Berryz Kobo
Motto Zutto Issho ni Itta Katta/ROCK Erotic
Review by Kelly-Mae Matt
The first of two songs present on this Double A-side, Motto Zutto Issho ni Itta Katta is from Berryz Kobo’s 32nd single release, sporting a moody sound and mature look, and whilst some of the wardrobe choices are questionable, this is a fitting sound for the group.
The video itself is fairly simple in terms of looks and editing, and something that many fans have come to expect from Hello! Project in recent years: simple and very safe.
The feel of the video, however, is rather moody and withdrawn from the viewers. There is an obvious sadness in the video that is represented by the tones of colour and the use of water, creating a sullen and distant emotion within the video. Once the true tone of the visuals is apparent, this is an eye-catching piece which truly fits the emotion of the lyrics, however if you are only watching the video for the visual aspect, you may find that it lacks in certain areas.
Watching the video from an editors perspective, I find the dark, mood-driven look and lonely feel of the video quite charming. The song and video fit each other perfectly, with the visuals enhancing that lonely and painful feeling of the lyrics across to the viewer well, but for many first time watchers, the video looks quite boring and lacks charm. Unless aware of what the lyrics mean, the visuals will mean little to the viewer, making the video seem simplistic and boring.
The second song and part two of this Double A-side single, Berryz Kobo’s ROCK Erotic is a safer sound, but with a better look. Edgy and dark, this look suits the girls rather well and wins points in the wardrobe department, something which Motto Zutto Issho ni Itta Katta failed with tragically.
An undeniable fan favorite, there truly is nothing to dislike about this daring music video. The editing and setting, whilst simple and the usual Hello! Project affair, has an undeniable edge to it thanks to the dark and heady atmosphere that has been created. The members look striking in dark, mature attire, and the setting is fitting for the romantically intoxicating tone of the video. This is, in my opinion, one of the best looking videos the group has had to offer all year in terms of costumes and imagery. It is a well-balanced video, and offers more in terms of visual appeal, style and performance.
Visually satisfying, not just with the costumes or characters that have been created, this is an enjoyable video that is dark and sultry, and shows a daring and intimate approach to the often safe and controlled Berryz Kobo that we have come to know. With an interesting concept, one which has been well done, ROCK Erotic shows off a mature, more forward side to the group, and offers a new side to the girls that we have not seen before, but a side that we may like to see more of.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. With a look and tone that is appealing, whilst still keeping the theme of maturity, ROCK Erotic certainly sets the mood for Berryz fans with its alluring appeal. It is a simple video much like the video before it, but the ambiance and costumes have created a confident and grown-up look befitting of Berryz and their new image. Of the two videos, this is my favorite. It is well done, looks beautiful and has some wonderfully contrasted imagery that creates a seductive and intimate piece.
Both Motto Zutto Issho ni Itta Katta and ROCK Erotic are mood-driven songs, and are a new direction for Berryz Kobo in both sound and tone, and suit the group well for different reasons. Whilst Motto Zutto Issho ni Itta Katta is a wonderful song or the group, the visual style of the video is lacking and barely up to standard,. ROCK Erotic, on the other hand, is a more adventurous approach in terms of the visual style of the video.
