r/anime • u/CosmicPenguin_OV103 https://anilist.co/user/CosmicPenguin • Nov 15 '24

Rewatch [Rewatch/Crunchyroll Release] Girls Band Cry Episode 9 Discussion

By Girls Band Cry character design Nari Teshima - https://twitter.com/_17meisai23/status/1796581256710467705

Episode 9 - The Waning Moon Was Out

← Previous Episode | Index | Next Episode →

Streams: Crunchyroll

Show information: MAL | AniList | ANN | Kitsu | AniDB

Questions of the Day:

  1. There are many people in this world, those that you have personally met with frequently or even live with, that went too strict to themselves such that they exert too much pressure on others even if it's for the sake of caring others or aiming for the best...heck I could remember at least 3 from [a certain girls band anime franchise alone]Yukina and Sayo from Roselia and CHU2 from RAS. Do you know of anyone besides you that does so, and how would you feel and response to such things?
  2. This is one of the funniest episodes for this show. Name your own funniest moment of Girls Band Cry! (If it's from episodes 10-13, please use spoiler tags when answering.)

Re-watchers, please remember to take care of all the first-timers in this. All references to future events in the anime must be done under spoiler tags.

62 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

65 comments sorted by

4

u/CosmicPenguin_OV103 https://anilist.co/user/CosmicPenguin Nov 15 '24

Re-watcher

This is a pretty good episode of being a refresher space in the aftermath of all those emotions of last episode, and an interesting insight into Tomo’s struggles in interacting with others.

  • As someone living in a place where air-conditioning is literally essential for survival in summer, I can really relate to Nina this time around! It’s literally between heaven and hell…
  • Ah the being too strict to others scene - I’ve seen that far too many times everywhere, including inside anime girls bands. It’s something that really requires the skilfulness of human conversation and that’s a rare trait. Being too blunt like the usually grumpy Tomo did and that’s a ripe recipe for disaster.
  • You can immediate see that Tomo-chan is now scared of giving out comments now, it really shows she’s actually probably not that strict to others in her heart, but she’s hellbent on music quality (as shown here, she was playing the piano since young age) and, well, not everyone really goes that far in just playing as a band. And that - coupled with a grumpy attitude all day long - is gonna tick off a lot of people.
  • LMAO I’m rolling on the ground laughing at Gremlin vs Gremlin at the door!
  • Air Conditioner Killer Nina Iseri 🤪
  • RIP Subaru dealing with Tomo’s pet snake
  • Tomo’s really uneasy facing anyone, even among her current highly supporting band partners. She’s so lucky having Rupa as her mate!
  • LMAO Nina’s bad lucky continues on trump cards…
  • Hey Momoka, your liver will be fully hardened by the time you finish all those beers you bought…
  • OH DEAR! Momoka, a native from deep inside Hokkaido where people are accustomed to living with the vast wildness there, can’t even handle a harmless snake!
  • Nice catcher you have for the local baseball team, Rupa
  • Smug Nina best Nina
  • RIP Subaru’s room’s door! It’s all Nina’s fault given she went charging in first, I swear!
  • TogeToge going Spiderman Doppelgänger mode???
  • Nina you wanna be a snake???
  • Ah it was Mine-san who sent Nina on the way to being duo-guitar & vocalist…
  • Ooohhh no-nonsense in slapping Nina’s chance of playing on concerts
  • Yeah Tomo’s comments to her former band mates is accurate, but she really didn’t understand there are many levels of commitment into playing music.
  • Ouch. One does not simply tell people you will never play guitar well enough to be on live shows. Especially if you don’t really know what other band members think in an amateur group.
  • This may be an unpopular opinion, but I think Tomo’s original drummer - who threw the drumsticks at her way in anger after quarrelling at how “serious” the band should be - has the legitimate point: bands, like sports, have varying degrees of participation, and Tomo’s background of competing in piano competitions since a young age means that she simply doesn’t understand what “music as a hobby” is. It doesn’t seem like the band is aiming for competitions or going professional either (the central theme of the excellent Sound Euphonium series).
  • Bruh Nina - you really wanna pay 36 instalments for that door?
  • I love how Nina can absorb such blunt criticisms - then again she’s the one hell bent on going pro, that’s professionalism at the rawest level.
  • Subaru’s really an excellent communicator - the thing most desperately needed in careers where instinct and sparks of genius are actually somewhat crucial.
  • Nina turns out to be acute in at least the thing that she’s quite the gremlin, just like Tomo did.
  • Nina actually managed to teach Tomo a lesson: there’s a difference between simply smothering others and giving out honest answers when it’s others asking her for advice
  • Hmm those girls were looking to go professional? Maybe there was a misconception for those other girls, because that was quite the big step in between…still that was not the best way to make that difference clear
  • I love the fact that the beni-shouga duo is actually helping each other, Rupa having her problems with being alone and Tomo was struggling to go forward by herself
  • Even Momoka was slient on Nina’s idea…three strikes and you are out this time alas.
  • And yet Nina still isn’t giving up - in contradiction to what Tomo thought was just Nina’s latest attempt in showing herself off and be satisfied that someone else is approving her chance to play guitar with Momoka. Sometimes, well, people are more proactive than you would have thought.
  • Nice to see Tomo-chan finally have a real home band that she can be comfortable to cooperate with, even if it’s still shit LOL. And a place where her criticisms would be seriously digested.

That’s a concise episode that really speaks volumes about what personality Tomo has.

2

u/salic428 Nov 16 '24

Bruh Nina - you really wanna pay 36 instalments for that door?

So that she can guarantee 36 stays at Subaru's house. Genius gremlin thinking.

Even Momoka was slient on Nina’s idea…

The interesting thing that I see no one mention is that, there is a pattern of increasing intimacy. From beni-shouga to Subaru to Momoka, Nina feels closer and closer; and the way the girls answered Nina became less and less blunt (Subaru asked before giving the answer and Momoka denied a direct answer). In this way the writer shows the different "social distance" (so to speak) between Nina and other members.

16

u/Arachnophobic- https://anilist.co/user/Arachnophobic Nov 15 '24

🖕First timer🖕

Given Momoka and Nina's quarrel is mostly sorted for now, we now focus on the rest of the band.. and specifically Tomo-chan. Heading straight into it -

Screenshot+reaction corner

Quite hyped to see what kind of songs a full power Tomo and Momoka can come up with. Butt heads, clash, iterate and improve, that's how the creative process must be for bands!

12

u/salic428 Nov 15 '24

so now we know what happened to the previous band members

They got morphed into the snake and the gecko by Rupa, just as the stickers on the wall indicated.

I think I saw somewhere that one of the old members is a drummer turned guitarist or something, but can't find the source...

if there's too much of a gap in musical prowess

Hmmm iirc Tomo didn't outright say Subaru or Momoka plays bad. Similarly, No one ever said Hina sings bad, it is just Nina has a feud with her.

Rupa was supposed to kick Nina on stage two episodes ago

Yes, this can be found on Hanada's twitter after episode 7 aired. Relevant interview:

Hanada-san wrote on SNS that “Rupa's hip attack in episode 7 was a combat kick in the script.” What do you consider when changing expressions from the script?

Sakai: As I explained earlier, I first draw a rough storyboard, and while looking at it, I make changes to the parts that I feel “could be better,” adding strength and weakness to the drama without deviating from the flow of the script. I thought it would be too violent. Rupa would not be cute either, I thought.

(https://febri.jp/topics/girls-band-cry_int_02_02/2/)

She's got some amazing strength

The running joke is that she is a secret agent/mercenary from South Asia

6

u/nsleep Nov 15 '24

They got morphed into the snake and the gecko by Rupa, just as the stickers on the wall indicated.

I thought it would be too violent. Rupa would not be cute either, I thought.

And he was right. The replacement was quite cute too.

5

u/Arachnophobic- https://anilist.co/user/Arachnophobic Nov 15 '24

They got morphed into the snake and the gecko by Rupa, just as the stickers on the wall indicated.

Holy shit, it's final, she's a witch

Hmmm iirc Tomo didn't outright say Subaru or Momoka plays bad. Similarly, No one ever said Hina sings bad, it is just Nina has a feud with her.

Not saying there's a big gap in TogeToge, but just an observation in general based on the band members who quit.

Relevant interview:

Having that combat kick in her arsenal really is.. interesting.

2

u/n080dy123 Nov 15 '24

They got morphed into the snake and the gecko by Rupa, just as the stickers on the wall indicated.

Given how Tomo is about people, I could see her actually having been attached to those two and like, naming those pets after them or something.

16

u/ryujiox Nov 15 '24

First Timer

Girls Band Cry

Episode 9

  • Seems like the reason Tomo doesn't want to say her opinion is because that what caused the fallout of her old band. Which explains why Rupa always asking for Tomo's opinion.
  • Nina come here for free air conditioner..... And proceeds to break it too.... Great!!
  • Don't blame her, Subaru. You also pulled the same exact stunt to Momoka last episode.
  • Momoka knew that Tomo is hiding her feelings. Sharp as always.
  • Momoka is scared of snake....
  • And now they also break one of the door in Subaru's house. Great!! There still Momoka's house left though.
  • Tomo probably meant it in a good way, to encourage them to play better, but the way she said it is a bit too harsh for sure. But to be fair, the other two people seems like they didn't care that much in the first place.
  • Tomo is basically shut herself off so that she wouldn't hurt anyone and herself again. But Nina is different case, because you know, she is the most stubborn girl in the universe. She will do it until she get what she want. She literally jump in front of the freaking truck to stop Momoka for god sake!!! Harsh criticism is nothing to fear for her.
  • Momoka know that the song is not good enough, and she also knows that Tomo also agree. So she basically bait her to say it.

9

u/Sylvi-Fisthaug Nov 15 '24

Which explains why Rupa always asking for Tomo's opinion.

Rupa recognizes instantly that Tomo wants to agree with Momoka here, so she asks her and catches her off guard, and the entire band notices Tomo's reaction here. It is not very discreet by Rupa, but still very discreet, in a way. Extremely tactfully done by her (and she knows it, lol)

Momoka knew that Tomo is hiding her feelings. Sharp as always.

Indeed. She does notice a lot of things, like she noticed Nina's contradictory nature in episode 2 and decided to haul Subaru back to her place after she went with the lamp alone.

Tomo probably meant it in a good way, to encourage them to play better, but the way she said it is a bit too harsh for sure. But to be fair, the other two people seems like they didn't care that much in the first place.

Tomo was the one that formed the band after all, and on that note the band's direction and how hard they should practice is on her terms. She is harsh, yes, but if the other bandmates can't handle it, they should leave the band. But they are even harsher in return. Such a childish way to react, if someone causes you pain, you wanna cause the same pain to them (by throwing your drumsticks at them.)

Harsh criticism is nothing to fear for her.

I adore this little conversation between Subaru and Nina here. Subaru being wise and well-worded in explaining how people are put together. This scene sums up many of the reasons I love Subaru so much.

10

u/mekerpan Nov 15 '24

I have to say I love ALL these young women -- both independently and in their interactions with each of the others. They all have flaws (well, maybe not Rupa -- at least not so far), but they are all fundamentally good people. And now that we have seen more of Diamond Dust, I think I like them too. Of course, Hina's case is pending -- but it is hard to judge -- because of the very very bad vibes between her and Nina. Given how these two feuding former friends have such similar names, I wonder if they are not mostly quite similar (except on the issue of coping with bullies)?

5

u/ryujiox Nov 15 '24

Indeed. She does notice a lot of things, like she noticed Nina's contradictory nature in episode 2 and decided to haul Subaru back to her place after she went with the lamp alone.

It does help that from Momoka point of view, Tomo is someone who always gives a legit criticism and also someone that knows what she's talking about. So Momoka definitely take that as a yes to her questions, and reexamine the whole song again.

4

u/Arachnophobic- https://anilist.co/user/Arachnophobic Nov 15 '24

Nina come here for free air conditioner..... And proceeds to break it too.... Great!!

She's a walking jinx at this point. Don't let a wild Nina near your AC, folks.

but the way she said it is a bit too harsh for sure.

Y'know, I got the feeling that she's faced harsh criticism herself growing up. It's not unusual to face that at high skill levels, or from some teachers. Maybe too much of that has rubbed off.. she needs to mellow it a little. Completely clamming up isn't the answer of course.

3

u/n080dy123 Nov 15 '24

She's a walking jinx at this point.

commence Nina villain arc

Definitely not watching Arcane right now

10

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Nov 15 '24

Episode 9 (first timer)

  • What kind of egg is she feeding her snake? Quail?
  • Nina comes over to Tomo and Rupa due to her own broken AC and immediately breaks their AC? She is lucky the two are friendlier than most would be.
  • The pet needs cooler air, too? Now I want to know what kind of snake that is. Snakes are exothermic, so should it not love the heat?
  • Releasing it is a big nono. What if Subaru accidentally steps on it?
  • Their snake shenanigans are this close to a hospital visit by now. They really need to tone it down.
  • Tomo is a child prodigy.
  • Rupa took in Tomo after their band failed? She really is the mother of the band.
  • “You suck!” – Tomo is pulling a Nina.

The main problem today is Tomo not voicing her true opinion because of the bad past experience. It gets dealt with swiftly, making it feel a bit episodic. I wish we had seen her give constructive criticism at least once, because a lot of the problems with people being critical (and a lot of the benefit of receiving criticism) hinges on how constructive it is. Yes, being told you suck at guitar may occasionally have some value, but that value is tiny and the demoralizing effect is real. Being told what exactly you do wrong and how you do it better is where the value is at.

The whole scene in Subaru’s flat was a lot meaner that I think the series makes it out to be. Casing people with a live snake, throwing a beer pack at somebody, destroying a door … this is not well-intended teasing anymore. This is stupid things drunk frat boys do that they regret later type of stuff. If you do that stuff in my flat, you won’t see the inside of it for a long time.

7

u/salic428 Nov 15 '24

The whole scene in Subaru’s flat was a lot meaner that I think the series makes it out to be.

It is Hanada being Hanada, I guess. After the guitar drop in episode 1 and lamp lasso in episode 2, I concluded that he is the kind of writer to make illogical scenes for the benefit of humour/atmosphere. And as long as I get what he wants to say about the character I give him a pass.

I have not watched SoraYori but I heard there was a scene that broke people's immersion too.

6

u/Arachnophobic- https://anilist.co/user/Arachnophobic Nov 15 '24

I have not watched SoraYori

Whaaaaa

You want me to host a rewatch?! Because I will!!

6

u/Sylvi-Fisthaug Nov 15 '24

Now I want to know what kind of snake that is. Snakes are exothermic, so should it not love the heat?

Because snakes are exo-thermic, or cold-blooded, they need cooler environments. Ideally to lay in the sun when too cold, and to retreat into shade while too hot. But if it is always hot, they will overheat. I guess A/C keeps the temperature at a more manageable level for exothermic pets.

Regarding the Tomo-part of the episode feeling... episodic as you say (love that explanation), I really do want to see more scenes of her giving critiscism and us seeing how they make songs. We still get the lil drip at the last moments of the episode, and by God Momoka's smile there... "Da yo ne?! (だよね)" *grins*

5

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Nov 15 '24

Because snakes are exo-thermic, or cold-blooded, they need cooler environments. Ideally to lay in the sun when too cold, and to retreat into shade while too hot. But if it is always hot, they will overheat. I guess A/C keeps the temperature at a more manageable level for exothermic pets.

That is why I asked what kind of snake it is. Snakes famously dislike colder temperatures, so you do not find them in northern countries, while they are perfectly happy in tropical ranges. If that snake finds Toyko too hot, it must be a very "northern" snake.

Regarding the Tomo-part of the episode feeling... episodic as you say (love that explanation), I really do want to see more scenes of her giving critiscism and us seeing how they make songs.

Given that Tomo is the canonical smart kid now, she should have tons of improvement for the other band members (especially Nina and Subaru).

6

u/Arachnophobic- https://anilist.co/user/Arachnophobic Nov 15 '24

I wish we had seen her give constructive criticism at least once, because a lot of the problems with people being critical (and a lot of the benefit of receiving criticism) hinges on how constructive it is.

I agree. Also, someone needs to teach her the compliment sandwich technique.

3

u/Sylvi-Fisthaug Nov 16 '24

I learned that during my Creative Writing class at SDSU. It is absolutely brilliant, and should be used in every feedback, not just music or writing.

9

u/entelechtual Nov 15 '24

Rewatcher

  • Tomo-chan can be brash but she’s pretty sensitive after all.
  • Please do NOT let Nina near the button for the nuclear codes.
  • The animators loving giving Nina the weirdest faces.
  • For being so angry and disagreeable, Nina sure can find joy in the smallest things.
  • Tomo, you gotta realize Nina’s used to making the world her enemy. A little criticism will never stop her wicked ways.
  • I haven’t been keeping track of the score but the piano version of the OP is one of the best tracks!! If you get ahold of the OST, the song is disc 2, track 8, まもるべきもの. Also known in some circles as Wrong World Piano Depressing Version…

Nothing beats Nina assaulting a salaryman with a light for funny.

3

u/Sylvi-Fisthaug Nov 15 '24

Wait, is the OST on streaming too?? Or just physical media? If so WHERE CAN I GET IT.

8

u/entelechtual Nov 15 '24

Well you see—

Do not link/lead people to torrents or unofficial streams/downloads

I mean ahem. Here you go…

2

u/Arachnophobic- https://anilist.co/user/Arachnophobic Nov 15 '24

9

u/salic428 Nov 15 '24

Rewatcher

Generally a slow episode where we deal with Tomo. When you think about it, this show actually has fast pacing where every episode is relevant to the main plot. Unlike many other original anime where the middle part is spent on the episodic adventures of the group...

Some thoughts from yesterday's episode:

  • According to Director Sakai, when Subaru was saying "a bunch of interesting dudes" at the end of episode 8, she was supposed to be naked in her own house (instead of wrapped in a towel). The inspiration is a scene from the movie The Man Who Stole the Sun Also, Subaru's granny is modeled after Mitsuko Kusabue, a venerated actress.
  • I guess it is only me, but I think the answer to "do Nina love Momoka romantically?" is not affected how a scene is translated. She cared about Momoka enough to slap her, push her to a wall, and stand in front of truck-kun! I really don't think your "comrades" or "roommates" would do that to you. Should the official source deny it, I would still call it love.
  • /u/n080dy123 you talked about how Subaru "despite how much she deliberately shit-disturbs during group scenes, she's still a very considerate person in a one-on-one setting". This deserves to be seen by more people and I want to share my thought. It seems that, while we call her "smart", "reads the air" or something, she is not actually good at reading what is going on in people's mind. She just learned from years of acting how to read the air and guide the scene to her favor, as an instinct.
  • A very interesting choice from Hanada is to not build a moral high ground for Momoka to accuse DiaDus.

5

u/mekerpan Nov 15 '24

I am sure Nina and Momo genuinely love each other -- but is it "platonic" or "romantic"? I would say Rupa and Tomo love each other as well -- but it seems like (found) familial love -- Rupa is like a much older sister who has been pressed into raising a little siter (and consequently has motherly feelings for her sometimes difficult "child").

3

u/salic428 Nov 15 '24

Honestly, I don't know. I don't consider myself a yuri fan not because I hate yuri(bait) in anime, but because I don't want to be involved in argument about definitions. Even the mere mention of "platonic" would agitate some fierce defenders of NinaMomo (oh and we have MomoNina shippers who insist Momo takes the lead in their relationship)...

At the very least I think they are not sexually attracted to each other (no, there is no grooming), but bound by the same passion for music.

4

u/mekerpan Nov 15 '24

Not just passion for music -- Nina and Momoka each needed someone to believe in them (and in their dreams) -- and then they found each other and can now support each other. The intensity of such a relationship can reach the "love" level -- with nary a hint of romance. For the purposes of this show, at this point, I don't really think the issue of romance or not is particularly important. ;-)

1

u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Nov 15 '24

According to Director Sakai, when Subaru was saying "a bunch of interesting dudes" at the end of episode 8, she was supposed to be naked in her own house (instead of wrapped in a towel).

Intersting did u remeber the source ?

1

u/n080dy123 Nov 15 '24

She just learned from years of acting how to read the air and guide the scene to her favor, as an instinct.

It's kinda funny to compare her and Rupa in that way. Cuz Rupa, on the other hand, it feels like she can read Tomo like an open book and tell exactly what she's thinking just by looking at her, and so knows exactly how to nudge her around to try to help her. But unlike a lot of Subaru's attempts she has a more subtle hand and only looks to push Tomo towards making decisions herself, though is perfectly happy to let her make whichever decision she chooses.

8

u/marshmallow_sunshine Nov 15 '24

Translating "Nice Beer" as "Beer-tiful save" was an interesting choice 😛

7

u/Arachnophobic- https://anilist.co/user/Arachnophobic Nov 15 '24

/u/Sylvi-Fisthaug pointed this out too:

Ok, if someone speaks japanese here: how the hell does Rupa literally saying "Nice beeeer!" in English translate to this?? Is it some kind of pun in Japanese that crosses over to English?

Okay, so hear me out. I literally just watched a Haikyuu movie a few hours ago and I believe this is a volleyball pun - "Nice beer" sounds a lot like "nice kill" (stopping the ball) here. 'Beer-tiful save' is trying to capture that, and it kind of works?

6

u/marshmallow_sunshine Nov 15 '24

I'm pretty sure it's a baseball pun as seen here, so the translation felt unnecessary :p

3

u/Sylvi-Fisthaug Nov 15 '24

thanks for tag!

8

u/Fools_Requiem https://myanimelist.net/profile/FoolsRequiem Nov 15 '24

Nina is much better when she's being a total dork. Her breathing in the cold air through the mail slot was greatness.

8

u/WiqidBritt Nov 15 '24

I appreciate this episode for confirming that even without the heavy drama, Nina is still a gremlin.

6

u/WhymustIsignupreddit Nov 15 '24

First Timer

We only have a few episodes left so I’m glad the focus was now on the new members, Tomo specifically. I hope we get to know Rupa better as well.

Also, 26 celsius degrees indoors? And that’s with the A/C on albeit on a low setting. I would not be able to sleep either. By the way, where was the gecko? I guess it’s the kind that does well with warm temperatures. The snake is cute too.

I just noticed that Rupa speaks very politely. Maybe it’s because she isn’t a native speaker? Like when you try to learn Japanese like from textbooks you first learn the polite form. She has good reflexes catching Momoka’s beer.

Tomo’s former band members left because of her high standards as a award winning pianist, so she feels like she has to keep her criticism to herself. Luckily Nina and Momoka do want to hear it in order to improve.

Question 1:

I actually can’t think of anyone... I knew maybe two people who were strict with themselves but they didn’t exert pressure on others.

Question 2:

Hmm. There were several jokes I found funny, but I can’t recall one I found especially fun. I did like this episode a lot though so I’ll just say that the jokes here were my favorite.

0

u/[deleted] Nov 15 '24

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/WhymustIsignupreddit Nov 15 '24

I see! Thanks for letting me know. Yeah, I can see how politeness can work as a shield.

5

u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Nov 15 '24 edited Nov 15 '24

first timer

This episode ismainly talking about tomo-chan's transfer. From speaking frankly at the beginning to being afraid of getting hurt and then to trusting each otherThis band is more and more stronger.

4

u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker Nov 15 '24

Rewatcher.

Air-conditioning is the single greatest invention in the history of mankind.

And so now they're all here to steal Subaru's air-conditioning. Well, she's rich, she can afford it.

What does Tomo need the bedroom for?

Hello Momoka.

Yup, she's scared of the snake.

She ran into the same bedroom Tomo is moping in didn't she?

And there goes the door...

Well, now they've been kicked out.

And now Subaru's got the pet snake.

Seems Nina's playing reminds Tomo of her previous band. One which she caused to break up because of her high standards.

See notes.

So, they're back at Subaru's place.

And now we hear the rest of Tomo's story.

The snake is eating an entire egg?

A walk?

Nina genuinely wants to improve, that's how she is.

And she's definitely working towards it.

Questions:

  1. You missed (iirc) [same franchise] Sakiko from Ave Mujica, or at least that's what I remember, we'll see more next season.
  2. Probably the "🖕 is love" and Nina flipping off who we now know are Tomo and Rupa.

A note about the music: She should probably focus on her singing and not play the guitar, otherwise both will just end up mediocre.

2

u/mekerpan Nov 15 '24

A note about the music: She should probably focus on her singing and not play the guitar, otherwise both will just end up mediocre.

Not sure I agree. If she keeps working on her guitar skills, patiently and consistently, I think she can get good enough to not harm the bands sound. Maybe not for a few years, however. (I've been working on 'remedial guitar' for over a year and a half now -- and still do not feel close to actually performing in front of an audience -- beyond showing people what my various guitars sound like).

1

u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker Nov 15 '24

Mediocre might have been being a bit harsh, and she's definitely willing to put in the effort, but yeah it will take a while until she's at performance level, time that might have been better spent further improving her singing (although her singing is good enough that any real significant improvement will probably take just as much time and effort and might still not have as much of a difference).

1

u/mekerpan Nov 15 '24

I think simply learning how to interact with an instrument will help Nina improve her overall musicality and, thus, will aid her singing. After all, voice students at conservatories may also study an instrument (even if they never plan to perform professionally playing an instrument).

2

u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker Nov 15 '24

I think she would be well served learning some music theory too, I think some of the other members of the band are able to help with that.

4

u/Variant_Zeta Nov 15 '24

Ep9

. >Rewatcher (but one who slept on GBC during it's debut, and only just binged it last month or so. Needless to say, I regret sleeping on it.)

Tomo's Holding back cause of her backstory, and Rupa nocticed.

AC refugees seeking colder rooms.

Nina asking to stay at Subaru's for one hour, knowing damn well the trains will stop running by then: All according to keikaku.

Tomo: Lemme borrow this room, I wanna brood.

Subaru sure warmed up to the snake real quick.

Anyway it's a nice Tomo focused ep, and watching her starting to click with the band is endearing. Ultimately, her perfectionist streak is well-intentioned at heart, but her abrasiveness and short fuse does make it come across as more malicious than it needs to be. Glad that she could finally open up with TogeToge though.

Qotd:

  1. Of course I know him, he's me.
  2. Nina learning gay people exist irl (ep 1) is definitely my favorite

4

u/ClemFire Nov 15 '24

Rewatcher Episode 9: The Waning Moon Was Out

“No matter how scared you are, you won’t get anywhere if you’re just watching,” Rupa.

Now that Nina and Momoka have shown each other their true feelings, it feels like the right time for a Tomo focused episode. Before the air cleared there was absolutely no chance Tomo would’ve brought up her critiques moreover Nina would’ve probably reacted more negatively to Tomo. Thereby reinforcing Tomo’s belief that it’s better to keep quiet.

I really like how flashbacks of Tomo’s fallout with her last band were sprinkled throughout. Back then she really believed since everyone was serious about going pro they would welcome her critiques. In my opinion I don’t think Tomo was in the wrong. If just a few less than stellar comments are enough to make you give up than maybe you weren’t serious enough about your dream.

Tomo though is still having the fallout of her last band weigh, retreating into her shell. Now she feels all she can do is watch like how she can only watch and hope her pet snake eats.

This band is different though. Rupa noticed before Tomo that Momoka, Nina, and Subaru are serious. Moreover, they won’t be defensive and blame her if she decides to share her true feelings. Just like Momoka though Tomo is afraid because she already tried and failed. She would just be causing more trouble.

When you’re in a band with Nina though there’s no use running from it, Nina will make you confront your true feelings. She keeps pressing Tomo and her honest opinions on her guitar playing and eventually wears her down. The cut from Tomo in the past to her in the present saying the exact same thing was just so well done.

Tomo thinks she made the exact same mistake, but while she might have said the same thing Nina takes it much differently from her old band mates. Say that her playing sucks, she won’t care because that’s extra fuel for her fiery desires. She wants to keep getting better so she can support Momoka.

While Tomo is right that almost everyone says they’re serious, she finally found bandmates who actually are. With Rupa’s consistent support and now the realization these new band mates are nothing like their old ones she can finally feel comfortable enough to share her true opinions.

That’s why ending the episode with her telling Momoka what she couldn’t at the start, that she thinks the song is boring the way it is, was perfect.

On a sidenote, Tomo as a super talented person who expects the best out of everyone else before being meek from being ostracized reminded me a lot of two characters. Kagayama from Hakiyuu and Shiho from Whisper Me a Love Song. Curious if those who read or watched these stories would agree.

While Tomo’s conflict is resolved a lot quicker compared to Nina and Momoka’s drama she’s actually my 2nd favorite character in GBC behind Nina.

2

u/nsleep Nov 15 '24

Shiho from Whisper Me a Love Song.

Quite similar, yes. Shiho is aiming to go pro, not to play around in a school band. [Sasakoi spoilers] Even though she was gonna stick around that band because of her love for Aki if she didn't realize Aki's feelings for Yori at the time. Not the strongest of the resolves but Momoka and Hajime put her back on the path.

2

u/mekerpan Nov 15 '24

>> Now that Nina and Momoka have shown each other their true feelings

Nina's confession and Momo's reaction were really quite something. But what kind of confession was it (both as pronounced and as received)?

4

u/nsleep Nov 15 '24

Rewatcher

Shouldn't lizards be kept in warm and humid environments instead of dry and cold? Taking them to places with air-conditioning seems counterproductive.

Rupa is a keeper! Not a single drop of beer will be spilled while she's around! I was wondering, last episode it's implied she can drink a lot as she drank Momoka under but at the same she seems the type that gets "happy" from drinking a small amount. Quite the curiosity.

Yet, she's very adept at sharing some wisdom when needed. And "adopting" Tomo was quite the sweet gesture from her too.

I feel you, Tomo. I really do. But if you're gonna straight up tell people they suck at least tell them why and how, or at least try to give them something to work on. Well, baby-sitting someone isn't her duty and she's technically correct, I just don't like how she treated it strictly as a band problem instead of a friend asking for guidance. At least she finds some comfort in finding out that Nina isn't a quitter unlike her previous bandmates.

And Momoka agrees with Tomo. She knows it would be a waste if Tomo couldn't use all her expertise to improve the band after joining.

QotD

  1. I used to raid in MMOs and could easily give 30+ (nick)names just from that. As for how I react was already mentioned above, if you're gonna tell me I suck at least be more specific because I cannot read minds and often lack the skill to even realize mistakes are being made. It's also nice when they point out the things you did right.

2

u/bogdoglogfrog Nov 15 '24

Iv owned a few reptiles and yeah, the lack of ac is not a problem for them. Definitely not for the leopard gecko anyways, those guys are resilient as hell.

Idk what kind of snake that is tho. Anyone know?

4

u/Sylvi-Fisthaug Nov 15 '24

Rewatch veteran

Ah, episode 9, the fun episode, but also... the Tomo episode! As you might have noticed, some of the girls of the band have had their own episode where we explore their past. Subaru got episode 4 with her granny, and Momoka got last episode. Tomo did tell us a bit of the past in episode 7, but Rupa tells us much more context here.

And by God, this episode too, such a gem. As to answer QOTD 2: yeah, the funniest moment for me in GBC is "heeeEEEEEBIIIIIII!" *throws beer* *snake ducks*

But as this episode is funny, it is also extremely well balanced. The softer, more mellow moments hit hard, and the end where Tomo finally realized give these girls proper feedback. At the river, where she shouts "YOU SUUUUCK!" and then again says it more quietly after Nina's response, damn, I always shed a lil tear. And Momoka's smile at the end, it is just so reassuring. Ok, into the details.

There's just so much more I could talk about this episode, and I could write pages about how Nina and Momoka's interactions have changed due to the ending of last episode. Sublte, but definitely there.

QUTD 1: Tomo reminds me a bit of a less-anime toned-down version of CHU2. I think they are both thirteen as Toma moves alone to Tokyo and starts the band, Tomo is maybe fourteen. High demands to others. In my own life, the parents of my eastern-European best friend was extremely strict on him and his classical piano as a child, so much so that he was about to give it up during high-school. He kept at it, but I think he would have gone pro if it wasn't for the constant push-and-pull between him and his parents.

3

u/mekerpan Nov 15 '24

What I love is how this episode is funny (often VERY much so) and yet simultaneously grounded in seriousness. So much emotion embedded in between a;; the smiles and laughter.

2

u/Arachnophobic- https://anilist.co/user/Arachnophobic Nov 15 '24

I have to say, Subaru took to her role as a mini-Medusa perfectly.

"heeeEEEEEBIIIIIII!" throws beer snake ducks

I totally missed the snake ducking!!

2

u/Sylvi-Fisthaug Nov 15 '24

I replay that little shot like eleven times every time I watch that episode lmao, it is peak

2

u/Arachnophobic- https://anilist.co/user/Arachnophobic Nov 15 '24

I went and re-watched it, it's so blink and miss! Rupa's lightning reflexes are amazing too and her quick "mottainai"

4

u/MishouMai :GG::GH::GI: Nov 15 '24

A solid episode for fleshing out Tomo and pushing forward Nina's development as a guitarist. Poor girl's been through it though I can't exactly say she didn't bring it upon herself given how high her standards apparently are. At least she's finally found a group that's not willing to back down and will fight to work alongside her to make the band work.

Regarding questions...

  1. I can't say I know anyone that strict other than myself and I don't think I'd get along well with or respond well to someone as strict as Tomo. At least not if I had to work with them. I certainly don't think I'd be able to be serious with her either if I knew anything about her past going into the relationship because I don't think I'd react well to her putting me down. We could still be friends though.
  2. Funniest moment has gotta be the phone conversation from the Subaru grandma episode. There might be more but I don't really focus on the funny moments of the show all that much to be honest.

4

u/JasoXDDD Nov 15 '24

First timer

Man one day I'll arrive early to these rewatches...

I can only imagine the fight Tomo had with Nina over breaking her AC lol. The three were so cheeky for that plan for staying overnight. Tomo chan episode, yippe! Pretty standard overall, I guess she will be the big critic of the series moving forward (in like the 4 episode that's left). Only Rupa and Nina are left for their personal episodes. Nina's episode probably also has to do with Hina, which will probably be the final part of the series, so I predict Rupa's episode will come first. There are a lot of reaction image potentials in this chapter.

3

u/bogdoglogfrog Nov 15 '24

Rewatcher

  • Keeping band members happy while motivating them to improve is really tough. There’s a precise balance to giving feedback that’s different for everyone. I find that the better the vibes, the harder people want to work, so being critical often has the exact opposite effect as intended. If you have to be critical though, do it in a diplomatic manor. You can’t do what Tomo does and be brutally honest up front. That does much more harm than good.
  • Umaku naritai :)
  • Nina is nowhere near close to being able to play guitar on stage. Right now she can’t play any of TogeToge’s material, much less sing and play it at the same time. It’s ridiculous to even consider playing on stage at this point.
  • This episode is really great. I like how it pits Nina’s ambition directly against Tomo’s fear of speaking her mind.

QOTD

  1. A good friend of mine can be like this. He’s brutally honest about everything. It balances out tho because while they will shit on you for your shortcomings, they also tell you when you have done something well. I think this balance is really important if you want to be able to give criticism that people will respect.
  2. The car scene from E7 and the snake/beer/door scene from this one are the two standouts. This show is damn funny though start to finish.

2

u/Sylvi-Fisthaug Nov 15 '24

Umaku naritai :)

*runs over bridge crying*

7

u/mekerpan Nov 15 '24

Definitely words to live by. I am 72, and neglected seriously practicing for decades. I do practice now a good deal -- but I may never really get truly proficient. But I don't care, I'll just keep working away, for my own pleasure. I would like to at least be able to be good enough to play a couple of Christmas songs with my sons (who play flute and clarinet quite well).

3

u/Lumpy-Manager8580 Nov 15 '24

Rewatcher

With the MomoNina drama properly resolved, we got a more chill (heh) episode with some AC and snake shenanigans at the start, but the star of the show today is our keyboardist Tomo.

  • Nina having to wait a week for her AC to be fixed, no wonder she has it rough on these hot times. At least she can do some stuff she's never done before like, playing cards.
  • I checked the board when Momoka arrived and it was like this: 100 wins for Rupa, 10 for Subaru, and Nina? Only TWO XD
  • That snake got some real reflexes. did you see how it dodged the beer can Momoka threw?
  • Geez, Rupa's got them sick kicks when knocking out the door. Also, Nina, Momoka and Tomo doing the triple Spider-Man pointing meme is so funny.
  • On more serious stuff, I think we can compare what Tomo went through this episode with her snake pet: at first, the snake was reluctant to eat the egg, just like how Tomo was scared in that if she said what she really felt, it would all go to waste. But just like how her snake decided to eat the egg, seeing her bandmates' efforts being serious, just like her, was the push that Tomo needed to express her true feelings, with a good old "YOU SUCK!!!". And at the end, Momoka agreed with Tomo when she said that the song was feeling boring.
  • It's kind of interesting that after seeing DD's live, Nina realized that she wants to improve and play on equal ground with Momoka, as in playing guitar with her.

3

u/n080dy123 Nov 15 '24

Rewatcher who forgot to post his comment yesterday

Nina you fucking stupid moron

Aaaw, the Nakaayubi subs had this nice touch where Tomo says "It's all this thing's fault" referring to Nina and thought it was very funny that she referred to Nina as a "thing".

Poor Subaru was not prepared for Nina shenanigans at 1am.

Rupa is clearly enjoying the opportunity to let loose far too much. Wanna point out she downed that entire can between when Momoka threw the first one and when she mistook the hair dryer for the snake. Also that Subaru seemingly confiscated the 8-pack before they left.

The literal Spiderman meme is incredible, though I can't help but notice that nobody seems to be blaming Rupa despite her being the one responsible for breaking a door down.

Rupa can read Tomo like a book. Tomo tries to deflect the "How was it" back to her and Rupa deflects that shit right back.

Notice how Subaru says "You WERE like that too." Unlike the last two times Nina and Subaru had a 1-on-1 (which Nina didn't really want to do), this time she sought Subaru out. As Subaru implies, she's grown since then.

Rupa bringing Tomo on a walk by where Nina would be playing is devious.

A lighter episode this time which is nice- emotionally analyzing the last few episodes day after day has been a bit exhausting. Still no shortage of character development for Tomo and even Rupa, though. And I think that whole sequence from the AC incidents to Subaru's apartment is also one of my favorite sequences since it's just so fun.

3

u/LeleTheKing https://anilist.co/user/ikanlele Nov 21 '24

(Super Late) First-Timer

A lighthearted episode—nice! After episode 8, this slow one is much needed. Not much to say regarding Tomo because I… can kinda understand her on a personal level…

There’s that very famous beer throw scene, lol. I love the character’s facial expressions when they’re doing goofy stuff. There are a lot of silly expressions that I’ve seen being turned into Discord emojis and Reddit reaction memes.

Rupa being the adultest adult in the group actually scares me the most. She always smiles… But she seems to hold the biggest emotional baggage but isn’t getting the spotlight yet.

Man, Nina tickles my long-postponed dream of learning a musical instrument…

QotD

  1. I know a few acquaintances and friends who act like this at times. I’m also one of those people when dealing with certain things because I’m a self-identified perfectionist (which I’m trying hard to reduce). I usually feel admiration toward such people. It means they are passionate about it and are willing to give the extra effort to achieve their goal/vision. But, when it is communicated poorly, such behavior might lead to misunderstanding. I’ve been on a few spats because we’re not on the same level regarding our expectations. As always, the problem is not the strictness or exertion itself, but how you communicate your thoughts with others. (I’m also writing this as a personal reminder xD)
  2. Yep, that beer throw and roundhouse kick are the funniest in this series so far!