In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography.

Yet, I rarely write about them because finding online links to their music was so hard… until now!

Luv Sick (2013)

We’re back to the epic stuff with Luv Sick! This song acted as an OST for Fujigaya’s Kamen Teacher drama, meaning its style and energy needed to fit action sequences. This gives Kis-My-Ft2 a chance to reach back to their anthemic rock roots, delivering a knockout burst of intensity.

The song builds tension right from the start, with its verses launching us right into the bombast. However, my favorite moment is definitely the pre-chorus, which boasts a massive melody supported by an equally immense EDM acceleration. This hook feels ripped from some imaginary idol rock opera. Then, Luv Sick blasts into its stomping chorus. The momentum changes, but in a way that makes total sense. Kisumai would build upon this sound in a major way a few years later, but this is an excellent taste of what’s waiting around the corner. Dubstep breakdowns add to the song’s gritty texture and firmly plant it in 2013.

The music video is great fun, as the guys offer their take on the tokusatsu genre. It’s them in funny/awesome costumes battling an evildoer – and of course making time for a few dance breakdowns here and there! Six-year-old me would have gone crazy over this. Adult me still does.