October arrived with the Hana-Doll* franchise at full throttle with 3 CD releases and Gakuto Kajiwara released a new feel-good album.
This and more in this article – and extended video – of MONTHLY REVIEW October 2023.
This month’s episode is all about the music released in October 2023.
October was a month filled with a good mix of nostalgia and fancy dance tunes.
Easily the best release of the month was LIHITO‘s “Air Quotes“. Everything lined up perfectly for this entry in the ongoing solo digital single series for LIHITO (CV: Kent Ito). With composers Zakbee and KAN TAKAHIRO teaming up once again, his CD is filled with smooth, mature, and quite fancy dance tunes with ridiculously technical vocals to boot.
Gakuto Kajiwara released his 3rd mini-album “Jinsei no Life” and didn’t quite match the quality of his previous release but still, like life itself, the mini-album’s flaws are what makes it such an interesting entry.
And Anthos* arrives to almost steal the show with a renewed sound, powerful vocals and a set of 2 genuinely good songs.
And standing out this month were:
- Gakuto Kajiwara “Jinsei no Life”
- Anthos* “OTHER”
- LIHITO “Air Quotes”
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!
Gakuto Kajiwara “Jinsei no Life”
Gakuto Kajiwara continues his streak of feel good acoustic rock releases. “Jinsei no Life” is more human in tone, with lots of stories to tell you and for you to take in.
While the songs, individually, are far from being exciting or remarkable, as a whole, this mini-album is a safe haven of sweet tunes and laiback vibes that will put a big smile on your face.
Anthos* “OTHER”
In 2023, Anthos* has been one of the groups I’ve been the most excited about. I can’t predict what they’ll pull off next and they end up exceeding any high expectations I may have.
The group brought in new composers to work with them, something that gave way to new approaches to their sound, bringing their best bits into “OTHER“.
And while “R.N.P.N” may sound like an oddball due to all the influences it brings to the table, it’s with “The Other Side” that Anthos* completely arrives to sweep you off your feet. The outstandingly technical vocals and stylish sound will make you come back for more (and more).
LIHITO “Air Quotes”
LIHITO (CV: Kent Ito) arrives to steal the show for me. I was not expecting him to dive into love and desire and deliver a mature, stylish, and alluring set of songs.
Bringing Zakbee as the composer alongside KAN TAKAHIRO for both songs ended up leading to two performances that are technical, ridiculously fancy, and melodic while delivering two addictive and stylish instrumentals.
LIHITO’s “Air Quotes” CD is, undeniably, the best entry so far in the digital single series. A marvel on the composition side and an alluring and addictive affair on the vocal end that will keep you coming for more and more.
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.
