Search - Shiro Sagisu :: His & Her Circumstances - Act 2.0

Evolving circumstances

Eric Pidkameny | Seattle, WA | 04/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"His and Her Circumstances: Act 2.0 offers more of the anime's high-quality soundtrack from series composer Shiro Sagisu and a host of talented musicians.



Those expecting a repeat of Act 1.0's upbeat style (excellent in its own right) may be disappointed, as this CD's overall mood is more melancholy and introspective. To be fair, though, the music is true to the anime's plot; His and Her Circumstances is definitely about more than wacky good times, especially as the series continues. The characters grow up physically and emotionally, struggling with love, depression, and identity crisis, and the music reflects it. Standout tracks include "Yukino Miyazawa IV (Piano)", "Into a Dream V (Strings)" and "A Lonely Figure (Slow Serene)," all quietly beautiful.



But don't think the CD's nothing but moody teenage blues. There's plenty of nervous energy in "Running about in Confusion" and "Sudden Change," and it's hard to resist smiling at the brassily triumphant "Into a Dream IV," or "S.O.S." as performed by the series' voice actors. "Taking it Easy" is classic lazy music, and "Clear Oneself of the Charge" is country-fried fun. There's enough variety to please all but the most impatient listeners.



If Act 1.0 was a wild first date, then Act 2.0 is like the serious relationship that follows, with all the highs and the lows. Fans of the series and Act 1.0 would do well to pick this one up."

Very disappointed

J. J. Huang | Elkridge, MD USA | 01/17/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Stick with Act 1.0. Most of the tunes on here are remakes, and poorly at that. They're slower paced and borders on morose and depressing. They do add a couple of tunes throughout that are upbeat, almost hyperactive. Still, it's a boring and bland soundtrack that wasn't worth listening to even once. It just didn't convey the feeling of the anime in it. Well, maybe all the teenage angst. It's like all the re-cap episodes - you'll watch them the first time to see if there's ANYTHING new or revealing, find there isn't, and you have no desire whatsoever to watch them again.



If you REALLY must buy this, wait till it hits the discount rack. I just wish they had previews for these tunes before I bought it."