ReMix: Cave Story 'H2O'

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Cave Story hotness from the one they call OverCoat:

"This song is basically 'Path-ology Take 2' so theoretically it should pass... right :P? Interesting factoid: it is track 1 from the Cave Story Remix Project. The track remixed is 'Living Waterway.'"

This is an interesting minimalist piece that's very comforting to listen to and which establishes a solid groove that develops over time. Perhaps the most salient arrangement element is the underlying ambient drone that intros and persists for the first two minutes; it's an Eno-ish texture that sort of inhales and exhales slowly and works quite nicely against cross-panned bitcrushed drums and flutey synth leads. Both melodic and rhythmic variation increase as the mix progresses, and some of the rolling hi-hat patterns towards the end are quite nice. Logically and neatly, the mix concludes with the same ever-evolving drone it begins with. The panel was sorta split on this one, with some feeling the combination of being somewhat repetitive with also being rather liberal was problematic. Jimmy struggled internally a bit with the call but came out in favor:

"This is a really habit-forming mix. it truly is. typically i'm really particular and often kind of "meh" on minimalistic mixes, but this one is kind of hitting the sweet spot. I like the vibe, and the melodic connection is definitely clear. really, considering the length of the track, i don't think this ones as repetive as it might seem, especially with the slower tempo."

For my money, the judges that approved this track did so while citing the same issues I would, but also emphasizing the same elements which more than compensate - namely, an interpretive & unorthodox arrangement, enough variation to constitute substantial development throughout, and that special something that gives the track an enveloping, warm atmosphere. This one definitely bears repeated listening, and has a deceptive amount of depth. Very cool.

― djpretzel