ReMix: Secret of Mana 'Desert Snowstorm'

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Ziwtra strikes again, this time with a follow-up Secret of Mana ReMix that's not quite as sugary-sweet as 'Stomp the Summer Sky', but no less well-crafted and constructed. Ziwtra's pieces have a nice, clean, produced feeling to them without feeling too overdone and without being drenched in melodramatic reverb - I like the balance and restraint used in the application of effects and the conscious, unending attention to stereo imaging. This begins as a soft, distant chiming melody but quickly turns into more of a techno/breakbeat groove-fest, and be warned, there's loads of chop-up effects and DSP on the table - the first two minutes see a good dozen tricks of the trade at play, impressively used in a musical but rapid+consecutive fashion. Things segue halfway through to the more melody-driven (flute & violin) second half, which is direct and organic in comparison and has a pleasant, floating atmosphere, with melody and harmony overtop a bubbling xylophone. This is another two-for-one deal, with the first half of the mix representing a sharper, more electronic edge, with twists and turns 'round every corner and the second half a mellower, rounder feel, with less immediacy and a more laid-back, narrative vibe. I like the dichotomy, however, and the transition is smooth enough so as not to jar or too abruptly "repurpose" the tone. Great stuff from Ziwtra, getting a little bit deeper into the Secret of Mana soundtrack and pulling out some inspired results. Recommended.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

Yes! A Secret of Mana mix that isn't new age or filled to the brim with tubular bells. And what's more, it's energetic, bright and expertly made.
It's actually one of the most confident sounding mixes I've heard on the site; things are so strong on all fronts. Genre-bending is one thing, but pulling it off so satisfyingly is quite another. The result is something that sounds both effortless and laborious at the same time. It's a great achievement, and a really inventive variation from usual Kikuta fare.

- Marmiduke on May 8, 2009

I can't really label this one for some reason.
:?
.....
Towards the end, it gets more coherent-ish.
In the end, I don't really care for this mix, it's not bad but its not really my style. I'll pass.

- 42 on January 29, 2009

Yes more and more FFA and SoM musical goodness. I've listened to this a few times, but it is def one of those songs the more I hear the better it sounds.
Very high production values all around, i think it's also one of the better soundscapes Ziwtra has constructed. Breakdown at 2:35 was a great idea, and the new melody that came in shortly after was an even greater idea. Even though the new melodies in the 2nd half seem to produce very different emotions than the composition in the beggining I still like it. You gotta appreciate this unique song structure, bc it does work. Keeping the similar sounding rythms is what ties in the the 1st and 2nd half for me.

- avaris on December 19, 2006

The beginning caught me directly, the synths and beats unleashed at almost the same time with awesome samples and arrangement, just great. It changed its course suddenly afterwards, i could recognize that pop-ish style from "Stomp the Summer Sky", same goes for the string sample used after that part.
Things sort of melded into each other later, then it changed radically at 2:34 again. This time I loved it. The drums used was astonishing, I love those kinds that gives away that bright sound. :D And there was no changes now at least, Ziwtra kept this safari theme and succeeded well with it, in my opinion.
This is indeed a remix, not only techno but also something more foreign. Sweet. :D

- Bummerdude on March 1, 2006

An actionpacked SoM remix , i liked it alot.
Interresting and innovative, it stands out from most other stuff sent in sofar..
Thumbs Up ,Ziwtra !

- RimFrost the Tourianist on June 20, 2005

Very much like his Terranigma Zue song, this is filled with an earthy melody and powerful beats. It characterizes Zwitra's style nicely. Any Zwitra fan would be insane to pass this one up.

- [blunai] on June 20, 2005

Wow this peice is brutal! Its so damn good! It's full of so much energy. When I first heard the song it was like it kicked the shit outta my ear drums and left them begging for more. Really great trippy techno. Could you expect anything less from Zwitra?
Kudos man you put together a slammin peice.

- Pip is uh..... on March 11, 2005

Great great stuff. Excellent production. Lot's of talent shown here. You definitely know how to use that software, free or no.
Another one of my favorites.

- big giant circles on November 15, 2004

This, I think, is the best song I've heard on OC Remix so far. The professionalism displayed, the talent, the attention to every detail, every effect, every unsuspected sweep, jingle bell, everything... I am just amazed by this effort. I applaud anyone who spends this much time perfecting a song; I hope to one day approach this caliber of arrangement and sequencing. Serious ear candy.

- MrNemo on August 23, 2004

On the professional level, no questions. I also listen to it too much...
One of my favourite MP3's of all time... I love the somewhat muffled string samples that fade in at 1:25ish and then bounce around at 1:44ish the best, the crackle adds that snowstorm feel. That muting effect around 1:43 and 2:04 is delicious. The percussion is intelligent enough to listen to on it's own but mixed it with the instruments and the many other layers... gorgeous gorgeous mp3.
Keep up the good work Ziwtra

- Less Ashamed Of Self on May 14, 2004

Woah man! This is just too much for me. I was feeling kinda Anime/RPGish and wanted to just fly into battle with this theme. THis is so awesome, absolutely beautiful. I give it a 10/10, and this will be the first track on my personal SoM tribute CD.

- Jonathon Striker on September 25, 2003

this is so good that i almost ruined it by listening to it so much. it's like so good that it automatically goes onto music playlists that have nothing to do with the song's genre or anything to do with videogames. i had to literally cut back from listening to it out of grave fear that i might possibly get burned out, though that's probably not possible.
it sounded good in WIP and even better after all the changes. my "ziwtra" playlist only has 4 remixes. please make this playlist longer :D
-rob
EDIT: damn typos

- herograw on May 16, 2003

I've had this remix for quite some time now, and I'm suprised I never even commented on it. This is definitely some good stuff to zone out to, it brings back the fondest of memories of this game. Ziwtra definitely has some excellent talent, keep it up.

- Shhteve on April 4, 2003

:)
I love it to bits! It's one of my current top 5 favourite MP3s at the moment and it's likely to be staying there. It's nice to see the little-heard Ice palace theme and the blending of the Kakkara Desert works a lot better than I thought it might. The song is nicely varied - it doesn't drag on and changes enough to keep interest but not so much that it loses the flow. I'm impressed!

- ZenDadaist on March 16, 2003

Beautifully arranged indeed. Very neat introduction and a catchy interpretation of the desert music. Couldn't really find the snow music in there, but that failure must be on my side. More plaudit from another fan of the series. Keep on keeping on!

- Lomion on February 2, 2003

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