What Have I Been Watching? (7/22/2023)

This week I found a show that helped me get over the anime burnout that I had been experiencing for the past several months. I haven't been able to really sink my teeth in any shows because everything just felt stale for a while. I kept searching, but even new releases didn't show me anything that hooked me. This week, however, my friend recommended that I start watching Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad (dubbed <:), and it helped me remember what I love about anime.

Despite being released in 2007, Beck has been refreshing to watch. The show follows a 14-year old boy as he discovers and develops a passion for rock music, and I can't get over how realistic this show feels. Other shows like K-On! or Bocchi the Rock! show music in a very cute and light-hearted way, while Beck is raw and rough. The show begins with the main character, Kyosuke, befriending a 16-year old, Ryusuke, that dreams of being a rock star. Kyosuke is introduced to rock music by him, but the show doesn't make Ryusuke a perfect saint. He is still 16 and has many issues of his own. Even the side characters are amazing. Characters like Chiba or Saito always bring a smile to my face and remind me that these are kids pursuing their dreams.

I'm only 6 episodes in, but every time I watch I'm hooked. The show has questionable animation at times, but I'd argue that it helps build the atmosphere that is keeping me hooked to the show. What matters is that the show's music performances always deliver. I've even gone back to listen to them in both the sub and dub for the anime. If the show holds up in the later episodes, I'll be sure to make a dedicated post about it.