There can often be a long lag between a J-pop song and its accompanying music video. I first wrote about Fantastics’ Tell Me when it came out in early June, but now that we have a video I can give it the full review it deserves. And I have to say, the wait was worth it. Tell Me is one of the group’s most enjoyable videos yet, cheesy and cheeky and slick.

Fantastics are one of my favorite pop groups working today. Their track record is ridiculously strong, especially as they’ve embraced their musical strengths and funky, retro perspective. I don’t find Tell Me as stellar as Panorama Jet or (especially) Summer Bike, but it catches the guys right in their comfort zone.

Powered by a killer dose of rhythm guitar and slapping percussion, the song grooves with single-minded force. The vocals join this party, alternating between singing and rapping in an addictive performance that feels fluid and full of personality. The chorus is a bit slight compared with the rest of the song, but I love how its central vocal riff echoes the funky momentum of the instrumental. Fantastics just can’t lose, and that consistency is thrilling.

Grade: B+