This week’s featured releases come from C-ute, Idol Yokai Kawayushi, Momoiro Clover Z and Negicco.
C-ute – “Tokai no Hitorigurashi / Aitte Motto Zanshin“
C-ute’s latest single kicks off this week’s featured releases. It’s a double a-side because that’s the popular thing to do right now (please, just stop) and overall I think it’s a pretty solid listen actually. However there are a couple of sections in each song that kinda just don’t work and they do take the shine off a little bit which is unfortunate. We talked about it some on the last few NSK podcasts that I’ve been on so go listen to those for a more in-depth review. That being said, if you like C-ute and/or you like the current style of Hello!Project’s musical output then this release is definitely worth your time.
Idol Yokai Kawayushi – “Kawayushi Arawaru“
Next up we have a group that you’ve probably never even heard of. Idol Yokai Kawayushi are a sub-unit from the Alice Project production company and “Kawayushi Arawaru” is their debut single. The song leans heavily on synthetic pop instrumentals and has a pretty interesting vocal structure. One minute we’re getting almost melancholic solo sections and then the next we’re being sucker punched in the face by high tempo insanity. If you’re into old school Momoiro Clover, Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku, Team Syachihoko or anything of that nature then this release should be right up your street. While you’re at it, make sure you check out the coupling song “Boku Dake no Megami” for a slightly more subdued but still excellent listening experience.
Moving along, it looks like Momoiro Clover Z finally decided to join the party and release their first single of the year. Things have been pretty quiet since they released their album “Fifth Dimension” earlier in the year so, was this worth the wait? For me, not so much. When I heard the instrumental track I thought it was amazing but I was pretty worried that there wasn’t room for the kind of Momoclo vocals I enjoy. Those fears were confirmed when the full song came out; it’s just not a great Momoiro Clover Z track. By a lot of other groups’ standards, the song is fine but I know Momoclo are better than this. Maybe next time I guess.
Negicco – “Tokimeki no Headliner“
Our last featured release for this week comes from the lovely ladies of Negicco. After a pretty misleading intro (which I would have been more than fine with being the style of the whole song) we get hit with a pretty retro sounding disco number. You may not know this about me but I like my 70s pop and disco music so this song is pretty much a home run for me. This is definitely a strong contender for my top 10 at the end of year. I’m not really sure how many times I have to tell you to check out Negicco before you’ll listen to me but I’m going to keep doing it until you do.
ALSO THIS WEEK:
“Request Covers” by Iwasa Misaki
“Suteki Na Takaramono” by Kus Kus
“Tsunderella Girl -Futari Dake no Shame-” by Locodol Daisakusen Team Tsunderella Girl
“Yume Fuusen” by Oha Girl Chu! Chu! Chu!
“Surechigai School Days” by Spatio
As far as the stuff I didn’t get to talk about goes, you guys know I’m all about that Iwasa Misaki enka cover album. “Suteki na Takaramono” by Kus Kus is one of those hidden gems that most people will just pass over, DON’T DO THAT and we talked about “Yume Fuusen” by Oha Girl Chu! Chu! Chu! on the latest NSK podcast (spoiler: We all liked it). All of these should be on your radar this week. You have no excuse.