ph00t's FavoritesĀ 1/21 - 2/3
Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.
Vaceslav - Barriers
Vaceslav keeps putting out incredible music, and Barriers is very true to form. What I love most about this tune is the way the lyrics convey how impossible Cadance and Shining Armor's relationship seemed to both parties outset, and how that just tore them up inside. There's a lot of pathos there, and Vaceslav and Itchigotchi really capture it.
Art Fonseca - Loyalty
So Loyalty, by AcoustiMandoBrony, was one of those instant classics a few years ago, and the thrashy rock sound was chosen as emblematic of Rainbow Dash. But Art Fonseca decided to take a bit of a creative risk by using a more Fusion-inspired sound, which appeals to me a lot. It really feels particularly good in the Chorus, and in the solo.
Nicolas Dominique - Through Chaos
Call me predictable, but I hear a Trance tune from Nicolas Dominque, and I can't stop myself from telling everyone about it. Among the increasingly rare active Trance producers in this fandom, Nic stands out for his ability to build without it feeling like a build, then you wake up from the hypnosis, and the tune has suddenly gotten very intense. I wish there was more music like this these days.
Egor Lappo - Stop the Bats
One of the best things about this tune is actually watching Egor Lappo play that truly terrifying eight-string. Lappo really pulls me in for more listens on this tune with the details, though. He finds a lot of little places to insert creative little licks that give the tune a lot more character.
Warbalist ft. Metal Mare - Harmony of Life
The Bossa Nova rhythm on this tune is really a whole lot of fun. The Jazzy feel is a whole lot of fun in general. Metal Mare has a really full alto sound, with great control, and phenomenal range, and Warbalist's Guitar solo is really strong. Shouts out as well to Pashoo for his horn work. This was a tune off the latest Seeds of Kindness album. Definitely check it out.
BlackStone - The Unrequiter
If this is just the test version of this tune, I can't wait for the cleaned up version. The indie rock style is a perfect fit for this tune, what with Trenderhoof serving as, at least partial, inspiration. Whenever Main jumps into those falsetto notes, I get a little smile on my face.
Mr BronyDash - The Life of Freedom
In Life of Freedom, BronyDash seems to be channeling a little bit of Johnny Cash. As a result, this tune kinda gives a feeling of nostalgia. This is one of those tunes that appeals to me for its simplicity. Thematically, it's quite appropriate, as well, with its focus on Applejack striking out on her own.
Adam Sporka - Ultrafast Galactic Bebop from Outer Space
With this tune, I just want to get up and start moving. Sporka is making a really neat use of disonance in this tune. In combination with the bouncy rhythm, and old-school sound design, this tune is a great ditty to get down to, just as Pinkie Pie would like it.
Spectra - Resistance
I was sold on this tune the moment that that rock solid rolling bassline kicked in. I guess in the end I really am a sucker for the tropes of good old trance music. I mean, this whole tune just puts me in the mind of some good old Cygnus X tunes. The transition in the breakdown to a more orchestral rock sound is really interesting, and really helps the tune's charm.
3Spirit - Enchantress
In the last year or so, 3Spirit's really been coming into his own as an artist. There's a lot of really cool detail in this tune. The sound design and sample selection in this tune are definitely on point. I'm a really big fan of the way the congas are use to very subtly suggest the driving rhythm of the tune.
Aphylliate - Power
Everything on W.I.T.S., Aphylliate's latest EP, is definitely worth checking out, but Power is definitely my favorite. If you've followed my highlights very closely, you can probably guess why. Yep, it's the bassline. Also, the liberal application of laser zaps and acid stabs. In general, this is a great paean to the classic rave music of the 90s, which is something I always support.
KaminaDash - Bubbles
I usually just kinda roll my eyes (haha) when people make stuff about Derpy Hooves. It's not that I don't like her, but usually it feels really forced. That said, every once and a while, someone makes something that just feels like it gets the character. Bubbles does that. Without really having to make direct reference to it, the tune captures her unwavering sincerity.
