A star is born in ON-GAKU: Our Sound, the latest release from the much-loved distributor, GKids. Stuck in production for over seven years (which includes over 40,000 hand-drawn frames that were animated almost entirely by director Kenji Iwaisawa), ON-GAKU: Our Sound tells the story of teenage misfits turned rock & rollers who prove that you don’t have to be talented to play music–you just have to be passionate (although, having talent definitely helps).

ON-GAKU: Our Sound centers around three friends (including one voiced by Japanese cult singer and multi-instrumentalist Shintaro Sakamoto) who, after growing tired of their rebel misfit image, decide to reinvent themselves as musicians. After strumming the same chords over and over again and beating the drums in the same tempo (clearly lacking any sort of technical skill), the trio promptly decides they’re good enough to enter the town’s local music festival. What follows when they hit the stage can only be described as a magical musical moment.

With a 70-minute runtime and a minimalist, scratchy 2D animation that immediately feels full of heart, ON-GAKU: Our Sound is a short and sweet watch. Those familiar with Japanese Anime and the modern manga landscape will recognize this story, which was adapted from Hiroyuki Ohashi’s most popular manga release. Full of deadpan humor, a buzzy score, and a laconic style reminiscent of Jim Jarmusch, ON-GAKU: Our Sound is a fun, refreshing watch that may even inspire you to pick up a guitar yourself.

Distributed by GKIDS, ‘ON-GAKU: Our Sound’ is now available to rent on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime, Blu-Ray, and DVD.