On the Peril of Parrots Review
BUY on the peril of parrots
For my first review of the year, I circled back to a composer that I’ve reviewed before–Chase Bethea. He has quite a few albums under his belt, so I had some idea of what to expect when he released his new game soundtrack for On the Peril of Parrots. Well, let me be the first to say that all my preconceptions were wrong.
Instead of an ambient electronic score or rousing orchestral themes, I was greeted by warm Bossa Nova vibes for the title track. The rest of the album follows suit, with a few surprises here and there. A fun vocal performance is a welcome addition for Track 3, and Track 5 might be the most distinct with its unsettling chords and mysterious tone. Nevertheless, this is a perfect summer appetizer, a refreshing musical appetizer for the pool or the beach.
On the Peril of Parrots is a “puzzle game exploring anxieties around artificial intelligence by solving color-based challenges & collecting cookies.” Watching a no-commentary gameplay video gave me an idea of how this music could work in the context of the game, and I have to say that I’m extremely impressed with both the music and its implementation. Much like Celeste, another game that requires patience with trial-and-error gameplay, the music of On the Peril of Parrots serves to keep players focused without letting them get too frustrated.
This album is an interesting chapter in Chase’s career because it showcases him experimenting with new music styles while retaining his signature sense of storytelling, mood, and texture. I can only imagine what’s in store for this compelling composer, but here’s hoping that he’s given more opportunities to experiment with his musical style.
RATING: MUST-HAVE
(All VGM Fans Should Enjoy)