Some thoughts on “FiNAL SHiTS”, the first in a series of 12 singles from BiSH.
Release Date: January 12th 2022
Serial Number: AVCD-61151
Format: CD/Digital
Tracklist
1. FiNAL SHiTS
2. NOT FOREVER
Buy: HMV (JP), Tower Records (JP), Disk Union (JP), Amazon (JP), CDJapan (EN)
Stream: Here
All things must eventually come to an end, and that’s true especially when we’re talking about Idol groups and even if the group in question happens to be BiSH. I’m not sure anyone was really that surprised when the announcement came out that the group would be disbanding in 2023, given the members’ various solo activities and such clearly having begun to be more of a focus but still it’s a sad moment. I’m sure they got many foreign fans especially into this whole Idol thing so it’s probably going to be the end of an era for many.
Well BiSH aren’t going quietly into the night at least, the group has plans to release a single every month for the whole of 2022 as part of a swansong of sorts and presumably there’s going to be all manner of concerts, interviews, Best Ofs and what have you along the way as well. They’re definitely going to get their flowers that’s for sure and I don’t think anyone would argue that they aren’t thoroughly deserving of it.
For my part, I’m planning on writing about each of these singles and hopefully I will be able to keep up with all of them. We’re kicking things off with the rather crudely named “FiNAL SHiTS” and I’m pretty much just here to enjoy the journey. I didn’t have any grand expectations coming into this and I have no idea where we’re heading but I’m going to try my best to enjoy what limited time we have left with BiSH and I hope that you guys will all do the same. That being said, here’s my thoughts on the first of these 12 singles.
It seems like BiSH have decided to kick of this series of releases with a couple of very powerful and emotional Ballad style tracks in “FiNAL SHiTS” and the rather on the nose “NOT FOREVER”. A very classic sort of sound from the group, a sound that some might uncharitably refer to as “Orchestra”-esque if they really can’t be bothered to actually listen to the tracks properly. It’s not the most original or inspiring I have to admit but it’s a style of song that the group and WACK in general are really adept at performing so having it crop up in this final run of songs isn’t super unexpected.
For me personally I wasn’t super big on the vocal performances here, they’re pretty raw which while that does have its own sort of appeal it also doesn’t compare particularly favorably to when the group were at their peak. It’s not across the board but yeah, just something I noticed and wanted to point out. The instrumentation is to the usual standard of BiSH releases, even if a lot of the usual crutches and clichés are being leaned on as they often tend to be.
While this isn’t how I expected or would have preferred for this final series of BiSH releases to get started I have to say that they are pretty much giving the people what they (presumably) want here. Classic BiSH sounds, emotional performances and all of the things that we’ve come to expect from the group over the years. It’s also the first single of many so there’s going to be plenty more opportunity for some greater variety as we go along here, at least that’s what I’m hoping for anyway.
Well that’s one single down and still a whole lot more to go from BiSH here. Quite the long victory lap that they’ve set out on so you’ve all got plenty of time to enjoy it and take it all in. If you’re a BiSH fan I’d encourage you to make the most of it while it lasts and to appreciate and look back fondly on the time the group spent with us once all is eventually said and done. Make sure to leave yourselves with as few regrets as possible!
