ReMix: Donkey Kong Country 'Clouded Mind and Ringing Ears'

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Site projects picked up a lot of attention in 2004 when, following on the success of Relics of the Chozo in late 2003, the Kong in Concert project made headlines on Slashdot and gained a lot of well-deserved attention. The torrents for both projects are still active, having provided terabytes of throughput for both initiatives, and I've a feeling 2005 will see at least a couple similar collaborations reach critical mass and debut, hopefully with just as much initial and enduring appreciation. Aetherius' contribution to KiC, a ReMix of DKC's 'Misty Menace' theme, is 2004's last site project-related mix to be posted, and while it's not as accessible as some of its predecessors which have made their way here, considering the source material, it's an interesting, expansive mutation of the original. Strong similarities to some of the work Children of the Monkey Machine has done, in terms of mixing ambient with industrial to create stark, but at the same time oddly relaxing, soundscapes. The judges were split on whether there was enough substance to warrant calling this a ReMix, actually, with then-judge Protricity offering:

"Sure the original didn't have much going on, but I don't see why such ambient minimalism can justify not having to be a rearrangement/remix."

However, the majority to his and zircon's dissent was that, given the original, what's been done in terms of soundscaping essentially brings it into the realm of ReMixdom. Quoth the Oji:

"Loved this mix ever since I first heard it and it's one of my favorites off KiC. I didn't compare this with "Misty Menace" for a while after listening to this track, so though this mix doesn't have much of a melody, it really expanded things upon actual comparison with the source a few months ago, which was a very pleasant surprise. Though simple and straightfoward, lots of subtle elements came together to form an enjoyable ambience, and Rab's sure to pick up some fans who enjoy this relaxing, yet melancholy and ominous soundscape."

Ambient mixes aren't everyone's cup o' tea, judging them can be difficult, and when the source material is ambient to begin with, quantifying the amount of arrangement can be tricky. If you're a diehard Kong fan or simply into ambient, I don't think that'll matter too much for you; for my money, upon listening to the original, I had an increased appreciation for what Rab accomplished here, although I can still identify with what the less-enamored judges pointed out. Good stuff from a great project - dark and enveloping.

― djpretzel