√ D4DJ First Mix - Series Review

Alternative Title: Dig Delight Direct Drive DJ

↓ Spoilers Ahead ↓

「 A quote from this series 」

"Connecting and getting higher and hyper. That's what a DJ does."

「 The Review 」

Synopsis

Four high school girls formed a DJ unit and instantly became one of the favorites on their campus.

Story

Watching this anime will teach you the basics of how to be a DJ, or even forming your own unit if you would like to try that. From having a vocalist, composer, etc.

If you're into techno music or any mix-genre with an upbeat sound, you'll definitely enjoy the songs here as well.

At the time when they were composing new songs for a competition, I felt their passion to achieve the best they can do. And in the end, really try hard to be the winner.

The ending teaser was really unexpected. I don't know if the next show would be about the past of the bar owner, or it will be about boy groups this time.

One thing I got really curious about was where they got their costumes. After being a quad unit, they suddenly had a very unique set of clothes. It's one of this show's mysteries we'll probably never know.

Characters

Rinku had a bubbly and energetic personality, even if I don't like the quality of animation, I'm still enjoying the show because of her and the rest of the cast. Her VA suits her very well too.

She also likes to give seashells to her friends, which was actually cool. In my honest opinion, I think it's a great thing to not give any materialistic item if we want to be friends with someone.

Maho on the other hand has an attitude of a leader, I'm not sure if there's such a role in their group, but if there was, I think it will be her.

Muni and Rei were a bit shy to express their real feelings, but, both of them really strived to create the best visuals and melody they can produce, respectively.

Lastly, I like how the characters here were supporting each other, even if in some sense they are rivals.

Writing / Storyboarding

The comedy concepts here were so lit, an example was how the bar owner likes to add background music suitable for the mood every time the squad was there in his cafe. Also, the awkward silence at episode 4 when Maho asked for the plushie's name was hilarious.

Episode 7 had a different vibe from the episodes that came first. It had an amazing performance at the end and a bit more drama than the rest. Speaking of drama, episode 12's rap battle between Rinku and Muni was the most tear-jerker scene.

Artwork / Animation

The opening credits were really creative. And the costume designs for each unit looked really great, especially the ones from Photon Maiden:

The animation for the choreography from every performance was also done well.

Music / Sound

The background music in episode 12 which features Muni and Riku in the scenes was particularly soothing.

While also listening to their first original song, the next thing I know, I was stomping to its beat.

"WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Toki Niwa Okoseyo Movement~" by Nana Mizuki & Raychell was definitely an addictive song, and 'cause of that, I never skipped the ending credits. And just for additional information, it's actually a cover song. You can find the original on YouTube, performed by H Jungle With T.

Episode Ratings

1 - First Mix - 4.5
2 - Next Step - 4.5
3 - Only Me - 5
4 - Make My Song - 5
5 - One and Only - 4
6 - Fall Camp - 3.5
7 - Holy Gifts - 4
8 - Dear Friend - 4
9 - Encounter With Light - 5
10 - Brand New World - 4.5
11 - Voice of Evolution - 5
12 - Childhood Friends - 5
13 - Groovy Mix - 4

PS: Episodes 2, 5, and 11 have after-credit scenes. And uh... the male doll at the cafe was a bit spooky:

「 Series Rating 」

An otaku since the mid-90's. I consider Evangelion as the most influential anime. My favorite classic films are Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away.