tends to play arrangements that are a bit faster. The song does give a great indication to the kind of artistic imagery of which the group is capable. You can buy BAND-MAID’s “Daydreaming / Choose me” on July 19, 2017.
BAND-MAID Official Links
Web Site | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | iTunes
OSAKA Show GANGS – Matsubara Wasshoi
OSAKA Show GANGS celebrate all things Matsubara in their new promotional video. Part tourist video and part promotion for the group, “Matsubara Wasshoi” plays a mean groove under the girls’ idol rap and pop. It’s always great to see the idols goofing a bit, and OSAKA Show GANGS goof around in their green flower outfits. At the very least, you can get a good luck at this part of Osaka as the girls guide you through their favorite spots.
OSAKA Show GANGS Official Links
Web Site | Blog | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | iTunes
KissBeeWEST – Pierrot
KissBeeWEST enter the “New PV Alert” consciousness with the macabre sounds of “Pierrot”. The girls make their statement with a well-executed live performance that features puppet choreography perfectly suited to the song. There’s isn’t too much more to say about the promotional video (just watch it, OK), I will remark that this production looks polished and ready for a bigger budget and higher concepts. As a personal thing, can I mention how much I like the f-holes in these outfits?
KissBeeWEST Official Links
Web Site | Blog | Twitter | YouTube | iTunes
DEADLIFT LOLITA – Kimiterasu Sairiumu
Ladybeard ‘s latest project gets a new promotional video with the recently released “Kimiterasu Sairiumu”. In an appropriate wrestling ring, Ladybeard and Reika trade their distinctively different vocal styles. If I had to characterize anything here, I would say “Illuminated by penlights” reads like an inner monologue during an idol concert including all the wotagei you can stomach. If you’re new here, this is also a vocabulary lesson. “Kimiterasu Sairiumu” is available as an digital download below.
Digital Download
Amazon.jp | iTunes | Google Play
DEADLIFT LOLITA Official Links
Web Site | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | iTunes
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