Show By Rock!! is an anime that promises a vibrant world fueled by the power of music. But does it deliver on its rockin’ potential? This review delves into the show’s story, animation, characters, sound, and overall enjoyment, exploring whether Show By Rock!! hits all the right notes or falls flat.
Show By Rock’s Story: A Tone-Deaf Tale of Musical Power?
The story follows Cyan Hijirikawa, a shy girl transported to Midi City, a land where music reigns supreme. Forming the band Plasmagica with ChuChu, Retoree, and Moa, Cyan embarks on a musical journey to reach the top. The anime attempts to showcase music’s unifying power and its ability to forge connections. While the concept is promising, the execution falters. The show highlights the immediate impact of music on characters’ relationships but fails to explore the lasting consequences. The plot relies on episodic conflicts resolved within single episodes, hindering the development of dramatic tension and leaving the overarching narrative feeling disjointed. The finale abandons its musical focus, opting for a conventional resolution that undermines the show’s central theme.
Show By Rock!! Animation: A Visual Symphony of Color and CG
Visually, Show By Rock!! boasts a vibrant color palette and impressive CG integration. Midi City bursts with vibrant hues, creating a visually captivating world. The unique CG character designs, resembling plastic models, contribute to the show’s distinctive aesthetic. While the 2D animation is average, the CG sequences are well-executed, showcasing the show’s potential for visual flair. Unfortunately, the show underutilizes its CG capabilities, often relying on static scenes and dialogue-heavy sequences.
Character Breakdown: A Cast of Missed Opportunities
Show By Rock!! features a large cast, but many characters suffer from underdeveloped personalities and lack of screen time. Moa’s alien origins and Retoree’s struggles with friendship are introduced but quickly forgotten. Chuchu’s character arc, exploring her jealousy and eventual acceptance within the band, is a highlight. However, Cyan, the protagonist, remains frustratingly passive and underdeveloped. Her eventual overcoming of her shyness feels abrupt and unearned. The antagonist, Dagger, is equally underwhelming, lacking clear motivations and impactful actions. Even promising characters like Rom and Shuuzou are left unexplored.
Show By Rock!! Sound: A Mixed Bag of Rock and Roll
The opening theme is energetic but lacks memorability, while the ending theme offers a more enjoyable and distinct sound. The insert songs, showcasing each band’s unique style, are decent but not exceptional. The remaining soundtrack is largely forgettable, consisting mostly of variations on the opening theme. The voice acting is generally average, with standout performances from Ayane Sakura as Moa and Hiroyuki Yoshino as Grateful King.
Enjoyment and Final Verdict: A Decrescendo of Delight
Show By Rock!! starts strong with its humor and visual appeal. However, the show’s charm gradually fades as the weak narrative, underdeveloped characters, and repetitive elements take center stage. While the anime boasts impressive CG animation and a unique aesthetic, it ultimately fails to capitalize on its musical premise.
Final Score: 4/10 Show By Rock!! has flashes of brilliance, but its shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s a show that ultimately feels tone-deaf despite its musical aspirations.
