I still maintain that "TokiSora" suffers from an overly simplistic/basic main drum pattern after having been spoiled by the big/crazy/fun beats of the previous single ("Egao no Kimi" in particular); Rayle's comparison to "Destiny Love" and "Nakidasu" actually makes me yearn for those song's stylings even more.
But the subtle presence of choppiness in the pianos and fuzzy synths that I'm finally picking up on now almost make up for this rhythmic shortcoming, and the rest of the instrumentation and melodies work really well for the intended theme. I'm still having trouble pinpointing which video game(s) this song reminds me of beyond the Sonic Generations-style violins...perhaps Metroid Prime? Or maybe it's just that general Japanese game feel I occasionally get from H!P songs that will continue to haunt me...and there's definitely a sense of haunting here that reminds me of my own past experiences in longing for someone.
Again, "TokiSora" is still a "must remix" for me because of all that; the whole thing just makes me wanna study the song in-depth and give it my own rhythmic touch.
As for the video: so this is what it's like when JJ Abrams gets his hands on H!P...I was almost expecting the Narada to show up.
The Earth background and some of the color effects make it seem like a continuation of the "Egao no Kimi" music video, even with yet another line formation in the dance. I'm kinda surprised they actually stuck with going barefoot for the dance, but it's an interesting look and refreshing change from constantly dancing on heeled shoes; it would've been more impressive if they carried it even further by sticking with it for stage performances and outside promotions.
Although I'll have to disagree with Rina the Robot and say I prefer the white sneaker-style shoes to the thin strappy ones, as I like the sportiness and sense of contrast they brought.
.....
One last thing, alhtough I kinda don't wanna end this post on a somber note, but I realized upon saying "haunting" in a more positive manner above: considering the lyrics and the somewhat otherworldly feel of the video, and in light of recent news, is this song Tsunku's way of coming to terms with his own mortality? Or maybe I'm looking too much into this...
(Someone remind me to make a post this for "Password is 0" when that song's video comes out, because I forgot to properly gush about "Kimi no Kawari" last time.
)