Tuesday 7 August 2012

C82: beatlogic, SHAKING PINK, Zero-Shaft, とろ美 + more

This should be the last of our Comiket 82 preview posts, given that the event is just around the corner and that the Doujincore Group Import deadline is dangerously close. In true 電波の世界 fashion, we'll cram this entry with as much music as you can shake your paypal account at! Won't somebody think of the artists?



Let's start things off with a very special album. Beatlogic's 「eLekSoNicRusHeRRRRRR!!!」 was just announced a couple days ago, but it's already made a lasting impact on yours truly. I've played that crossfade a good dozen times and it's just as impressive each time! cello's debut album not only contains some fucked up electro-denpa, it tastefully crosses into hardcore punk rock on quite a few tunes. There has been some punk-ish denpa in the past, but nothing as intense as this. This dude's skills are truly outrageous! Not to mention the utterly sick cover, and a low price point of 500 yen.

As a reminder, you might also want to invest in his first published compilation album 『シュミックトリガ! -New wave of A-POP-』 which was released exactly one year ago. His one track there was a clear sign of things to come, but you'll also get to enjoy some bitching かめりあ and ぶっちぎりP tracks.

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:eLekSoNicRusHeRRRRRR!!!
Label:  beatlogic (う-23a)
Price:500
Link:http://beatlogic.jp/?p=45
Title:シュミックトリガ! -New wave of A-POP-
Label:  beatlogic (う-23a)
Price:1000
Link:http://beatlogic.jp/bewc01.html



Is SHAKING PINK poised to become the next big thing in the world of virtual idol units? It's a little too early to say with just one single under their belt, but damn did ポヤッチオ assemble a dream team or what? We're talking ココ, ななひら and 桃箱 on vocals! Absolutely mind-boggling, but let's just hope they won't stop their sudden invasion at two songs. Well, they really only have one true original song, since the third track was already released by Master かたほとり in the past.

The second track comes from Child Prodigy かめりあ who delivers yet another stunning 萌え電波 concoction that is perfectly suited for SHAKING PINK. The first track is an intro, likely some amusing drama between the three splendid vocalists. At this point, all we can hope for is that this turns into more than just a one-off side-project, but until then we'll cheer on these ladies of denpa as they strive for the top!

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:SHAKING PINK
Label:  ポヤッチオ (あ-27a)
Price:500
Link:http://www.orc2000.com/spi/spink.html



Good old regular ZERO-SHAFT kinda remind me of おでんぱ☆スタジオ in a way... you can always count on them for something new! This time, they managed to announce their latest album before the event, which is always helpful when you're a import-dependant barbarian gaijin living 10,000 KMs away from Tokyo Big Sight. Mild sarcasm aside, their latest effort 「なつぴよ」 is as impressive as always, featuring an array of 20 vocalists and just as many staff members.

At first glance, these 13 songs might seem a little more mature, falling more in line with 「Zero-Shuffle」 than the previous "ちびロリっ!" albums. Rest assured, there's plenty of なゆ, ななひら, がきコ, ゆきまめ and りこ。 on these tracks! They're also backed by top-of-the-line composers such as task, 遥風啓司, しの and more. So what are you waiting for? Order this already, you know you want to!

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:なつぴよ
Label:  Zero-Shaft (け-24a)
Price:1000
Link:http://zero-shaft.com/cd/natsu_piyo/index.html



Can we go three album previews in a row without mentioning how awesome ななひら is? Not today we can't! Fans of her vocaloid alter-ego will be delighted to hear about this new C82 mini-album 「ななみっくす!-nanamix-」 which features voices from both ななひら and 春歌ナナ!

All five of these brand new tracks were crafted by the following gentlemen: Master かたほとり, Child Prodigy かめりあ, Lord さつき が てんこもり, U-ske and 吉田省吾! The songs all sound energetic, but Satsuki's is particulary hard-hitting. What's more, track #3 「ロリングボール!」 has backup vocals from なゆ、桃箱 and りこ。 (be still my beating heart!) For more 春歌ナナ goodies, don't forget about 2011's 「なないずむ!」 which is still hot stuff.

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:ななみっくす!-nanamix-
Label:  ポヤッチオ (あ-27a)
Price:500
Link:http://confetto.chu.jp/nanamix/



Our Benevolent Queen とろ美 has deemed it fit to bestow us with another memorable album! If you feel like the above preview sounds familiar, that's because 「astromyu」 is entirely composed by おでんぱ☆スタジオ regulars ベイビー・レモネード (4 first tracks) and ひろて~! Remember that she recently provided guest vocals on one of their albums... don't know about you, but we're certainly loving this give-and-take attitude!

The five songs here are pretty straight-forward denpa, nothing pretentious or genre-bending. Just some good old とろ美 for what ails you. As usual, she provides her own cover art and this space odyssey themed jacket is certainly one for the ages. Until you can get your grubby hands on this album, download the crossfade MP3.

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:astoromyu-
Label:  とろみせ屋さん (け-32b)
Price:0 (not provided)
Link:http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm18495320



Last but certainly not least, akiba-pop giants MOSAIC.WAV will release their 8th single 「七三値≪ななみね≫ぱすかはダイスを振らない!」 on August 10th 2012, which is the first day of Comiket 82. Because this is a commercial release, we can't provide you with doujincore details. However, don't despair! The single has been made available for purchase via cdjapan which is as reliable as they come.

This new release marks the debut of character creation Nanamine Pasuka, who just won't roll the dice! As usual you can download short versions of all songs from the official Sham Studio website, including lyrics and various art samples. かやぴ's latest songs involve glitch, swing, honest-to-goodness chiptune and a return to space-pop. Yes, we keep saying this, but these are some of his best creations yet! Musically speaking, the guy has shown no signs of slowing down, still a genius, probably always will be one. Mi~ko is obviously getting more and more confortable as time goes by, unafraid to try new things but very much aware of her fanbase's needs. All signs point to another memorable MOSAIC.WAV single!



There are still many more albums worth your while (check out the denpa watchlist to your right), not to mention all the awesome J-Core (if you're into that) and various doujin games. What do you think, is this one of the best Comikets yet? What's on your list?

C82: Forest Pireo's 「Perfect Pretty Phantom」 & 「FRAN×POP」


We've been following Forest Pireo's activities for the past couple years, so we're in a good position to judge their progress. Let's just say this: they've never been this focused on denpa songs! Their 21st touhou album 「Perfect Pretty Phantom」 is an absolute C82 must-get, to be treated with the same respect that the プチリズム series commands.

In fact, given the high-quality pedigree behind this album, you might want to think of it as a "東方プチリズム". Just try to wrap your head around this mindblowing list of composers: Master かたほとり, Lord さつき が てんこもり and his friend y0c1e, Good Guy きくお, circle mainstay ふなこし, 雪月ありす aka Mel-motherfucking-Seeds and finally... the elusive 未来派, waking up from hibernation every other Forest Pireo album!

If this list of hot studs doesn't do it for you... here come the girls!!! Of course Princess ななひら is on top of the list with four songs, being attached to ふぉれすとぴれお primarily. Then we have one of my personal favourites なゆ (can't get enough of her!) as well as みぃしゃ, kana, Nimo, 月葉 and the oh-so-lovely 桃箱. With so many all-star artists together on the same disc, you're sure to get your money's worth.

Just check out the samples for yourself and witness the luscious soundscapes and sugary vocals. But there's one more mind-blowing aspect to this album: Master かたほとり and 桃箱 came up with the ultimate denpa song title... 「DENPA NO SEKAI」! Based on ZUN's 「フォールオブフォール~秋めく滝」, this is certainly an interesting coincidence... or is it??!? We'll just leave it at that!

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:Perfect Pretty Phantom
Label:  Forest Pireo (サ-48b)
Price:1000
Link:http://forestpireo.jp/ppp_fpr21.html



Normally めらみぽっぷ gets to sing at least one song on those Forest Pireo albums, but notice how she's absent from 「Perfect Pretty Phantom」? That's because she is getting her own solo album 「FRAN×POP」, also set for release on August 11th 2012!

We've been fans of hers for some time, probably since her appearance on Holic Service's legendary 「エネルギー冷麺 お受験せんそ→」 (even though her career was well into swing back then) and she has many notable songs on Innocent Key's discography. She seems to enjoy switching styles, anywhere between bubble-gum pop, rock and the occasional denpa song. Her voice reminds me of KOTOKO in some ways and she can definitely hit a variety of ranges.

These six new songs will be a treat to her longtime fans of course, but 東方 and longtime Forest Pireo fans will likely be interested in the album anyway. Most songs are guitar-driven and the opening track 「紅魔機神フランドール」 earned itself a hot-blooded superhero-themed PV! Go Go Merami Rangers!


Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:FRAN×POP
Label:  Forest Pireo (サ-48b)
Price:1000
Link:http://forestpireo.jp/ppp_fpr20.html

Monday 6 August 2012

C82: Holic Service vs. Birdtune 「妹達のお尻が臭かったので、戦わせることにした!」 & 「東方惑星探検隊!」


Birdtune and Holic Service are about to wage an epic, yet completely unecessary war, all for our very own enjoyment. Even though both studios are actually operated by KuKuDoDo himself, they are going head-to-head on 「妹達のお尻が臭かったので、戦わせることにした!」 which releases August 11th 2012. Nevermind the stinky title, direct your attention to the tracklist below and witness its mix of fresh and proven talent!

  1. ね・ね・ね・ねこ・ねこ注入! [mp3]
    Vocals: nanano, Arrange: 吉田省吾
  2. strawberry ga cirno!! [mp3]
    Vocals: なな, Arrange: ほりっくさーびす
  3. 恋する感染ぱにぱにっく★ [mp3]
    Vocals: AZU, Arrange: ばーどちゅーん
  4. 初恋コントローラー 大阪弁ver [mp3]
    Vocals: りこ。, Arrange: ほりっくさーびす
  5. 麻雀はじめま専科? [mp3]
    Vocals: nanano, Arrange: ばーどちゅーん
  6. レンアイスイッチヒッター! [mp3]
    Vocals: Gumi, Arrange: かめりあ
  7. もみにゃんを上品に愛でてみるテスト [mp3]
    Vocals: nanano, Arrange: ばーどちゅーん
  8. 見よ!ロリコンは赤く燃えている! [mp3]
    Vocals: りこ。, Arrange: Makinalot
  9. とある辻ヒーラーの日常 [mp3]
    Vocals: nanano, Arrange: 吉田省吾
  10. あっぷるサイダ@ [mp3]
    Vocals: なな, Arrange: ほりっくさーびす

That's right! After a presence on the latest Birdtune release, our homeboy かめりあ is now on a Holic Service album... with Gumi singing, no less! The lovely りこ。 also appears on two tracks, bringing her sweet vocals to the plate. Know 吉田省吾 of Aintops fame? You probably do, but just in case, he's a frequent Zero-Shaft and ななひら collaborator.

AZU and なな are new to the scene, especially AZU which just started uploading covers in 2012. Both of their voices are perfect for denpa! Makinalot is the only unknown arranger here, but that status won't stick for long if he keeps pumping out such hard-hitting tunes!

This leaves us with nanano and good old new-wave-obsessed-KuKu-motherfucking-DoDo (operating under both label names). It's really impressive how nanano rose to the task in such a short time, not only as a vocalist but also as a producer for Birdtune. As with many of KuKuDoDo's albums, buying it is a no-brainer, but if you're somehow on the fence, make sure you spin these samples a couple more times. This is definitely high-quality denpa!!

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:妹達のお尻が臭かったので、戦わせることにした!
Label:  ばーどちゅーん (あ-45b) or ほりっくさーびす (サ-48a)
Price:1000
Link:http://holicservice.com/ev-imouto/





Support KuKuDoDo & Gumi!
While we're at it, you may also want to pick up the latest Birdtune release 「東方惑星探検隊!」 which is barely three months old! Refer to our 例大祭9 quicklook for more details. Chances are both albums will be available at either booth, but to be on the safe side, here is the Birdtune info.

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:東方惑星探検隊!
Label:  ばーどちゅーん (あ-45b)
Price:1000
Link:http://wakusei.birdtune.jp/



C82: Fourth おでんぱ☆スタジオ mini-album 「らぶでんぱ」




Benjamin Franklin said it himself... only three things are certain in life: death, taxes and おでんぱ☆スタジオ albums at Comiket! C82's no exception of course, but their recent streak of celebrity collaborations hasn't stopped either. None other than 安倍ようこ shall provide guest vocals to their fourth mini-album 「らぶでんぱ」 coming out August 11th 2012.

You can hear her lovely voice right on the first track 「ぴ・ぴ・ぴ」 but she'll also participate in the traditional でぱらじ episode. Overall, the album sounds like it'll be a little softer and lovey-dovey than their previous efforts. Except maybe for track #5 which almost sounds like those "紫雨UNITED" tracks normally confined to IOSYS albums. Here's the tracklist and credits:

  1. ぴ・ぴ・ぴ
    Vocals: 安倍ようこ, Lyrics: ひろて~, Composer: ベイビー・レモネード
  2. しーさいど☆でーと
    Vocals: ドミソ(CV:ほたる), 作詞:ほたる, Composer: ベイビー・レモネード
  3. らぶそんぐみたいなうた
    Vocals: かなで(CVねこめ), 作詞:ねこめ, Composer: ひろて~
  4. だいしゅきほ~るど
    Vocals: ゆな(CV:なつき), 作詞: ひろて~, Composer: ベイビー・レモネード
  5. 朝まで生xxx「LOVEってなんだ!?」 スペシャル!!
    Vocals: ゆな(CV:なつき), みさき(CV:津軽りんご), ドミソ(CV:ほたる), 通りすがりのお姉さん, Lyrics: ひろて~, Composer: ベイビー・レモネード
  6. でぱらじ☆えいとす
    Guest:よーこたん(CV: 安倍ようこ)DJ: ゆな(CV:なつき), みさき(CV:津軽りんご), かなで(CV:ねこめ), ドミソ(CV:ほたる)

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:らぶでんぱ
Label:  おでんぱ☆スタジオ (け-29a)
Price:800
Link:http://www.odenpa.jp/cd/opcd1009/index.html

Sunday 5 August 2012

C82: Fourth ちぃむdmp☆ album 「電波娘々」



You want cute? You want sexy? You want... loli-loli?!? That's exactly what you're gonna get with the fourth compilation album from the ちぃむdmp☆ girls 桃箱 and 愛原圭織! 「電波娘々」 (or denpa-nyan-nyan!) will contain 12 brand new tracks and is set to release on August 11th 2012. Here's the lovely cover and tracklist, click the following image to download the crossfade MP3!


Full songs on 桃箱's youtube channel:


A quick look at the staff list reveals familiar names such as Master かたほとり, U-ske, やまみのり and three tracks from Aruna Ryuki! However, Lord Tenkomori is nowhere to be found... neither is はちみつれもん who had expressly stated he wanted to do more denpa songs! Well, it's not like Satsuki hasn't been busy lately. Regardless, it's easy to deduce from the sampler that this will be yet another legendary album, so make sure to vote with your wallet! Who knows, maybe this album will single-handedly improve China-Japan relationships!

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:電波娘々
Label:  ちぃむdmp☆ (あ-27b)
Price:1000
Link:http://dmp.babymilk.jp/denpanyannyan/

Saturday 4 August 2012

C82: New t+pazolite album 「So Many Materials」






Here we go with another week full of Comiket coverage! To kick things off, let's take a look at t+pazolite's freshly-announced 「So Many Materials」 album, to be released on August 11th 2012. Let's get one thing out of the way, it does contain some リズナ tracks (at least two from the sampler) and the usual awesome artwork of イチゼ (NAYUTA). So far, we are treading comfortable waters, what about the album itself?

The gimmick this time is that all songs draw inspiration from at least two Touhou songs. Surely you've seen this in the past, but nowhere near as intense as the second track 「want you 模索 collaboration」 which references 8 separate ZUN compositions! Surely とぱぞ got a bit greedy on that one, but who's complaining! Overall this sounds like a very refined effort, which is not very surprising in a way given his streak of high-quality albums. Still, it's quite impressive that he hasn't peaked yet!

Something we're going to do from now on is provide the following info, which helps you fill out the doujincore.com Group Import Order form. If you want to support your favourite artists, you have to buy their albums. We mean it! (note this info may be deleted after the deadline).

Doujincore Import Info (deadline Aug 9th 9PM PST)
Title:So Many Materials
Label:  C.H.S (サ-14b)
Price:1000
Link:http://c-h-s.me/somany/