I was a bit confused at first as I thought I had heard the name Musubizm before. This is their first single despite being around since late 2014. Some research reveals they are a Harajuku-based group of girls who are also fashion models. Well, that explains why everyone in this group is way above average in the looks department. Their freshman effort benefits from their couple of years of performing experience, but it could have been more interesting.
Let’s start off with what’s good. For starters, everyone looks great. I guess that’s not much of a feat for a group of models, but they really dressed them well in this PV. The outfits take cues from kimono, seifuku, and throw in a bunch of frilly cuteness typical of idols. The hairstyles are also noticeably high quality and vary in style. This group definitely plays up to its visual strengths.
I’d also give the filming and set pieces a thumbs up. Camera work is very impressive. It gives all the members some time to shine. The best technical achievement of the PV is the action-filled shots. Even when the girls are running for their lives, everything is very clear, focused, and easy on the eyes. There’s no wild shaking or distortion that you’d expect with such shots. The angles are also on point and transitions are butter smooth. The PV also wins a medal for not messing with the colors. All of the rooms and outdoor shots are nicely decorated and lively.
Sounds like we’re on our way to a five star, huh? Well, here comes the mixed bag. This PV is plot-driven. Not quite as bad a PV with a full story to fast forward through, but these can go either way. In this PV, the girls are trying to pull a Mission: Impossible and steal a golden rice ball from the house of some guy that looks half Yakuza, half Catholic priest. The girls sneak around his security detail, nearly get caught in a number of silly ways, and eventually get out of being captured by luck only possible in an idol PV.
The execution is brilliant. Instead of dance shots, the girls are singing along to the song during the scenes. They’re so well integrated that nothing feels out of place. This is super rare in these kinds of PVs and is definitely worth praise. And as I said before, everything’s well shot and looks great. The few moments of humor and member interaction gives everything a great sense of personality. As far as execution goes it’s damn near perfect.
The problem? Well, despite the super impressive production, it’s just a tad uninteresting overall. The action is total fluff and doesn’t really create any major suspense. I’m really not expecting a Michael Bay movie in my idol PVs, but it’s definitely missing an edge. It’s really too bad considering how it’s put together.
As far as the song goes, it’s enjoyable. The instrumentals are a bit flat and predictable, and aside from the vocals from Shiina Eru (red outfit) the singing is a bit monotonous, but it holds its own as far as general idol songs go. It’s a good listen from time to time, I think.
I really wanna give this five stars but it’s just missing something. In any case, it’s still a very impressively produced PV.
Musubizm’s 1st single drops July 5th.
Watch: YouTube (Official)
Buy on Amazon JP: Gin Ban
| Kin Ban [CD+DVD]
Buy on CDJapan: Gin Ban | Kin Ban [CD+DVD]
