Shion will be released on September 5th, but the full PV was released in early August on YouTube, likely to boost promotions for Plastic Tree’s latest work. The soon-to-be-released work marks the group’s 33rd single--a sure feat for any musician.
During the intro of Shion, Ryuutaro’s chilled vocals paired with a gentle melody on acoustic guitar makes the listener want to close their eyes and rest. The chorus carries more intensity but cools down during the verses by dropping out of the use of electric guitar. Though there are similarities between Shion and the preceding single, Kuchizuke, such as the softness of the vocals, parallel to the guitar line that often includes acoustic guitar as well as electric, Shion is a showcase of instrumental and vocal talent like no other.
In the same format as most of Plastic Tree’s singles, Shion is also available in four types: two limited and two regular editions. Regular editions type A and B include rebuilt versions of Mahiru no Tsuki and Ether Note respectively, as the B-sides.
Shion’s PV is a stunning work on its own. Slow moving shots and the limited use of colour beyond neutral tones help boost Shion’s calm allure and provide the viewer with a simple, thought-provoking PV with little storyline.
Conversely, in commemoration of Plastic Tree’s 15th anniversary, the group uploaded a special PV version of Shion, as done with previous singles Kuchizuke and Joumyaku. The special short version of Shion features animated renditions of each member as a personified body part and includes a running theme of Ryuutaro as an anthropomorphic human heart that often is split into two or into several parts.
