Reviews by maindrian |
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Displaying Reviews 1 - 13 out of 13 |
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Arkanoid - arranged by Romeo KnightReview by maindrian, 24/07/2004 What can I say? Forgive me for being overenthusiastic when I write my reviews, but I hear so much stuff I dig here these days, I have to pass comment. Romeo rocks… No, he RAWKS! Thats the highest commendation I can give I think.So, you've heard Arkanoid a thousand times before, you're sick of it. Get over it and wrap your ears around this interpretation. Pounding drums, roaring, bassy guitars and some awesome soundscapes. This is, absolutely 100% Arkanoid. At the same time, its a new spin on things. On the critical side, I really don't like that wobbly bass sound. It seems out of place and ugly. Ugly enough to dissapoint me after a cracking intro. I could be just looking for holes to pick, but it really gets on my nerves. Ah well… Overall. Nice. In two remixes, Romeo has pretty much blown my bloody doors off. I await more with baited breath. |
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Kung-Fu Master (Surf mix) - arranged by dor-xReview by maindrian, 07/07/2004 I absolutely freakin' love this, no doubt about it. My favourite remix yet this year. You would not believe the smile this bought to my face.I never had this game for the C64, truth be told. As a kid, with a lot of free time in the summer, I'd be in a lot of the sea-front arcades, playing games like Wonderboy, Pacland and… Kung Fu Master, what else? I wasted a crap-load of ten pence pieces on that machine and loved every second of jumpy, kicky, punchy action. The theme tune has been lodged in my head for years. Which brings me on to this remix. After a nice floaty synth opening… Just the very warm feeling that spread over me when I heard that familiar tune, played so well on a nice clean guitar. This is Kung Fu Master all right, but it also puts me in mind of Kill Bill and other Tarantino soundtracks. The playing is masterful. Love the solos, the tremolo work, all good. You occasionally sound like you're sruggling to play the main tune fast enough, but thats no biggie. I certainly couldn't play that riff. It all sounds like spot on exploitaion movie OST. So, to sum up. Thanks dor-x, you've managed to brighten up a shitty month in my life and make me grin like a loon. I love any remix that has guitar sounds like this one. Sort of similar to what I was going for with Times of Lore, only several million times better. Well done and thank you. I think I'll have to go lie down now… |
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720 Degrees (Still Loading) - arranged by Juha KaunistoReview by maindrian, 28/11/2003 Parents! Cover your childrens ears, disconnect the speakers and burn them! Its rude, crude, quite possibly one of the best guitar based remixes ever, and its out to corrupt your children and frighten your granny!Seriously, that Sumppi chap has outdone himself here. For one thing, the punk rock style fits the tune perfectly. 720 Degrees as done by The Clash? Not quite, but still cooler than a very cool thing. Another thing, those distorted vocals. I love 'em, but then, a distorted vocal could make Mr. Bean sound like James Hetfield. Some fairly harsh language going on here too, but appropriate. Believe me, I've shouted much worse when waiting for a game to load. The faults, I hear you ask? Only one. Its too short. But worry ye not, you can put it on repeat play! Don't suppose it would be too much to ask for an extended version some time in the far future though? Well done Juha, I look forward to your next one. Can I have my hearing back now? |
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Times of Lore (destination unknown remix) - arranged by ChaKReview by maindrian, 20/11/2003 Aye, this one is good, if a little odd. When I think of the TOL theme, I usually associate it with that wonderful arpegio, and its here, but its strange hearing it done so electronically. Not that electronic is bad, far from it. This is still a good remix and I think its a sound I would like to hear more of. Akin to Harry Gregson Williams or Trevor Rabin, a mix of orchestral and electronic sounds that gels really well.I think it loses a few points for nostalgia, but only because its so jarring to hear TOL in this context. Its quite polished and very listenable. So listen to it… Or something. Uh, yeah. |
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Forbidden Forest (post-rock remix) - arranged by GammagummaReview by maindrian, 23/10/2003 I love how Gammasutra has arranged this remix. Its got an hypnotic quality about it. The rythm suits the tune perfectly. Dark and mysterious deeds are afoot! I particuarly like the lead guitar, very… Um, twangy. Exotic.Its not perfect. I could swear there's a guitar out of tune somewhere in there at the start, right of centre. Could just be my hearing of course, but it doesn't spoil the tune in any way. Sound quality is good, not great, although it is hard work arranging guitar based remixes just so. Overall, it makes for compelling listening. Certainly worth a look for fans of both Forbidden Forest and slightly off-the-wall rock. |
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Forbidden Forest - arranged by LeeReview by maindrian, 12/09/2003 Yup, big fan of this.A remix, custom made for winding down and relaxing, which isnt something you'd expect of a creepy tune like Forbidden Forest. Its just pure acoustic guitars and sheer bliss. So go make yourself a mug of cocoa, find a big comfy chair, put this remix on and imagine you're sipping wine somewhere in the south of France or something. I heartily reccommend this for all of those who want something different. |
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Last Ninja 2 - The Basement (evil mix) - arranged by Tac DibarReview by maindrian, 09/08/2003 Now this hits the spot. I've wanted a decent synth version of this tune for ages, but this isnt decent… Its awesome. As is my way, I like music that takes you somewhere, fuels your imagination. And Tac has more than catered in that aspect. The whole remix has the feel of a chaotic sci-fi battle. It sounds like something that could have come from a Command & Conquer game, only bigger. I like the lead out melody too, very memorable.I cannot praise this remix enough. Filmic, atmospheric and well put together. |
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Trojan Warrior - arranged by Dr FutureReview by maindrian, 03/08/2003 The sid was possibly the perfect track to remix with duelling guitars, and Dr. Future does a great job early on. However, it could be preference or execution, but I dont really dig the synth noises and the drums. They seem out of place at points. Also, I dont know if its just my hearing, but the timing appears to be off in some places. It all seems slightly… Robotic?Bad points aside, I'm a fan. Even though they dont fit together well, the synth and the guitar effects are well done, and Steve Barretts wonderfully floaty melody is an absolute knockout. Its great, not spectacular, just great. Meaning it wont waste your time. Get it in! |
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Captain America and the Doom Tube - arranged by Clayton and Stafford MarslandReview by maindrian, 23/06/2003 Why do I bother doing guitar remixes, eh? Especially when Stafford and Clayton do them so much better. As with their Speedball remix, there's a lot of attidute here. You could kick down doors with this remix. The riffing is low and heavy and hard, which in my opinion, can only be a good thing. Download it and enjoy it. That simple. |
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Trantor (Storm cometh remix) - arranged by InfamousReview by maindrian, 10/06/2003 Well, its a dodgy one this. On one hand, this remix bears little or no resemblance to the original, aside from the intro. And the intro isnt 100% either… On the other hand, its got a wonderful sound. Its simply a great piece of music, especially when the distorted kickdrums pound in at 1:13.I've waited a while for a decent… Well, any remix of Trantor, and to be honest this was a little disapointing. However, it still a good peice of electronic grindage. Download, but dont expect a perfect cover. |
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Speedball - arranged by Clayton and Stafford MarslandReview by maindrian, 01/06/2003 Its darn good this. In its more frenetic moments, I can imagine a John Woo style action sequence or something. Somebody once told me that good music can be defined by the mental image you get when you hear it, very true in this case. It would soundtrack a good spy movie very well. Chilled out moments give the listener a chance to breathe, but this track is at its best when the pedal is to the metal.Its not without its faults. The rythm guitar is occasionally a little hard to pick up, but the lead sounds absolutley fantastic. An odd remix, what with all the time changes and everything, but well worth checking out. |
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Target Renegade (Level 1) - arranged by Clayton MarslandReview by maindrian, 22/04/2003 Oh my, it's really something special here.I wont go into the technical aspect of this remix, all I know is that it sounds good. And what more could you possibly need? Some excellent guitar, a thumping beat and a classy sheen? You got it. I was going to remix this sid myself. Consider that scrapped folks, this is the definitive version. Makes me want to roam the mean streets with a baseball bat. |
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Athena (Jazzoids Bjork like remix) - arranged by JazzoidReview by maindrian, 15/04/2003 I'm incredibly impressed by this remix. Emotional, epic and thouroughly stirring.The title is justified, as the remix does have the feel of a Bjork track and as a fan of the artist myself, I wouldnt accept anything less. However it also evokes the original sid incredibly well. The whole thing makes me want to blow the dust off of my old copy of Post. A well put together track indeed. Kudos Jazzoid. |
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