December 2023 and January 2024 were unbelievable months in terms of the quality of the music released.
This and more in this article – and extended video – of MONTHLY REVIEW December 2023 and 2024.
This month’s episode is all about the music released in December 2023 and January 2024.
December 2023 and January 2024 were unbelievable months in terms of the quality of the music released.
The stars in December were ZOOL with their 2nd album “Zquare” arriving to give a good shake in the 2D music industry with their aggressive urban pop sound; at the same time, Loulou*di arrived with “DÈJÁ VU”, one of the most sorrowful and unique album releases by the lyrical pop trio.
On the other hand, January was the long-awaited month for Shoya Chiba’s solo debut with the stellar 1st EP “Blessing”. He arrived with a confidence and maturity of a veteran artist and one of the most concise albums released in the past couple of years by a male seiyuu artist.
And of course, XlamV arrived with their unique downtempo pop sound and delivered what is, currently, a strong contender for album of the year with their 2nd EP “raise”.
As such, the standout releases in December 2023 and January 2024 were:
- ZOOL “Zquare”
- Loulou*di “DÈJÁ VU”
- Shoya Chiba “Blessing”
- XlamV “raise”
In the video version of this article – which covers many more CDs and features your comments – I also bring my impressions about a few CDs I recently reviewed.
Make sure to watch the episode!
ZOOL “Zquare”
“Zquare” is more rock-driven than any of ZOOL’s previous CD releases. All the songs are unique by themselves, bringing different things to the table.
You have a dystopian future coming to life through “NEVER LOSE, MY RULE”, a dirty, bass-driven sound in “Rondo”, “Murky Oath” goes dark and heavy with rap-rock, “Survivor” is gritty and dirty, and “IMPERIAL CHAIN” explores early 00s edgy pop music which was a first.
“STRONGER & STRONGER” arrives as, surprisingly, the oddball in this album, one in which rock and heavy hip-hop take the stage. Still, this is one of the best songs the group has released to date. I love the focus and the positivity, the ambition going on in this song.
It feels like, for the first time, all members are moving at the same time and with the same focus.
This is refreshing storytelling-wise and can be felt throughout this song. And “CONQUEROR” arrives to steal the show as the curtains drop in this release. All things taken into account and you have in here one of the best albums released in 2023 – albeit only 2 songs were genuinely new and not previously released.
Loulou*di “DÈJÁ VU”
In “DÉJÀ VU“, Loulou*di outdoes itself yet again. This is a release that, in comparison to previous ones – and without checking the drama tracks – is brighter compared to the pure darkness of “ARK” or “NOTHING“. This brightness is only apparent.
Words contradict instrumentals, there are underlying tones going on, especially in “Invisible Cross”, that hint at destruction and sorrow, and “Another Liar” may seem like an interesting iteration to R&B but it is still quite dark.
Darkness, beautiful darkness is something that Loulou*di has excelled in and continues to show their cards in.
When you listen to this album, you will have an uncanny feeling of having listened to these stories and feelings before however, you never did. Loulou*di did hint at previous songs, from the lyrics down to the singing styles and instrumental hits and bits in the background, to create that sense of “DÈJÁ VU” but, by the end of it all, this dream was something completely novel.
It was and is majestic and unique. This is the best Loulou*di has released so far.
Shoya Chiba “Blessing”
Chiba’s solo career kickstarted with the confidence of a seasoned artist.
“Blessing” is a conceptually rich album, offering a consistent and compelling musical journey that is unique among male seiyuu artists. This is an EP in which Shoya Chiba doesn’t shy away from impressing the listener with his lyrics, his prowess, and charisma on the vocal end, or even with a cohesive sound and image.
“Blessing” isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through Chiba’s musical influences and a showcase of his singing prowess.
The EP’s cohesion is unparalleled, making it a rare gem in the world of debut albums by male seiyuu artists.
XlamV “raise”
If you thought “climb” was amazing, you have to listen to XlamV‘s 2nd EP, “raise“.
This EP feels like a massive leap in quality in their music and performances at the same time that they changed things around in their vibe.
Yes, XlamV sounds more mature as a group. You’d expect this from a second big album or EP, and this is exactly what they deliver. But there is more.
The tone is more serious and there is more intensity in their sound in “Said that”, the group, for the first time shows their loving and romantic side in “what about love”, they go all out with a funky performance made for the dancefloor in “Mikan” and deliver one of the most unique songs in their repertoire with “A.S.A.P”.
This is XlamV’s best EP to date and a strong contender for album of the year.
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.
All this to say, 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.
