UlasanAnime.com – The mid-2023 TV anime (or web anime) Bang Dream: MyGO!!!!! is a truly remarkable work, though the viewing experience for this reviewer was somewhat unconventional. After an initial attempt and failure to get into the series within the first two episodes during its airing, followed by attending a live performance by the actual band, a rewatch of the first seven episodes, and another live performance, the series was finally completed.
For starters, Bang Dream: MyGO!!!!! is a series that benefits greatly from being binged. The non-linear narrative structure can be a disservice to the series until viewers reach episode three. MyGO’s primary strength, much like other character-driven series, lies in building emotional investment through its characters. Without this connection, the dramatic “ball hiding” or “mystery” elements remain too superficial to be compelling. Until the viewer begins to care, the desire to know what happens next is diminished. This is why the retrospective storytelling of the backstory finally makes the series accessible and engaging.
Spoilers ahead.
What truly elevated the experience of MyGO for this reviewer were the incredible music, lyric, and reading performances. The fundamental rendering of the “Girls Band” ideal builds upon what the rest of the Bang Dream series arguably lacks – is the music truly what the band is about? It’s not solely about performative spectacle, but rather about reconciliation and introspection. The raw emotions depicted in the MyGO anime created compelling drama, which in turn fueled powerful performances that distilled all those emotions into a piercing impact. The performance transcends mere showmanship or a plot device; it becomes an integral part of the overarching theme.
This stands in stark contrast to Ave Musica’s glamorous display towards the end of the series. While it is thematically consistent with the ongoing character drama within the MyGO anime, and undeniably impressive, it lacks originality. This observation applies to many of Bang Dream’s other bands as well. This isn’t necessarily a criticism, but in a landscape filled with high-quality, albeit similar, corporate bands, MyGO offers a refreshingly unique perspective.
It is fitting that MyGO is named after a group of girls who are lost in their life’s direction. It’s also quite ironic that, thematically, those who don’t ask for directions are often the ones who are most lost. This theme of a lack of communication permeates the drama and the plot of the series.
The voice acting performances, particularly in Japanese, significantly enhanced the anime. Hina Yomiya, the voice of Tomori Takematsu, delivers exceptional vocals, both in the anime and during live concerts. Her voice carries a palpable emotional weight. However, for the most part, the other cast members’ performances were found to be grating. Even Coco Hayashi’s portrayal of the snippy Taki fell somewhat short in this reviewer’s opinion. The supporting cast from other Bang Dream bands does make appearances throughout the series.
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The refreshing solo performances by Tomori likely resonated with long-time fans, evoking a sense of raw power, emotion, and uniqueness that distinguishes MyGO from other offerings within the Bang Dream franchise. It is therefore disappointing to note that, for the most part, this distinctiveness does not carry over to MyGO!!!!! as a band on platforms like Spotify or within the games. It remains another band, crafted with a similar vision to others, cut from the same cloth. This can lead to a moment of reflection, akin to the CRYCHIC experience for MyGO anime fans, where the beloved entity feels frozen in time, ending abruptly and unexpectedly, through no fault of its own.
