ReMix: Secret of Mana 'Desert Snowstorm'

Download MP3
5,477,953 bytes, 4:22, 167kbps

• Trade-in your Games or Anime DVDs!
• OC ReMix Shirts & Merch
• Games:
  • DS | GBA | GC | PS2 | WII | XBOX | 360
  • Imports & Pre-owned
• Anime:
  • DVDs & Merchandise

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