The Sounds of Youth 420https://ur.com/i5LbNcA.jpg Introduction Hibike Euphonium was the obligatory KyoAni show I picked up during Spring 2015. I had finished exam season so I needed to watch something relaxing. I was reluctant at first since Im not really a fan of bands Im more of an orchestra person but I was pleasantly surprised. Hibike Euphonium combines stunning animation with my favorite genre music. Story 520https://ur.com/Vvh9VXv.jpg The story starts off with the main character Kumiko transferring to a new school. She used to play euphonium and ends up joining the school band. Once she does the focus of the story switches to the band aiming for the national competition. Along the way we get to know more characters and their reasons for doing band. All in all its a fairly simple story but one that is well done. Getting to know all the characters still made for a very enjoyable plot. It is also rewarding to see Kumiko and her friends get better at their respective instruments and eventually perform. Characters 520https://ur.com/MFqxCnG.jpg KyoAni shines in the character design department once again. Our main heroine Kumiko Oumae isnt your typically dainty airhead female lead . Shes cool and sometimes even sarcastic. Her friends are the type of girls you would think to be the main characters. The other members of the band are just as interesting and fun to meet. Each of their designs is truly unique especially some of the background characters. The interaction between these characters during sectional practice is great and its inspiring to see how the camaraderie among these young musicians grows. All in all the characters were probably one of the standout parts of Hibike Animation and Sound 520https://ur.com/DAJXDVs.gif There isnt much to say regarding the animation of this show. As usual KyoAni creates backgrounds that are colorful and stunning Id say the main highlight would be the animation of the actual band. In Shigatsu wa Kimi Uso we didnt get to see much animation of the music scenes and the animation in Nodame Cantabile was quite choppy. Hibike gets it right with its smooth transitions and sequences making performances a joy to watch. 520https://ur.com/P2rbgnT.gif Dat bokeh tho I was never really a fan of what high school bands played because from my experience my high school band plays obscure songs from musicals and jazz. However this is a show focused around a high school band in Japan. The music selection is nothing short of incredible I enjoyed getting to listen to new kinds of music. One of my favorites was the piece played during the marching competition. Of course if you arent into the symphony then this might not be to your liking. The soundtrack for the solid. Many tracks have a happy vibe that is reminiscent of being young and some tracks have that good emotional feel. You just need to listen to it. On the official soundtrack there are even different tracks for the trumpet solo audition. Overall very impressed. Personal Enjoyment 520https://i.ur.com/uvGqmPn.gif This show really hit it home with me. I used to be a member of my schools orchestra so I can understand where many of the characters are coming from. Some characters are new to band some are stressing out over competitions most are conducting sectional practice and some are even experiencing that drama having to deal with slackers fear of failure that special someone in the other section that comes with being a part of the performing arts. The show especially captured the experience I had during my own sectional practice. Your fellow section members start to feel like family once you spend enough time practicing together. Hibike Euphonium reminded me of some of my fondest memories of high school. Its a real treat for anyone who has had a similar experience to me. 520https://i.ur.com/Ii1n64t.gif Even if you know nothing about music this show is still spectacular. If you dont enjoy the music aspect then the slice of life will most likely impress you. However if you dont enjoy music slice of life or cute girls playing woodwind and brass instruments then this probably isnt your show. Conclusion 420https://ur.com/TCa8HNA.jpg Kyoto Animation is my favorite studio and Hibike Euphonium is one reason why. The splendid animation interesting characters and varied soundtrack all combine for a decent show. I didnt really have any gripes with it. If you love slice of life you need to watch this If you love the music genre you need to watch this. And if you love KyoAni like I do you need to watch this. Trust me this show really does end on a high note.
85 /100
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