The album of the month is Snapshot, by Hololive's ReGLOSS unit, composed of Ichijou Ririka (一条莉々華), Todoroki Hajime (轟はじめ), Otonose Kanade (音乃瀬奏), and Juufuutei Raden (儒烏風亭らでん).
Production is lead by OHTORA as is usual for ReGLOSS, with additional composition and arrangement work done by a number of people: New K, maeshima soshi, DÉ DÉ MOUSE (デデマウス), Ogawa Ryo, and cat biscuit.
This is the second album by ReGLOSS. It features not just group songs, but each member also has a solo piece. The first two singles, Sakura Mirage and Midsummer Citrus, have been re-recorded for the album release, as the original tracks were performed with Hiodoshi Ao, a member who was on extended leave during the production of the album and eventually retired from the group. If you're paying attention, it does make for one or two awkward moments ("Call my name (A-O)") and I think it would have been perfectly fine to leave them as is, but it's an understandable decision.
The group songs are generally up-tempo Jpop with a very modern, Kpop-influenced sound, which isn't a suprise given their past body of work. Although I don't remember if it was ever officially supported, the concept of the group was largely accepted to be Kpop style unit, especially since the two producers they work with the most, OHTORA and maeshima soshi, are well known for their work with Kpop groups. The style I've come to expect from this pair is apparent throughout the album, with strong use of synths and rapid tempos, setting full soundscapes against passages with ample empty space. It might not be a new formula, but it's still a winning one, producing songs which can reliably grab and hold your attention.
The solo songs have a little more variety. They still have a very modern sound, but each is adapted to suit the respective member's image: Raden has an introspective spoken word piece; Kanade sings a bright pop-rock song with focus on the vocals; Ririka a triumphant, bubbly tune; and Bancho has something a bit more moody.
I've been really enjoying the music from ReGLOSS. Especially the album tracks, as they seem to play it fairly safe with the lead singles. On this album I'd probably pick SKAVLA or Bangarang as my favourite from the group songs, and Happiness Phenomenon or Birira Birira for the solos. And if it's your thing, XOVERLINE has a Christmas arrangement.