I so appreciate J-pop’s ability (and desire) to surprise. The market is vast and varied, and that means you’ll never really know what you’ll encounter from day to day. Yes, there are plenty of songs that conform to predictable trends, but there are also moments like Red:birthmark, where critical cynicism melts away and you’re left with an almost indescribable experience.
I’m well aware of Aina The End and her group BiSH. I’ve enjoyed a song here and there, but never found an entry point worth obsessing over. After years of curiosity, Red:birthmark is that breakthrough for me. From first listen, the song knocked me flat. Aina’s voice — often pitched into a ragged howl — meets its perfect match in the dramatic instrumental. She’s a force of nature, raw and unflinching. But, the production supports her with a near-symphonic grandiosity. Red:birthmark ebbs and flows, moving from quiet moments to searing climaxes. Both extremes benefit support each other, utilizing contrast in the most compelling way.
My favorite songs deliver moments worth looking forward to, and I’ll play Red:birthmark over and over just to hear its brilliant choruses. The instrumental here mirrors Aina’s furious performance, hitting with operatic intensity and growing more effusive each time we hear it. The song’s final forty-five seconds are a knockout of epic proportions. But, the percussive build that grows from verse two is just as satisfying. This is an emotional feast from start to finish.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 10 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
genuinely one of the best songs i’ve heard this year. that climax is absolute heaven
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Trying to see if I can come around to some of the vocals, but that’s a minor quibble (and I mean I guess the rawness is a good thing). This chorus is excellent, and the verses are fantastic. The whole thing is fantastic the way through, no part of it feels perfunctory. Great find!
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Give it two or three listens and the vocals will totally click. I had the same reservations initially.
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(I’m always confused when you begin a sentence with but, and then a comma. I don’t think a comma is necessary.)
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English grammar aside, thanks a million for introducing me to another great song I never would have found otherwise!! 🥰
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But, what did you think of the song?
(Sorry… I had to! lol)
You’re right. It’s not grammatically correct in a technical sense but it’s a hard habit to break. I often punctuate by ear to imitate pauses in speech. Not having a comma there feels weird to me, but I get that it’s not correct.
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However, this is but a trifle.
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This could’ve easily beaten Unravel…. but I really can’t get over the vocals, the emotion in it was going off like nothing else.
However what prevented it from being perfect for me was that its literally nails on chalkboard voice (ironically not even an insult as I’m being literal).
Gave it three tries but its quite painful on the ears during those moments.
So I had to update this comment a few times while typing it because I forced myself to power through repeats and have somewhat successfully numbed my ears to the screeching
I honestly don’t think this situation has happened before for me.
10/10 song, but requires gritting your teeth to acclimate yourself to
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Will be recommending this song quite a bit to my jpop inclined friends, but will include a disclaimer as well! 😅
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It sounds like if Bjork were to do Jpop. Or Jpop were to do Bjork.
I dig it. I don’t think I will add to my playlist, but for a few minutes there, all was awesome in the world of pop music.
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It was certainly a surprising song.
Now I’m someone who listens to a bit more BiSH and wasn’t really aware of Aina.
Up until the first chorus I wasn’t really digging it sonically and by the end of the first chorus I appreciated the artistry of it more than anything.
I would gladly take the song from the second verse onwards because that is mystical. Operatic and intense. And that ending, hell yeah! The cyclical nature of the end was beautiful too really appreciated that
But yeah it’s a good song and when it’s great, it’s phenomenal. But I can’t help having to get through that first verse (and the tone – at least to begin with – is…a choice.
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This is maybe be too old a reference but she reminds me a bit of Tsukiko Amano who was an old fave of mine
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