D4DJ: First Mix (First Impression)

Posted on November 19, 2020 by KiritoNarukami 2 comments

Studios: SANZIGEN

Source: Original

Genres: Music

Synposis: “Having moved back to Japan from abroad, Rinku Aimoto transfers to Yoba Academy where DJing is popular. She is deeply moved by a DJ concert she sees there, and decides to form a unit of her own with Maho Akashi, Muni Ohnaruto, and Rei Togetsu. While interacting with the other DJ units like Peaky P-key and Photon Maiden, Rinku and her friends aim for the high stage.”

-ANN

First Impression:

If you’re familiar with Bang Dream! then I’m sure you’ll be familiar with the format that D4DJ presents itself. I’ll post a little snippet of what I wrote for my Anime Selection Post:

This is a multimedia project (similar to Bang Dream: Girls Band Party) and will feature a full season anime, a mobile game, and live concerts (well…probably virtual at this point but you get the idea) with the voice actors.

There are 6 bands total and the anime will more than likely focus on the origin story of one and give the others cameo moments throughout the anime

A YouTube Channel will be releasing content on a regular basis to keep the audience engaged (there are already a large number of songs and promotional videos released)

That more or less sums up the D4DJ project but how interesting is the anime? Let’s dive in!

After a quick flashback scene the show jumps right into the opening sequence and I. CAN’T. GET. ENOUGH! The flashy colors, the compositions, the different music style integrations to include snippets of the other groups. It blends seamlessly much like when a DJ transitions from one song into another. To be honest, as a DJ hobbyist, I was unsure about the combination of idols and DJs, but already I’m convinced that this is something that will continue to be dynamic and entertaining.

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The first full performance in the episode (we’re not going to count the flashback because it was over in like 30 seconds…) is by Peaky P-Key! I have to admit, I didn’t quite know what to expect regarding these shows but I was honestly blown away at the quality production in not only the music and sound design, but also in choreography, the visuals and the camera work. A lot of thought and time went in to this and for there to be six groups each with their own performances and sets of songs? All while developing an origin story for one of those groups? Saying that this is impressive would be an understatement! I’ll also add the video to the performance from the anime below (it also has a bit of gameplay from the mobile game towards the end if you’re interested!).

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I love how technical the show gets, understanding BPM is a BIG aspect of DJing, There are other ways to create a nice transition but this is definitely in the right direction. A lot of good signs in this first episode that leads me to think that D4DJ will make this strange idol and DJ/EDM combination work! I’m excited to see what other performances are in store for us!

And lastly, let’s appreciate equipment aesthetic! The attention to detail is important and D4DJ nails it, you can clearly tell that this is a CDJ, a mixer in the middle with the volume sliders and the frequency filter knobs and the two decks on either side of the mixer itself! I wish my school had a DJ room with CDJ and speakers that anyone could practice on!

Recommendation:

YES

Everything from the music, to the visual appeal, and all the way to the characters, everything about D4DJ is new and exciting! If you love EDM, idol anime, or just a big fan of anime rhythm games, D4DJ will be keep you dancing and jamming all night long!

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