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Tegomass, L-R: Tegoshi Yuya, Masuda Takahisa

Artist: Tegomass Product Code: JECN-130,132 Release Date: 2007.5.16 Highest Ranking: #2 Label: Johnny’s Entertainment Limited Edition: DVD

After the release of Tegomass’ first single “Miso Soup“, it was announced that Tegomass would become the supporters for the 2007 Japanese High School Volleyball Tournament. Fans were encouraged that Tegomass would become more than a one time temporary unit; this was cemented when it was announced that Tegomass would also sing the opening and ending themes for the anime Lovely Complex and would release an accompanying single.

The single became a success; despite not reaching the top spot on the charts due to strong competition, the single outsold “Miso Soup”, and was performed when Tegomass went to Taiwan in June 2007 to attend the Golden Melody Awards as Japanese guests. The single was released in two versions, a regular and limited CD+DVD edition. The DVD contained the official PV, a special version PV, and the making-of.

1. Kiss ~Kaerimichi no Love Song~

This was used as the ending theme to the Lovely Complex anime. It’s a calming and soft love ballad backed with both synthesizer and orchestral sounds.

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The focus of the PV is on couples, and couples of all ages. Couples of all ages, not just young couples, are displayed, a rarity in a pop culture that now focuses upon its youth. Unfortunately, the PV is not of high quality - it looks cheap and cheesy. However, the song itself is great; the vocals, instrumentation, and lyrics just all fit together for a tender love song.

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2. Kimi + Boku = LOVE?

A sudden and complete change from the title track, “Kimi + Boku = LOVE?” is the cheerful opening theme to the Lovely Complex anime. The playful title (You + Me = LOVE?) sets the tone for the cheerful jam. The song is so happy it’s almost infuriating: a hyperactive beat is accompanied by brass, sounding like a really poppy ska.

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3. Marui Chikara

“Marui Chikara” was used as the promotional song for the Japanese High School Volleyball Tournament. As expected of sports promotional songs, there’s the happy and catchy tune, uplifting lyrics, and children singing in the background at some parts. It has some rather complex layered instrumentals with a mix of synth, guitar, and brass, but the vocals of Tegomass here aren’t too spectacular not on the fault of Tegomass: the tune of the song is catchy and suitable for sports promotion, but musically it’s rather dull. It’s a fun and infective but rather standard B-side.

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4. Kibou no Hikari wo Kokoro ni Tomosou

Available only on the regular edition, the single ends on “Kibou no Hikari wo Kokoro ni Tomosou”, a laid back midtempo. There’s some interesting instrumentation, like the blending of electric guitar with chimes. Vocally, it’s top notch; there is spectacular harmonizing in the middle. The melody is simple but, as could be expected by now, poppy and infective.

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Conclusion: Once again, Tegomass shows that nice harmonizing, synth instrumentation, and catchy tunes really can go a long way. Though Tegomass demonstrates a range of styles on the single, the only phenomenal song is still their ballad title song. However, the songs are all well sung, well composed, and well produced forming a well-rounded, high quality release.

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Regular Edition

Limited Edition

CD Tracklist

1. Kiss ~Kaerimichi no Love Song~
2. Kimi+Boku=LOVE?
3. Marui Chikara
4. Kibou no Hikari wo Kokoro ni Tomosou *
5. Kiss ~Kaerimichi no Love Song~ (Original Karaoke) *

* Only available on regular edition

DVD Tracklist

1. Kiss ~Kaerimichi no Love Song~ PV
2. Kiss ~Kaerimichi no Love Song~ Special Version PV
3. Kiss ~Kaerimichi no Love Song~ (Making of)

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