July VGM Review Roundup
This summer has seen plenty of great VGM albums, and rather than focus on just one or two, I’ve decided to highlight four of my favorite albums from the past couple of months. For this Review Roundup, I’ve chosen to review the latest offerings from Chernabogue, Lacey Johnson, Chase Bethea, and Tim de Man.
The Darkest Side by Chernabogue
As the name would imply, The Darkest Side takes us on an eerie journey through the music of the Kingdom Hearts series. Metal fans should find plenty to love here as every track is loaded with riffs, solos, and occasionally synths. Oh, and did I mention all the collaborators? Every track on this album features a familiar face from the VGM community, including Lacey Johnson, Klaymore, Nah Tony, and many more. Unfortunately, the album’s greatest strength (collaboration) is also its greatest weakness as the transition between some tracks can be quite jarring. What’s more, at 58 minutes long, I think the album would have benefited if a few weaker tracks were cut. All that being said, Chernabogue definitely delivered on creating a dark and atmospheric journey through some of the finest tracks in VGM. In the famous words of a Sith Lord, “You don’t know the power of the dark(est) side!”
Rating: Recommended
(Fans of Kingdom Hearts and/or Metal Should Enjoy)
Artwork by Red Coconut Studios and Peter Hardee
Next Mission by Lacey Johnson
Lacey’s unique blend of rock/metal instrumentation and electronic elements is on full display for Next Mission. Album opener “Metroid” sets the tone nicely with a solo piano and droning synths, but by the end of the track, it’s clear that Lacey is here to rock. This delicate dance between rock/metal and electronic continues for the rest of the album, and thanks to some keen mixing and mastering by Lacey, every instrument and element is given a chance to shine. At the half-way point of the album, we’re treated to “Metroid Prime Theme,” and this is where the album truly takes off with some of my favorite songs in video game history. “Mother Brain” and “Ridley” raise the stakes with some high-energy rock/metal before “Super Metroid Ending” closes the album with a bang. All in all, this is an album I would recommend for any Metroid fan. Mission accomplished, Lacey Johnson!
Rating: Highly Recommended
(Most VGM Fans Should Enjoy)
Album Art: Glen Henry of SpriteWrench
Questlike: Pocket OST by Chase Bethea
I have to admit that upon first listen, this OST didn’t grab me. I was familiar with Chase’s previous works, having reviewed </reality>, so I had some preconception of what I might hear on this latest soundtrack. Instead of charming, quirky melodies or ambient digital soundscapes, I found rousing percussive anthems, perfect for amping players up. By the 3rd and 4th listen, I started to appreciate this new sonic direction for Chase, and I am glad that this album subverted my expectations.
Being unfamiliar with Questlike: Pocket, I resorted to reading the description on Chase’s Bandcamp page for more info. According to Chase: “The tracks in this soundtrack are the title screen and the various combat tracks based on what area you venture to fight the creatures.” The title screen is a surprising ear worm with triumphant strings and playful rhythms, but it’s the second track where you get into the real meat of the album. A steady bassline and strong percussive elements guide the listener as different instruments weave their way in and out of the remainder of this soundtrack. Each track is unique, but the album as a whole feels very cohesive. I’m also happy to report that the album holds a lot of surprises for those who give it repeat listens.
That being said, $7 for 5 tracks might seem a little steep to some people, but I consider it an investment in one of the more compelling indie composers working right now.
Rating: Highly Recommended
(Most VGM Fans Should Enjoy)
Hyrule Highlands II - Music from Tim de Man
Before I start this review, I need to acknowledge the huge influence that Zelda Reorchestrated (ZREO) has had on both me personally and GameGrooves. Without ZREO, I would never have discovered the VGM community, and I wouldn’t have bought my first VGM album, Twilight Symphony (which is still wrapped to this day). I still remember the day that ZREO announced that it would be ending, so you can imagine my surprise and my excitement when I learned of ZREO: Second Quest. For those who don’t know, ZREO: Second Quest is a community and label for Zelda music, helping fans and artists produce high-quality tribute music.
Hyrule Highlands II is the second album from ZREO, and the first that I’ve heard of Tim de Man. Needless to say, this album definitely left an impression as Tim’s blend of folk and Celtic folk perfectly complemented the source material. What’s more, he performed with all of the many, many, many instruments on this album. I won’t waste your time heaping praise on Hyrule Highlands II, because from the moment you hit play, you’ll know whether this album is for you. If you’re a Zelda fan, you need to buy this album. If you aren’t a Zelda fan, then this album just might convince you to give the series another shot.
Rating: Must-Have
(All VGM Fans Should Enjoy)