angela - Alternative PV (Asura Cryin’ 2 OP) November 20
The single for Asura Cryin’ 2’s opening theme “Alternative” was released two days ago. Along with the limited edition version came the PV for the song you see above. While Asura Cryin’ isn’t a series being covered here, I have been following it since the first season’s debut back in spring. It’s never a series I get terribly excited about, but the story has taken an interesting turn with all the first world / second world stuff going on now. Originally, I was a bit overwhelmed with the number of characters and student councils introduced early on, and a bit underwhelmed with no clear indication of where the story was going, but the insanely diverse cast that stars the likes of Irino Miyu (Saji Crossroad in Gundam 00, Zwei in Phantom), Tomatsu Haruka, Tanaka Rie, and Nonaka Ai kept me watching. I’ll refrain from potentially spoiling anything from here on, but thought I’d share one of the many songs the Japanese pop band angela performs for the series.
Comprised primarily of atsuko and KATSU (angela is the group name and not the vocalist’s), the group was formed in 1993 and started as street performers before debuting in 1999. However, it wasn’t until 2002 that they had a breakthrough via anime, which allowed their musical careers to really get going. In my case, I didn’t know of the group’s existence until last year when I heard their songs in Shikabane Hime, but was quickly hooked on their upbeat OP/ED songs “Beautiful fighter” and “My story” there. As such, when I learned that they were performing the songs for Asura Cryin’, checking out the series was a given. That said, I still don’t like “Alternative” as much as the aforementioned songs, nor season one’s opening “Spiral”, but it does sound pretty good when the pace picks up.
As for the PV itself, KATSU’s visual-kei-like style and flamboyant behaviour are still kind of creepy to me, but they actually make him look younger than atsuko. I’m not a big fan of the blond wig atsuko’s wearing, but there are parts where she doesn’t have it on. In any case, I’m pretty indifferent to their appearance and more into their music, which is kind of special since they write, compose, and perform it themselves, being former music school students and all. Included below is the opening sequence for the series, which those of you who aren’t watching it may want to check out.
Mearex at 8:37 pm on November 20th, 2009
one word, weird
Giostz at 8:38 pm on November 20th, 2009
Cant wait for season 2
divine at 8:40 pm on November 20th, 2009
Season 2’s airing right now by the way. This is from it.
Sinax at 8:47 pm on November 20th, 2009
I am glad I stuck with this series from the start, it’s so good right now. Trying to get a friend to get past the first few episodes. He doesn’t believe me
Asuka3 at 9:25 pm on November 20th, 2009
*O* What a great song !! But Kanata no Delight is better xD
Harbin at 10:53 pm on November 20th, 2009
Asura cryin’ is not bad, especially since season 2 picked up a lot.
X-3 at 11:17 pm on November 20th, 2009
Ah, good to hear the full version. I’ve been looking forward to it since I first heard the OP.
I wasn’t too impressed by the first season, but the second season has been pretty nice so far.
Karis at 11:26 pm on November 20th, 2009
Angela wrote quite some good songs, and the albums from their earlier times are hard to get though. Their latest album ‘Land Ho!’ have the full version of the 2nd and 3rd ED songs of Shikabane Hime series as well. I was especially drawn to their previous anime song from Jinki:Extend- “Mirai to Yuu na no Kotae”. I listen to that song the most at the time. Their songs can be found in torrent or Gendou, but if you are patient with the torrent version, its all worth it.
http://gendou.com/amusic/?filter=angela&page=1
llxwarbirdxll at 11:27 pm on November 20th, 2009
I always envisioned atsuko as a middle-aged woman, what with her voice and all. Slightly disappointed…
monochrome at 12:05 am on November 21st, 2009
I’ve taken a liking to angela ever since I heard their songs for Soukyuu no Fafner. “Peace of Mind” from the special for the series was pretty amazing.
Cherubium at 12:46 am on November 21st, 2009
I still don’t understand what is going on with Asura Cryin’ it makes my brain hurt trying to understand it.
Liberta at 1:06 am on November 21st, 2009
Ok, I have been hearing a lot of mixed messages about this series. From what I read from this blog, as well as other blogs/reviewers/AniDB, is that Asura Cryin’ Season 01 is not worth watching and with the arrival of Season 02, people are kinda like 50/50 about the series.
Basically, I need help from you guys to decide if I should watch this series. What makes it worth watching or what makes this series that makes the viewer ’stick with it to the end’? I hope to hear from you guys very soon =D
bakaranger at 1:11 am on November 21st, 2009
I first heard Angela back when the Stellvia Of The Universe anime came out in 2003 have been a fan ever since. Considering how popular it was when it first aired, it really makes me feel old that many anime fans today don’t even know the series.
Asura Cryin’ is certainly a weird series. Even now, I’m not sure if I like it or not, seems like my opinion changes every episode or two.
Rinne at 1:24 am on November 21st, 2009
I’m in the same boat as bakaranger. Been a fan of angela since Stellvia, and likewise feel old.
KATSU is too awesome.
Kyon at 1:50 am on November 21st, 2009
One of the best songs this season if you ask me, maybe only Railgun’s op can do better.
If someone’s interested, we’re doing Asura reviews xD
BROOKLYN otaku at 1:54 am on November 21st, 2009
nice, plus i think its time i let eps 3-8 go on auto-play, nothing against the series “well..aside from the cheesy CGI” but there’s alot of other decent stuff out , havent had a chance.
i second dat monochrome!!
bewdz at 2:33 am on November 21st, 2009
In reference to what Liberta said, yes, Asura is a series with an aquired taste.
Personally, I am enjoying the series, but I also acknoledge its problems at the same time, such as the inconsistanties of the animation quality and the main plot. However, laying under that is a solid story foundation (multiple universes) and interesting characters which very much pique my interest and keeps me coming back.
Expect a mixed bag if you intend to watch this series, whether or not you enjoy will depend on your tastes and whether or not you can get through it knowing that theres a lot which wont be explained until a lot later or may go with little explanation at all.
Laurenq at 12:42 pm on November 21st, 2009
I’m glad this song is being broadcasted on here.
I love it, and I’m glad some other people can hear it for once.
Justin Olbrantz (Quantam) at 3:37 pm on November 21st, 2009
Link (Asura Cryin’ ED) was awesome, and Spiral (OP) wasn’t bad. This one would be substantially better if it had significantly less words; you can probably figure out which part I’m referring to - it really annoys me.
I posted Link and Spiral on my blog when the series first aired, but the links I had have been DMCAed by now.
gundamjehutykai at 3:40 pm on November 21st, 2009
I’ve been a fan of ANGELA since their “big Break” with Ashita he no Brilliant road, The opening for Stellvia of the universe (awesome show!!) just like some of the other commentors,
But I will agree with Divine (for once) that their faster paced songs are much better than the slow ones, like separation, the ending song for Soukyuu no fafner.
But I prefer the ED for Season 2 over the OP. Spiral is better than both tho.
As for Asura Cryin’ I loved the first season, but the second is taking a little too long to get going properly. I fear that the ending is going to be rushed…