Shifting Horizon – Blue Storm, by Serenade

I just heard this song for the first time the other day when TetsuwanAtomFuu uploaded it to his YouTube channel, but I’m personally surprised I’ve never heard this before. Shifting Horizon is the second doujin album put out by the collective remix group Serenade (comprised of three individual doujin/original artists). The song is a perfect testament to the purpose the artists put forth in their bio section: “exploring beauty”.

The piece starts off as a remix of Final Fantasy IX’s battle theme before it starts to get into a more improvisational feel, touching lightly on the battle themes of both Final Fantasy VII and X (in fact, it feels as if the two blend together). The piece starts and ends softly, touching on a number of musical emotions in between. Yet, even with its improvisations and changes, it never feels as if the piece strays too far from the main point. Personally, I love the guitar riffs just after the 2 minute mark when the FFX/VII hybrid begins.

From Serenade’s biography page: “Serenade is a three-man music group closely examining and exploring beauty, comprised of the artists Azu♪, Godspeed, and supply. As their aim is to present to everyone musical compositions that carry a beauty which envelopes people like the stars twinkling in the night sky, they have given themselves the name ‘Serenade’.”

I’ve heard Godspeed’s samples before, and I have to say I like what I hear. In addition, a cross fade of the entire Shifting Horizon album is available for listening on their site.

3rd GIG #Crescent – 闘う者達 (Those Who Fight), by MintJam

If you’re looking for something with a little more “oomph”, then take a gander at Mint Jam’s take on “Those Who Fight”. Although the piece doesn’t differ too greatly from the original, the electric guitar riffs offer something that will surely get your blood pumping, especially on the road. Mid-way through the song they throw some improvisation in to add some flair. Overall, the piece is a solid remix, offering a new and revitalized rendition of a classic.

The album this piece comes from is entitled “3rd GIG #Crescent”, featuring mainly more somber pieces. The remix of Chrono Trigger’s “Corridor of Time” is also worth a listen, if not the entire album.

Soundtrack Notes for Star Ocean: The Last Hope

Star Ocean 4 was a fun game to play and an enjoyable ride, but after playing I really did feel as if a lot of things fell flat. The story was interesting, but the pacing and dialogue was very much sub-par. Many people complained about the voice acting, which I too felt was shoddily done, but it didn’t seem to be the biggest issue. I think my most major issue was how short and rigid everything felt. Even though there were a fair number of planets to visit, it never really felt as if there was much to explore.

Another disparaging note is that the soundtrack didn’t come out quite as brilliantly as I had hoped. The music was beautiful, but it often felt like there wasn’t a lot to be heard. Not too much struck me within the game. Even the boss battle theme, while a definite fit for the mood, isn’t something I can just pop on and enjoy.

Two tracks I would love to post up, however, are the main battle theme (Blood on the Keys), and the Star Ocean 2 battle theme arrangement (Stab the Sword of Justice – Heroic Remix). Blood on the Keys keeps with that fast-paced Sakuraba flair that I love so much. The track fits the battle’s situation: suddenly thrown into an all-out confrontation with god-knows-what. Quick and dirty guitar riffs, a steady drumbeat, and the synthetic keyboard sound that Star Ocean fans have come to love.

Stab the Sword of Justice (Heroic Remix): Part of it is the nostalgia factor hitting you as you’re transported back to the grandness of the second Star Ocean, but this is personally one of my favorite remixes from the entire album. There’s plenty of artificial sound, but the light bits of brass and string compliment an excellent piano piece. Furthermore, even with the lack of guitar riffs that Blood on the Keys sports, this theme is still powerful and exciting.

Game Update: Persona (PSP version)

Just released last week in Japan, the PSP remake of the first Persona includes new animated cut scenes, revamped graphics and system controls, extra content, and an all new soundtrack. Shin Megami Tensei sound composing legend Shoji Meguro headed the game direction and sound composition for this new installment in the franchise, which I could not be happier about. Meguro has always had a very unique artistic style, and is always willing to change things up. Watching the opening reminds me of the recent feel in Personas 3 and 4, while still showcasing a new vision.

While I am happy with the soundtrack of the new work (based on the samples available on the official site), the battle theme has me a bit dismayed. On its own, it’s an excellent theme, but I’m not sure if it really fits as a battle theme. Then again, I said the same thing about the battle themes for Persona 3 and Persona 4, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying both of those. Take a listen to the samples on their site and give “Music 04″ an ear: it’s what appears as the battle theme in all the videos.

A poster on NicoDouga was kind enough to compare the new theme to the original soundtrack. I must say, I still love the original’s mid-boss theme (死線). Though not as stylized as the more recent musical additions to the series, it set the mood for the first two games incredibly well; it’s the kind of piece, as one commenter notes, that makes you want to scream out “Persona!” That said, I’m very anxious to hear the remake’s entire finished product. [Note: My apologies to any and all who do not have nico video accounts for not being able to view the posted links.]

Famitsu has yet to give a review to the game, it seems, as there is no score available on their site. I’ll be watching to see what people think of the new version.

Wow. That’s a lot to cover in one post. So, until next time, let me leave you with some classic S.S.H.:

- Jaceryl