I have to admit that I like watching anime that has a focus on music. This time, we are taking a look at Show by Rock, an anime adaptation based on a popular mobile game. It’s basically a show that focuses on rock music in an imaginary world populated by animal people. An ordinary high school girl gets sucked into this world. This is where the story begins.
The story of Show by Rock focuses on an ordinary first-year high school student named Hijikawa Cyan. She has a strong passion for music and wants to join the school’s band club. Because of her timid personality, she was unable to do so. After playing a mobile game at night, she received Strawberry Heart.
Shortly after, her phone acted funny. She transforms into a cat girl as she gets transported into another world. With her Strawberry Heart, she can now defeat dark monsters. Since that she is stuck in a world populated by Myumon, she meets Maple who runs a record company. She also meets a new girl band named Plasmagica and found an opportunity to finally fulfill her dream.
I have to say that this show kind of reminds me of Dog Days meets K-ON. The difference is the main character transforms into a cat girl. While the story is what you expect, rock bands using power of music defeating evil known as corrupt music executives. Dagger is that corrupt music executive that wants to takes over the entire world.
Yes, the premise sounds ridiculous, but I have to admit that show is very fun to watch. Although I am not that interested in the boy bands, I have to say that they are enjoyable, mostly for their comic relief. Shingancrimsonz is a good example of this as they try to be badass. Aside from the fact that they get into fights, it’s also funny seeing Rom beating the crap out of his band members. Also, there is Shuzo from a band named Trichronka. He rides in an endless stretch limo which is hilarious. Not only that, it seems that Rom had a secret relationship with Shuzo in the past.
Of course, the main appeal is the girl bands, namely Plasmagica. The voices of Retoree, Chuchu and Moa sound very familiar since they are voiced by Namukura Manami (Hanayamata/The Idolmaster), Uesaka Sumire (Chuunibyou/Kantai Collection) and Sakura Ayane (Gochuumon wa Usagi desu ka?/Charlotte). Moa’s voice is the most recognizable since it reminds me of Cocoa from Gochuumon. That is beside the point as there are a lot of cute slice of life moments such as girls playing volleyball on a beach.
Lastly, we cannot forget those moments with Retoree blushing over Cyan meowing. Retoree and Cyan is a noticeable couple given how obvious Retoree’s feelings is towards Cyan. Sadly, she doesn’t show her affection that much in the second half. The same goes for Moa’s origins when she mentions that she is a sheep alien in the sixth episode. It never got mentioned ever again. Still, I have to admit that Cyan is adorable, even in the viewer’s eyes. There is no wonder Retoree has feelings for her.
Overall, while the characters are very enjoyable along with the music in Show by Rock, the plot could have been better. Sure, it’s nice to see the bands defeat the corrupt music executive in the end, but it felt rushed. Hopefully the sequel which will premiere soon will focus on the music aspect along with some slice of life. Even so, I have to admit that it was very enjoyable to watch and the CGI looked pretty good too.
Was a good idea to review the show one more time before watching season 2.
The show was more character driven anyway so it’s no big deal that the main plot was simplified and kinda rushed. Still enjoyable with lots of great characters and CyaReto to boot!
As of this writing the second season is off to a pretty good start imo.
Given the first episode of the season season, hopefully it will become more enjoyable. Of course, hopefully it will show more Cyan and Retoree.