Needlemouse Mania Review
Buy Needlemouse mania
Editor’s Note: A review copy of the album was provided to GameGrooves.
Like Sonic the Hedgehog, Needlemouse Mania packs a lot of attitude in a relatively small package (only 10 tracks). This album spans over 25 years of Sonic music with genres ranging from electro house to Neo Arcade to funk. In short, this album is a worthy successor to RoBKTA’s previous Sonic tribute album, Club Needlemouse.
Opening track “Green Hill Zone” has a laid-back vibe, easing the listener into Needlemouse Mania, but by the second track, it’s clear that RoBKTa is here to party. The good vibes start with “Chemical Apex,” and the tempo doesn’t slow until the album’s closer, “Ending (from Sonic the Hedgehog 2).” Like old friends, these familiar tracks remind us why we fell in love with the blue blur, and it’s impossible not to move to the beat as RoBKTA changes up his sound multiple times. In fact, he’s something of a musical chameleon as evidenced by my favorite track on the album, “Marble Zone.”
“Marble Zone” starts with a samba beat before the lead synths are introduced. The energy continues to escalate for the first 30 seconds until we’re treated to one of the most iconic melodies in the Sonic discography. At this point, a funky bassline joins the party, and the drums switch from a samba beat to more of a house beat. At the one-minute mark, RoBKTA teases us with a genre change, but that was just a feint. The true transformation begins halfway through the track when a sax VST, a crisp electric guitar, and a hip hop beat take over for the next thirty second or so. Now, it’s back to the main melody, right? Wrong.
RobKTA continues to change things up by adding crunchy, distorted guitar riffs and synths for a bridge that’s entirely original. Just when you think the track has completely gone off the rails, the familiar melody returns for another refrain before being joined by Rob’s original melody and the samba beat in a perfect blending of old and new. The track reaches a crescendo and ends with a bang, or in this case, a cymbal crash. RoBKTA’s ability to change genres at will showcases his skills as both a producer and an arranger. In less experienced hands, this track would fall apart, but Rob makes it look (or sound) easy.
Needlemouse Mania brings to life the colorful, vibrant worlds that the team at SEGA created all those years ago, and it reminds us that the music of Sonic the Hedgehog has endured for over 30 years with good reason.
Rating: Must-have
(All VGM Fans Should Enjoy)