However, I was proven otherwise after the first few episodes. Slow Loop did not attempt to copy from moe anime but instead created its own identity.
If I want to summarize the whole anime, I will say that it takes the good part of Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp) and Dairy of Our Days at the Breakwater (Houkago Teibou Nisshi) and combine it into this masterpiece.
======SPOILER AHEAD======
The anime starts when Hiyori and Koharu become a step-sister after their parents re-married. The sister learned that they have a common hobby in fishing. After every episode, you can see the subtle character development of Hiyori and Koharu.
Hiyori is an introvert, who hates social interaction. To the point where she intentionally makes her unsociable. While Koharu is an extrovert who can make friends with ease. I was expecting a clash between personalities where Hiyori rejects Koharu or goes tsundere. However, instead of that, Hiyori embraces Koharu to the best of her ability.
You can see the character development after a few episodes. Hiyori is more open to conversation and takes the role of a mentor for Koharu and Aiko. Meanwhile, Koharu becomes more reserved while slowly becoming better with fishing. Thru fishing, Hiyori and Koharu slowly become closer and closer to each other. To the point where they are inseparable and behave like sisters than strangers.
Supporting characters like Koi and Aiko have some character development as well. Koi at the start hates fishing due to her dad's obsession with fishing, but progressively warms up to the idea of fishing. For Aiko, she was unsure about fishing because she felt it is a hobby for boys and girls should not participate in that. To now she openly embrace fishing and even introduced fishing to her friend. These character developments are slow, organic, and natural. Which makes Slow Loop stands out from other moe SoL.
======SPOILER ENDS======
Slow Loop has a relaxing and comfy atmosphere. Similar to what we experienced in Laid-Back Camp. There is some conflict and drama. However, those conflicts are minor and insignificant and they do not affect the atmosphere that the show wants to create.
While you are relaxing, the anime slowly spoon-feeds you the fishing technics and tips. Sometimes, the show will switch to Koharu's Cooking Time where it teaches you how to process the fish and make them into a delicious meal. Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater did have similar segments but Slow Loop executes the concept better.
I enjoyed Slow Loop from start to finish. So I will be giving it a 9. This is one of the better CGDCT anime I have watched. A must-watch if you love SoL anime or something to relax with.
TLDR:
Slow Loop is a mix of Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp) and Dairy of Our Days at the Breakwater (Houkago Teibou Nisshi). It has the relaxing and comfy atmosphere like Laid-Back Camp. While teaching the viewers the fishing technics like Dairy of Our Days at the Breakwater. I enjoy this anime from start to finish and it deserves a very strong 9.
Story: 8/10
Art: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Character: 9/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Overall: 45/50 (9.0)
