What's your favorite Touhou circle that makes music?

[Haven Steel Works]

Asking because I am curious.
I'll start with my top three favorites.


First, Shinra-Bansho.

I've been a fan of them since I first became a Touhou fan around 2021, I love all their MV's with Joyfull as the artist for them. Though if I had to pick my most favorite songs of theirs it would probably be Instant Blue. It's a song related to the Hifuu's (Maribel and Renko), I love the singer and how she goes "Oh..." between the lyrics sometimes. The sky in the background also changes from day, dusk, and to night which is fun to watch.
Also, honorary mention to Shangri-La, specifically the 2019 version with Ayo singing the lyrics. Shangri-La was originally released in 2013, so it's over a decade old at this point.


In second place I have Yonder Voice.

The circle name is really fitting considering their singer, YooSanHyakurei, has a really beautiful voice. I don't have a favorite song of theirs but rather an entire album, which is Flowery Moonlit Night from 2014. You've probably have come across the song of the same name, it's really popular but the five other songs in the album are also good. I think my favorite song in the album is Last Train, I don't have much to say other than it's a really good song in my opinion, every part of it.

Spoiler

(Now that I say this I think Last Train is my favorite song of theirs?)

Sorry for no links on this one, I couldn't find a Youtube video for the entire album, I recommend just downloading it via the TLMC if you wanna listen to it.


In third place I put Foreground Eclipse.

I was introduced to the circle by an ex-friend of mine, I haven't really found another circle like them, I mean there probably is, but I never found one. Speaking of genre, it's unique for Touhou, it being Screamo & Post-Hardcore, which is the reason I like them (It being unique). My favorite song of theirs is I Bet You'll Forget That Even If You Noticed That. Good and unique lyrics, and I love the voice of Merami. I recommend you to give it a listen even if it isn't your thing.



Anyways if you read this far thank you, now list yours.

 

[erlking]

personally im between ddby and demetori. felt and as you mentioned foreground eclipse are up there to me as well.

 

[Ken Hisuag]

GET IN THE RING is my top circle; I'd recommend "Moonscraper" and "Rebirth," but that only scratches the surface of what they've put out.

ssbbmaster may not qualify as a 'circle,' but there's no other orchestral artist I'd rank higher (technically more symphonic metal nowadays, but I continue to remember the early works). Check out the "Immemorial Marketeers" and "Voyage 1969 (Vocal)" productions for a broad take.

Wanwan has done a couple arrangements, but what he's really known for are his original compositions in the zunish form, having developed a style therein all his own, and IMO he doesn't get nearly enough recognition for it. I've been deliberately avoiding mention of what I consider the 'best works' from any of these artists, so I'll stick with "Shangri-La Sailing Route ~ Avalon Gate" and "Life-Guiding Song ~ Prospect Mirai" for suggestions.

 

[Haven Steel Works]

personally im between ddby and demetori. felt and as you mentioned foreground eclipse are up there to me as well.

DDBY is really good, I listen to their Cafe de Toho albums when I am going to bed, I've heard of demetori but I never really listened to their music yet. Glad you like Foreground Eclipse as well.

GET IN THE RING is my top circle; I'd recommend "Moonscraper" and "Rebirth," but that only scratches the surface of what they've put out.

ssbbmaster may not qualify as a 'circle,' but there's no other orchestral artist I'd rank higher (technically more symphonic metal nowadays, but I continue to remember the early works). Check out the "Immemorial Marketeers" and "Voyage 1969 (Vocal)" productions for a broad take.

Wanwan has done a couple arrangements, but what he's really known for are his original compositions in the zunish form, having developed a style therein all his own, and IMO he doesn't get nearly enough recognition for it. I've been deliberately avoiding mention of what I consider the 'best works' from any of these artists, so I'll stick with "Shangri-La Sailing Route ~ Avalon Gate" and "Life-Guiding Song ~ Prospect Mirai" for suggestions.

I have the entirety of GET IN THE RING's discography downloaded, I downloaded it on a whim. I haven't really listened to them despite that though, mainly because I didn't know what to start with. I'll take note of ssbbmaster and Wanwan.

 

[Luki_zet]

Gotta say either Alstroemeria for their collaboration albums or Rolling Contact for his hardcore series.

Honourable mention:
Shinra-Bansho, I love their vocal.
DOWNFORCE
SoundOnline, Tsukasa can cook.

 

[Akos]

My favourite is definitely 豚乙女 (butaotome). I like the earlier rock albums, but I find some good songs in all of their albums. Lately my favourite song from them is this:

 

[RemiZura]

Shibayan Records, I picked up a few of their Touhou Bossa Nova albums last year.

A few of their songs seem to end up on generic "Japanese Bossa Nova" compilations/playlists which I always find quite funny, another gateway for the non-initiated!

Also, their website discography has those 88x31 banners that remind me of the old internet...