Last 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’m not speaking concerning the infinitely repeatable opening, and the 12 completely different endings to be clear right here, I’m speaking concerning the present’s rating from composer Kensuke Ushio. It’s 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 suppose it is best to try Boogiepop and Others, a present that simply so occurs to function Ushio’s handiwork.
It’s a bit arduous 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 skills, alongside plot threads involving mysterious, secret businesses, in addition to aliens. The factor that is protected to say about Boogiepop, is that it is odd, however with a reputation like that you could possibly 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 variety of anime would not have as of late. I feel it has rather a lot to do with the present’s use of colors and distinction that clinches that feeling, going for a extra life like palette over something significantly eccentric.
Both the anime and the unique books follows a highschool woman named Touka Miyashita, who turns into the enigmatic Boogiepop at any time when the protection of the world is threatened, although they’re two particular person consciousness’. There are in fact extremely effectively animated fights to be discovered, however that is probably not 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 troublesome methods, forcing them to confront their feelings which manifest as considerably psychic skills, reasonably than simply hitting them till the battle is over. It permits for some really surreal tales that do not all the time conclude once you count on them too, and so they do not all the time offer you all of the solutions – you may need to fill in a few 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 trendy espresso store. But 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 residence city at 3am with nobody round however my associates, 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 suppose Boogiepop and Others is a wholly straightforward watch, although when you’re into different classics like Serial Experiments Lain or Paranoia Agent, you are certain to have an gratifying time. And when you do like the marginally gradual, considerate tone of Chainsaw Man, I feel there’s a variety of overlap exterior of sharing a composer that ought to enchantment to you. Just maintain on to your overly tall hat for the unusual experience you may take your self on.
