The summer of 2023 ends with a fantastic set of releases by SparQlew, Loulou*di, GYROAXIA, Kent Ito, GRANRODEO, and more. This and more in this article – and extended video – of MONTHLY REVIEW August and September 2023.
This month’s episode is all about the music released in August and, partially, September 2023.
The summer wraps up with a strong August, filled with a bustling set of CD releases from rock to pop, EDM, dance, chillout, and many more music genres.
The biggest release of the month was, in my opinion, GYROAXIA’s “ALL MY PARTS”. For fans of rock music and especially of the popular rock band, this was a return to their sound in “Freestyle” but with an extra bit of power and lyrics fully in English.
Loulou*di is back on its groove with a haunting yet weirdly alluring trip into “NOTHING”, defying yet again the boundaries of its sound and performances.
And SparQlew continues to solidify their stance as one of the most exciting, if not the most, seiyuu units out there with yet another massive CD release with the stylish “we will…”.
And standing out this month were:
- Loulou*di “NOTHING”
- GYROAXIA “ALL MY PARTS”
- SparQlew “we will…”.
In the video version of this article – which covers many more CDs and features your comments- I also bring my impressions about a couple of CDs I recently reviewed.
Make sure to watch the episode!
Loulou*di “NOTHING”
“NOTHING” is quite the broad concept and, even worse, quite abstract to put into the format of music that has to be SOMETHING.
But while the concept of “NOTHING” is ridiculously abstract, in reality, it comes to life in a set of those songs that will leave a weird aftertaste yet will make you come back for more. Loulou*di is an expert group when it comes to that.
“NOTHING” arrives with a really difficult concept to flesh out and ends up leaving a trail of destruction in the middle of what is the most haunting set of performances by the talented trio.
GYROAXIA “ALL MY PARTS”
GYROAXIA took by storm the summer for me with a massive release of “ALL MY PARTS“.
This digital single is exactly the perfect direction for GYROAXIA, the follow up that I have been waiting for to “Freestyle“, a song that shows the band’s maturity and picks up perfectly from where they left things off in that massive EP.
It will make you shout and sing along to the powerful lyrics – fully in English -, making goosebumps all over you.
This is a rock anthem.
SparQlew “we will”
And SparQlew continues its good spell, this time around with the release of the mini-album “we will…“.
It is satisfying to see and listen to this group improving with each CD release, bringing forth interesting performances, fancy instrumentals (that suit their vocals), and a whole load of quality on the vocal end.
In the middle of a set of fun, bubbly yet mature songs, therein lies the highlight of the mini-album “All my heart”.
If you haven’t checked this mini-album out, now it’s the time for it.
What is THTFHQ’s MONTHLY REVIEW?
As the name says, Monthly Review is a monthly feature in which I find yet another excuse to talk about male seiyuu music and 2D groups.
This is a feature in which I get on camera – unscripted (and usually looking a bit tired lol) – covering the most impressive/buzzworthy releases in any given month – and hidden gems that not many people may end up paying attention to -, counting on your participation as well in all 4 corners:
- Best of the month (3 best/buzzworthy/gems of every given month as picked by me + 3 suggested by THTFHQ readers
- Monthly Choice (3 CD suggestions by me – regardless of when the CDs were released – and 3 suggestions by THTFHQ readers)
- Music in the Horizon (a look at next month’s releases – it mixes my and your comments on upcoming releases by male seiyuu artists, bands, units, or 2D groups)
- Ask Vanessa (ask me anything about male seiyuu or 2D music, if you don’t ask, it turns into a “Soma Saito” corner)
Do you want to participate in MONTHLY REVIEW?
This show is a collaborative work between you and me, sharing our love for male seiyuu and 2D music projects. Don’t be shy to participate.
And don’t worry about not having perfect English writing or the sort, we all make mistakes and even I am not a native speaker – and typos are really my bread and butter here on the website – so don’t let that stop you from participating, should you want to!
As always, several times during the month, the survey to participate in next month’s episode is shared on THTFHQ’s social media (Facebook and Twitter) and on THTFHQ’s YouTube channel‘s community tab (make sure to subscribe to not miss the notification, or lurk if you don’t want to subscribe).
You can participate as many times as you want, I only ask that you avoid submitting the same answers in the various entries you make in this feature.
The goal is to feature as many CDs as possible, not to talk only about 1 or 2 CDs.
Please remember that these episodes are much more enjoyable with your insights. Every month I share a survey on social media for you to leave your impressions on new music.
Although only 3 people are chosen for each corner (less if there were fewer submissions), know I read them all. I read everything and keep being impressed by your musical sensibility!
THTFHQ’s community is filled with talented individuals, fans of good music, and voice acting. You geek as hard – or even more – about both things as I do!
If the links are not working, CLICK HERE to check the video.
