Show By Rock!!

Episode 7

In case anyone forgot about the overarching (needlessly complex) plot of Show By Rock!!, a dark monster has returned to lock horns with ShinganCrimsonz, and viewers are treated to the series' second lengthy battle sequence. It's a great use of CG, at least partially due to the fact that all the CG scenes in this series showcase the chibi-fied forms of the main characters. (When more traditional-looking anime characters are given the CG treatment, the results can be rather clunky. These cute characters look perfectly at ease in their surroundings.) A revelation about the origins of the dark monsters and a blatant sign of what's to come make the inclusion of the monster worthwhile, but its presence isn't even the highlight of the episode.

Although less humorous than last week's installment, there are still a few laugh-out-loud moments involving the members of ShinganCrimsonz before they go into serious mode to fight the monster. The new setting, a town full of yokai Myumons, is a sight to behold, with its traditional Japanese architecture and brightly colored sakura trees breathing life into the environment. Unfortunately, this episode features another attempt to wedge in a cameo appearance by yet another band from the game. This time, it's Shinimonoguri, and although they are adorable thanks to their chibi yokai theme, they don't even get to perform a song. At the rate these bands are dropping by, without even serving as musical rivals for Plasmagica, they're more of a distraction than anything.

As is often the case, the spectacle of the episode is more apparent than any substance. Plasmagica takes a back seat this week, and although ShinganCrimsonz steals the show, they haven't undergone much growth by the time the credits roll. Marimari, Shinimonoguri's leader, is looking for a missing member of her band, and ShinganCrimsonz manages to summon the strength to defeat the dark monster (without even realizing they're fighting a dark monster), but both conflicts wind up rather bland. Previous attempts to add conflict to Show By Rock!!, like Retoree's emotional drama, have fallen flat, but at least the stakes and resolution were clearly felt by the audience. This episode's conflicts were largely external, making them less memorable. How ShinganCrimsonz faces the next challenge created by Aion's possession is likely to prove a more character-driven and interesting conflict—even if it plays out as predictably as the next episode preview seems to indicate.

Episode 7 takes the dark monster conflict and Dagger Morse's villainous plans a step further. It's necessary since the narrative of the monster battles has long been established, but unfortunately, it's rather boring to watch. At the very least, the episode showcases an impressive display of CG and doesn't skimp on the humor. However, while ShinganCrimsonz's music plays during their battle, the musical interludes that made the show so much fun early on are still absent. If the series is going to include so many bands from the game, they may as well include more songs and put more focus on the band vs. band aspect.

Rating: B

Show By Rock!! is currently streaming on Funimation.

Amy is a YA fantasy author who has loved anime for two decades.