Chance Pop Session Session 2 - Underland Online
- Underland Online
- Mike
- 02/11/03
- click here
Chance Pop Session Vol. 2
With American Idol gearing up once again, I suppose it?s only natural for the second volume of Chance Pop Session to hit the market. I don?t know about you, but I?d much rather hear some J-Pop, regardless of how trite some of it may sound, than a bunch of amateurs that have no clue how terrible they really are. Surprisingly, the first volume of Chance Pop Session has managed to capture the attention and affections of many a reviewer, and Underland Online has not been immune to its charms.
If you saw the last episode, I?m sure you were left wondering if there was a connection between Yuki?s earring and Akari?s necklace, as well as the song it seems that only the two of them know. There most certainly is, but you?re going to have to watch it find out just what the truth really is. The thing is, there seems to be yet another piece of the puzzle that remains in the wings, if not two more pieces. We?re also given the identity to that strange old man that we?ve seen hanging around here and there.
There?s plenty of new songs, and the girls even get a few, which is good since I was growing tired of hearing the same song over and over again. Much of the new music is done in an animation style that mimics videos that you?d see on MTV, but with more of a definite Japanese flavor. There?s also the blending of live footage with anime, which most people (including myself) see as somewhat of a sin. However, given the usage and the purpose, it?s quite forgivable.
This volume caused me to hate Jun ever more than before. She reminds me of musicians that I?ve worked with in the past. She?s only out for herself, will do anything to sabotage the hard work of others, and thinks so highly of herself that she brings abut the despise of others. In fact, I?m sure anyone who has been in a band can relate to this, and has undoubtedly worked with someone like that at least once. Akari, Yuki, and Nozomi on the other hand are put into their own ?band? called R3, and it?s a perfect match for all of them. Again, it?s another of those rare things and taking it for the standpoint of a musician, it?s difficult to find just the right group of people that you can relate with and work well with together. Although the idea, in terms of the anime, may not be 100% true to life, the idea is still there, and that?s really all that matters.
Chance Pop Session doesn?t exactly capture the true essence of the music industry, at least from the real novice point of view. I can?t recall ever having the pleasure of rehearsing in a warm and spacious music room. Then again, this is taking for the point of where pop stars are created or mass-produced. If you thought it was just the United States that was guilty of this crime with it?s music geared towards marketing and teenage appeal, think again, the same is true for Japan. Regardless of that though, Chance Pop Session is truly capable of capturing your attention. I?m glad that with this set of episodes, ADV didn?t decide to take the route of only giving us four, as you?ll see by the end of the third one which leaves you somewhat breathless and waiting with anticipation.
There is at least one slight shock, and that is the unpredicted departure of one of the supporting cast members. It?s not one of those situations where they are just forgotten, but it truly is one of the more emotional parts of the series. I?ve also been very interested in the slow character development of Kisaragi, the director of the music school and Reika?s former manager. Although she has come across as being a little cold, there seems to be something more there, and obviously something from her past that is tying everything and everyone together. But, it seems like it may be heading to a foreseeable conclusion.
After doing some research, I did find that in Japan, Chance Pop Session was actually marketed more towards a female audience. Although I can definitely see this, I can really help but like the series. Unfortunately, there?s only one volume after this, but getting close to the end has been half the fun. Think of this is the more positive side of the music industry, which, if you?ve ever been involved with it, is a very vicious and cruel beast. And who knows, if you?re one of those that has to sit and endure the torture of the deplorable American Idol, maybe you can convince your significant other to take a trip into the world of Japanese pop music. At least these girls can sing on key.
Episode 6 ? Memory
Akari and Yuki learn of their connection, and celebrate their new connection and bond. Their heartfelt reunion is hastily put aside though, as tragedy strikes close to home, leaving Akari in a state of despondence.
Episode 7 ? Resonance
Akari, still trying to cope with her tragic loss, receives a visit from a kindred sprit, which helps relieve her and brings her back into the fold. With an anniversary contest coming up from a record label, Kisaragi unites the three girls as the vocal group R3. Aside from the other competition, their other rival will be the malicious Jun, whom Kisaragi has decided will perform as a solo act.
Episode 8 ? Audition
The girls prepare to take part in the 30th Anniversary Showcase for M&K Record Corporations Rookie Competition. The grand prize is a recording contract, but the competition will be tough. Jun is determined to win though, and will do whatever is necessary to secure the deal for herself. Even in the face of adversity, and on the brink of giving up, the girls are visited by ?Chance? and find the internal strength to not give in to failure.
Episode 9 ? Blindly
After having won the competition, R3 begins preparations to head into the studio. The stress and tiring schedule of constant practice takes its toll on Nozomi however, and she falls horribly ill. Determined that his daughter will not be taken away from the family, Nozomi?s father makes the decision to move away from Japan with his daughter in tow. But, the realization of the bond and commitment that the three share may very well be enough to chance his mind.
Posted on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 (Archive on Tuesday, March 11, 2003)