Super Robot Wars MX: Victory – JAM Project
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Album Title: Super Robot Wars MX: Victory – JAM Project |
| Record Label: Lantis |
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| Catalog No.: LACM-4127 |
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| Release Date: April 21, 2004 |
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| Purchase: Buy at CDJapan |
Overview
JAM Project are a J-Rock group that principally make theme songs for animations. In addition, they have been a regular force on Banpresto’s Super Robot Wars games, given their extensive use of mecha anime crossovers. After debuting on the PlayStation’s Super Robot Wars Alpha, they have appeared on nearly every main game on the series, each time releasing singles featuring their opening and ending theme songs. What about their contributions to perhaps the best series’ score, Super Robot Wars MX?
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The opening theme “VICTORY”, in particular, is especially striking with its gothic harpsichord introduction and use of ensemble vocals during the chorus. The verse of the song is actually more conventional J-Rock, but there are still plenty of idiosyncracies in its treatment. Interestingly, this track also receives an awesome orchestral rendition in the orchestral release, though the fully fleshed original featured here is also very charming.
The ending theme “Promised Land”, on the other hand, is a little deeper than most ballads with its part-ethereal, part-rustic new age instrumentation. Vocalist Masami Okui brings out a wistful and reflective quality to the melody, without being overly sentimental. The full version featured on the single and vocal collection doesn’t offer that many novel elements to the track, but the melody is given the chance to expand more and there are some fantastic instrumental passages, such as the folksy finale.
The main exclusives on the single are the full-length versions of the theme songs that only featured in shortened versions in the game and its soundtrack release. However, there are also instrumental versions of the theme songs at the end of the single, lacking any vocals. These are good for karaoke purposes, but a little pointless and hollow otherwise.
Summary
It’s pleasing how JAM Project made a bigger effort to integrate their music for Super Robot Wars MX into the style of the rest of the soundtrack. Clearly JAM Project are capable of being versatile when they want to be. Instead of heading for this single, though, dedicated fans of JAM Project should consider the Super Robot Wars JAM Project Theme Song Collection instead, since it features these full-length songs and 12 others from the series.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
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Posted on August 1, 2012 by Chris Greening. Last modified on August 1, 2012.
About the Author
Chris Greening I've contributed to websites related to game audio since 2002. In this time, I've reviewed over a thousand albums and interviewed hundreds of musicians across the world. As the founder and webmaster of VGMO -Video Game Music Online-, I hope to create a cutting-edge, journalistic resource for all those soundtrack enthusiasts out there. In the process, I would love to further cultivate my passion for music, writing, and generally building things. Please enjoy the site and don't hesitate to say hello!
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