Mamoru Miyano, Veronica, Miyu Irino, and Wataru Hatano showed their cards in November 2022, leaving quite a big impression.
The 11th episode of the new video feature on The Hand That Feeds HQ’s YouTube channel is out!
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 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)
- Ask Vanessa* (ask me anything about male seiyuu or 2D music)
*Title subject to change, if you have suggestions for a title for this section, do leave those in the comments
This month’s episode is all about the music released in November 2022.
November 2022 was a month of long-awaited releases. Mamoru Miyano released his 7th album “THE ENTERTAINMENT“, Veronica‘s “KALEIDO” is a dark trip into twisted love, and Miyu Irino‘s “NO CONCEPT” was extremely off-brand, among many more releases.
Let’s talk about the highlights of the month.
It’s been a long time coming for Mamoru Miyano‘s fans but “THE ENTERTAINMENT” is finally here! The multitalented seiyuu and pop star brought a mature sound to its new songs, pairing them up surprisingly well with previously released ones.
What fans get in this album is a collection of songs that, in a way, showcase Miyano’s growth since the release of “THE LOVE” up until now, bringing forth a funk-meets-R&B sound that is addictive, fun, and entertaining at all times.
When “THE ENTERTAINMENT” wraps up, you’re left with a dorky grin on your face. Despite my initial reluctance about this album – due to the fact that most of it is comprised of “old” songs -, the fact is that this album is the best released in November 2022 and well worth your time.
Let’s clear the air really quickly. Miyu Irino‘s “NO CONCEPT” is far from being his best release to date however, it is one that is innovative.
The mini-album features a collection of songs that explore completely different music genres, have disparate vibes, and even feature unique performances by Irino.
Cohesion is something this mini-album doesn’t have though. Each song is isolated in what it presents, something that shows that the songs in this release may have be been scrapped from previously released CDs (probably for not fitting the mood or tone of those), and thus, they found a home in “NO CONCEPT”.
As far as Irino’s performances go, it is a given he is a good singer however, this is not an easy-listening of mini-album as his previous ones were. This may turn “NO CONCEPT” into a really niche mini-album, even among his fans.
It is ridiculous how, after 8 years, the Dear Vocalist franchise continues to release quality CD after quality CD. Veronica‘s “KALEIDO” is the latest entry in the UNLIMITED CD series in the Dear Vocalist franchise and it… ridiculously dark and violent, more so than any other release by any of the other bands.
Through its two songs, Momochi (CV: Toshiyuki Toyonaga) explores twisted love, abuse, and obsession in what is a haunting CD. However, have into attention that the themes explored in this CD, although not new, are now more obvious than ever, with the lyrics and compositions further reflecting how much of a… psychopath Momochi is behind his mask.
As far as impressive releases in November 2022 go, Veronica’s “KALEIDO” is up there at the top.
These and more thoughts/comments can be found in the almost 1-hour-ish episode that just dropped on the channel and that you can find in this article as well.
Please remember that these episodes are much more interesting with your insights, so do participate when the survey is open on social media. Although only 3 were chosen for each corner (less if there were fewer submissions from you), do know I’ve read them all. I read everything and keep being impressed by your musical sensibility!
THTFHQ’s community is filled with talented individuals, fans of music, and voice acting that geek as hard – or even more – about both things as I do!
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 so 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, in the 1st week of every month, the survey to participate in next month’s episode will be shared on THTFHQ’s social media (Facebook and Twitter) and on THTFHQ’s YouTube channel‘s community section (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.
If the links are not working, CLICK HERE to check the video.
