Final yr’s Chainsaw Man anime was a bit bit divisive amongst followers. Some did not just like the Western cinema influences, others felt it wanted to be extra chaotic and vibrant, however I personally disagree on each counts. One factor most individuals do appear to agree on, on the very least, is that the soundtrack is killer. I am not speaking in regards to the infinitely repeatable opening, and the 12 totally different endings to be clear right here, I am speaking in regards to the present’s rating from composer Kensuke Ushio. It is typically serene, at different instances frenetic, usually providing an otherworldly really feel that feels becoming for a present set in an alternate realities 1990’s. And if like me, you are a lover of Chainsaw Man’s OST, I actually assume it is best to try Boogiepop and Others, a present that simply so occurs to function Ushio’s handiwork.
It is a bit exhausting to pin down simply what Boogiepop and Others is about. On the one hand it is about city legends, usually revolving across the titular Boogiepop. On the opposite, there are characters who’re clones, some which have unusual powers or talents, alongside plot threads involving mysterious, secret businesses, in addition to aliens. The factor that is secure to say about Boogiepop, is that it is odd, however with a reputation like that you might in all probability guess that already.
The 2019 anime is predicated on a 1998 mild novel of the identical, although it borrows tales from numerous subsequent books. Being based mostly on a chunk of media from the 90s, regardless of releasing proper on the finish of the 2010s, it manages to retain that decidedly 90s really feel to it that a number of anime would not have as of late. I believe it has so much to do with the present’s use of colors and distinction that clinches that feeling, going for a extra lifelike palette over something significantly eccentric.
Each the anime and the unique books follows a highschool woman named Touka Miyashita, who turns into the enigmatic Boogiepop at any time when the security of the world is threatened, although they’re two particular person consciousness’. There are in fact extremely nicely animated fights to be discovered, however that is not likely the place the draw of the present is.
Boogiepop as a personality is a perplexing one; it is unclear whether or not they’re human or one thing else completely, and with that comes the query of how a lot they even care about folks. They usually push the present’s rotating solid of characters in tough methods, forcing them to confront their feelings which manifest as considerably psychic talents, moderately than simply hitting them till the combat is over. It permits for some really surreal tales that do not all the time conclude whenever you anticipate them too, and so they do not all the time offer you all of the solutions – you may should fill in a number of the blanks your self.
All of that’s underpinned by Ushio’s rating, which I can’t complement extra. On a primary hear you may consider it as an appropriately chill soundtrack to play in a classy espresso store. However on a deeper hear, you actually begin to embrace the ethereal, wistful, virtually nostalgic vibes it emanates. Listening to it jogs my memory of instances I spent strolling round my dwelling city at 3am with nobody round however my buddies, uncertain of what we make of the world. A soundtrack that may evoke a sense like that should certainly be a robust one, no?
I do not assume Boogiepop and Others is a wholly simple watch, although for those who’re into different classics like Serial Experiments Lain or Paranoia Agent, you are positive to have an pleasant time. And for those who do like the marginally gradual, considerate tone of Chainsaw Man, I believe there’s a number of overlap exterior of sharing a composer that ought to enchantment to you. Simply maintain on to your overly tall hat for the unusual journey you may take your self on.