ReMix: Final Fantasy VI 'Battle Theme (IvoryMetalMix)'

Download MP3
4,684,380 bytes, 3:15, 192kbps

• 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

Challenging. This is an adjective that might not be entirely obvious when applied to game mixes, but the long and short of my particular usage is that it essentially means a piece isn't going to follow the rules, is going to have something like dissonance, unusual meter or structure, etc. that makes it perhaps harder to get into for some - that sort of thing. It's not an insult but not necessarily a compliment either - while it's great to see people taking risks, it can also be challenging to work within more accessible constraints and still have mixes that sound fresh and interesting. But I digress: newcomer Noir (like the somewhat formulaic anime with a great OST) alias Eric Barker has come up with an ornate, "challenging" solo piano arrangement from FF6 that is very worth your time. Beginning with an energetic chromatic build on the fantasy arpeggio, you quickly get a sense the arrangement is going to be riskier, flamboyant, and very creative. Great attention to LARGE dynamics changes, keeping things tense and taut. Judges were very split on some of the dissonance, with half feeling that even if it was intentional it didn't work, and the other feeling that it clearly was and that it did work. Listening now, in the context of the entire piece, I'd say it makes sense. Mr. Baranowsky writes:

"The bass notes in the beginning work for me. It's dissonant, but dissonance is not always bad. Like the D^2 said, it resolves. I like how a lot of it is similar to the original, but a lot of it is totally different as well. It keeps it fresh, while at the same time familiar. Performance skill is top-tier, no qualms there. Recording works for me, could use a dash more reverb, I say. It's a new take on the ff6 battle theme that I never thought possible. Good Stuff. "

In general, the intonation takes some twists and turns that keep you guessing and, for me at least, raised the interest level. Israfel had some more technical comments about the performance - timing, tempo, and recording issues - most of which I agreed with, but the human factor works to the advantage more than not in this case, and adds a degree of kinetic energy and verve that makes things click. I agree with Dan; this transforms the battle theme in a way that's not at all obvious but does work, enjoyably and admirably so.

― djpretzel