ReMix: E. V. O.: Search for Eden 'Evolutionary Means'

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A long time ago I used to diss my friend for buying this game; he said it was pretty lame, and from the box art and little I saw of it, I agreed, and mocked him for his purchase in a fun-and-not-really-insultory fashion. It wasn't until much later, when I got more into emulation, that I found the game had a pretty dedicated cult following and even die-hard, zealous fandom amongst some on the net. I haven't gone back to rediscover the game since being exposed to its niche net adulation, but it did go to show that you can judge neither a book nor an Enix SNES game by its cover. Russell has answered the call by some few-but-proud E.V.O. fans for an arrangement of its tunage, in his ever-faithful, classy orchestral fashion. Very grandiose, classic arrangement - similar to movie scores for adventure films from the 50's and 60's. Nowadays they tend to go for more instant gratification, but this is the type of arrangement that takes its time and has a lot of ponderous, emotive, deliberate solo work. There's bassoon, french horn, oboe, flute, great brass and string section work, and playing a very strong role, harp and bass pizzicato. Just listening to how the harp's role changes, is augmented by piano, glissandos into transitions beautifully, etc. is enough to keep me interested. There's a big brass push at 3'20" that's quite nice, also some very exposed bassoon work before that at 1'40" that preludes a wonderful duet. Russell's grasp on trading ensemble sections with instrumental (solo, duet, etc.) sections is probably best utilized thus far - there's both the majestic, ensemble pushes and intimate, flowing, individual bits, and the two overlap with nary a compositional faux pas to be found. Only thing I wasn't too keen on here is the bass pizzicato ending - it sounds like a a potentially good idea that wasn't given enough time. It also exposes more flagrantly a good bit of hiss on the recording - I've known Russell to add this intentionally to evoke a certain element of realism, but whether intentional or not, this was a bit too much :) In retrospect, pieces of the melody and the overall orchestration remind me of Russell's 'Journey of Solitude' piece from a long while back. If you dig that, or any of Russell's excellent work, chances are you'll appreciate his latest as well. The chord structure, transitions, and movement all exhibit maturity and quality. And E.V.O. fans in particular are in for quite the treat. Recommended.

― djpretzel