ph00t's Favorites 2/4 - 17
Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.
Vaceslav - Porcelain Doll
It's kinda weird to see the names Injustrial and Vaceslav in the same place. Injustrial's style is intentionally harsh and forboding, where Vaceslav tends towards a smoother, melodic style. Understandably, this cover is totally different from its source material. While, in the original, the screams of "I hate you," feel more, well, hateful, Vaceslav's interpretation sounds mournful. I love the total change in mood; makes for a very interesting listen.
L-Train - Seaponies
The Seapony theme as surf rock is kind of an obvious interpretation. So why is L-Train the first, and really only person to make a concerted go at it? It's easy enough to appreciate this tune just on the strength of it being a call-back to some oldschool pony lore, but don't forget to pay attention to the solo. L-Train's musicianship is always worth a good listen.
Dalken Starbyne - Phases
I like the way this tune really slowly develops and changes character over the course of the tune. The thematic parallel to the Moon dovetails with the establishment of Luna as the subject in the lyrics. Dalken Starbyne's voice is smooth as silk, and his style complements the tune's droning nature quite well.
Sprocket ft. A Whole Lot of Bronies - TESTIPONY
It's really cool that Sprocket put this out there. I'm not really putting this one in this because of the music. It's excellent, to be sure, and the orchestration really supplements the impact of the words. But the reason I'm posting this here, is because, honestly, it's nice to be reminded of the power of this show, and this fandom, to truly do good things. While it's easy to get caught up in the drama, and fine-grained analysis, songs like this remind us that we're all here to hold onto that little bit of joy, and share it with each other.
Resonant Waves ft. Captainfluffaton - The Temple of Life
The atmosphere in this tune is absolutely phenomenal. I'm always blown away, and rather humbled, by how effortlessly ambient artists like these two guys can fill a space with a handful of well-designed synths and samples. My favorite parts of the tune are the percussive sound that seems to be coming from behind the head, and the slightly distorted pad that closes the tune out. They really round the tune out for me.
idkQuicksilver, Vaceslav, and Guitarbrony13 - Paranoia
I think I've said it, but in general growls tend not to do it for me. This tune is a rare exception, though. In part because of the detail in the instrumentation, especially the pad design in the breakdown, and the guitar work and edits in the climax. This is also a pretty massive collaboration, so I have to appreciate that, as well.
TenderFlutter - Tu Presencia
Before I really even know that I won't understand a word of this tune, the drum programming kinda has me sold. While I don't know Spanish all that well, I do know that I love TenderFlutter's singing, and I can definitely appreciate his decision to use several instruments from his home country's culture. More than anything, I love to see music from all over the planet represented in our humble fandom.
TheBurntMango - Past the Summer Clouds
Okay, so it's some feelgood music about Rainbow Dash. It stands to reason I'm going to like it. But this is some really good stuff regardless. Melodically, this tune captures that side of Rainbow Dash that we rarely see, but that everyone knows is there. I love when that's the focus of the tune. I also love the oh-so-subtle pad that follows the piano's sustain, giving the tune its airy atmosphere.
