Aside from a short breather to explain the story, Show By Rock!!’s second episode keeps up the manic energy of the first.
What They Say:
Set in the glamorous metropolis Tokyo Midi City, where music is everything. Here, “battle of the bands” is more than just a teen rivalry: Dozens of ensembles compete for the honor of playing atop the city’s highest tower. Cyan learns more about Sound World and meets SHINGANCRIMSONZ. She sees the power of music firsthand when she watches them play.
The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
If you were confused by the glorious nonsense of Show By Rock!!’s energetic premiere, you might be glad to hear they take a few moments to explain what, exactly, is going on, halfway through the episode. Before and after, however, the show is chock full of the same silly and endearing nonsense that makes it such a treat.
This week, we meet the members of SHINGANCRIMSONZ, a chuuni visual kei group full of eccentric pretty boys. There’s Crow, lead vocalist hedgehog who grew up as a dairy farmer and refers to his fans as cattle; Aion, eccentric guitarist who refers to himself as a black monster; Yaiba, fox bassist with an elaborate personal mythology; and Rom, Leopard drummer, and the one with a day job. The show quickly establishes them as Spinal Tap style nutcases with oversized egos and an inferiority complex toward the much more popular Trichronica. When Maple gets SHINGANCRIMSONZ a spot as opener for Trichronica, the band wants to refuse, until Maple’s assistant Angelica whips them back in line. Seeing the CRIMSONZ perform inspires Cyan to do her own personal best, as Strawberry Heart clues her in to her destiny.
Yes, talking guitar Strawberry Heart finally lets Cyan in on the story: She is the chosen one, who must battle the dark musical forces here in Sound World, and only after they are defeated can she return to her own world. She’s uncertain of herself, and wants to refuse, but with Golden Week coming up, she decides to accept the burden of destiny and save Midi City. The episode also explains away Cyan’s sudden appearance in the world by having the other band members of Plasmagica decide she’s keeping some horrible past a secret, and decide to offer her a new beginning. They offer her a room in their dorm, and in Retoree’s case, some clothing. When they hear her singing to herself in the bath, they realize her songwriting talents as well, and decide to make her a full part of the band. Finally getting over her shyness, Cyan is able to thank them.
In Summary:
The best way to describe Show By Rock!! is a girls’ TV show aimed at otaku. Just like early morning magical girl cartoons, Rock!! is a toy commercial that is earnest about believing in yourself and filled to the brim with surreal humor and cute situations. The well-developed mythology of the mobile game also allows for a lot of setting design, so you can notice a lot of little things like instrument designs and personal wardrobe choices without the show every calling specific attention to them. It’s fluff, pure and simple, and it wants you to spend all of your money, but it’s going to entertain the hell out of you while robbing you blind.
Grade: B+
Streamed By: FUNimation
Review Equipment:
Sony VAIO 20″
