K-ON!season 2 eps 1

Okay, here we go again! K-ON!! returns with an extra exclamation mark (a completely unoriginal sequel-titling-tactic already undergone by the likes of Himawari! and such) signifying the second season. That means more time for music and more after school tea time and cake. Speaking of HTT, it’s an unsurprising move that the OP/ED sequences would use their official band name instead of generic placeholder “Sakurakou K-ON Bu.” I’ll be reviewing the episodes pretty much the same as before. Thanks to Gene for backing me up last year, but wish me look on carrying the hold thing on my own this season. That being said, let’s get a MOVE-ON! //bad pun
[ OP Theme - "GO! GO! MANIAC" by Houkago Tea Time ]

That’s one wild OP there. I can see that KyoAni put a lot of attention to animation and detail in here. I’m guessing the 360 camera thing was where all the budget went to the most. I think it goes a bit too fast for me, as if the song wasn’t fast enough, so it’s a bit hard to get used to right now. I still say “Cagayake!GIRLS” had it just right if KyoAni had just done some actual new scenes once Azusa joined. That’s not to say I don’t like this OP though. It’s zany and fun like it should be, despite the fact that it’s simply replicating the old OP.

I thought the episode started out really well with Yui in the clubroom practicing “Watashi no Koi wa Hotchkiss,” which by the way sounds incredible when it’s guitar only. While she’s playing, we see the other girls meeting up and heading towards school. Quite reminiscent of the first episode. For anyone who happens to be new to the show for some strange reason, Yui makes it easy for everyone by introducing the band in a nutshell. Spot-on with everyone really, especially about Mio. It’s been a year since we last saw them, but they don’t feel or look any older. Yui tries to prove Ritsu wrong by parting her hair to the side, but the girls don’t really see the difference. I for one think she looks a bit more mature like that. Maybe I’m the only one. I think it’s safe to say though that even if they’ve grown a little, they’re still the same characters we know and love.

Now, being seniors and all, 4/5 of them at least, the girls are looking to recruit more members for the light music club. Pretty much what this entire episode is about. An episode focused on recruiting a member? Sounds familiar, wouldn’t you say? Yup, first episode of the previous season all over again. Even the part where the girls are all thinking the same thing about Azusa was just like how Mio, Ritsu, and Tsumugi were plotting to get Yui to join the band. It was a pretty bland episode, but it was a nice refresher to the show at least, and I think that’s what’s important here. I did love the stupid schemes the girls came up with to get new members. They probably would have gotten away with it if Mugi spoke sooner about the cookies. Yui using her low-pitched voice was hilarious as well. Fission mailed. The occult clubroom was pretty random, but that’s probably why I laughed at that. Thank goodness Mio wasn’t there. So HTT actually has one, count ‘em ONE, new song, but we won’t be hearing that until later I assume. I’m still a bit mad they copped out with the performance again. The brief seconds where we see Sawako playing the piano was great though, and the school anthem sounds genuine and lovely. But you know, hearing it and watching the scene (Yui picking up flowers) made it feel more like it was a graduation thing. Overall, nothing really special. I’m just glad I get to watch this in glorious HD instead of the crap SD 4:3 res last year.
[ ED Theme - "Listen!!" by Houkago Tea Time ]

In a word, the ED is glamorous. The girls drop their gothic lolita attire for more trendy, hip fashion, which I think makes them look more like a real band than anything else (it also makes it easier to cosplay them now). While I enjoyed their “Don’t say ‘lazy’” outfits, I could easily get used to the getup they have here as it makes them look much more mature (even Azu-nyan). I particularly like what Mugi is sporting, with the sailor’s hat, jacket, shirt, and dress. Very stylish. The sequence is a little bit on the weird side, but it does give off the impression of a PV. I’m not sure what’s the deal with that Mio-look-alike and the giant piece of cake, but then again, Japanese PVs never really made a lot of sense in the first place. Hiyocchi’s vocals are as strong as always and I very much prefer to watch this ED more than “Don’t say ‘lazy.’” Again, probably the only one who thinks that. The girls may not go out with a blaze of glory, but with the clothing they’re rockin’, I feel satisfied already.