Overdrive Hell 17 -Hizumi Heaven and The Chamber of Tetsuko-
 |
Album Title: Overdrive Hell 17 -Hizumi Heaven and The Chamber of Tetsuko- |
| Record Label: Troubadour Record |
|
| Catalog No.: HZMT-0017 |
|
| Release Date: December 31, 2014 |
|
| Purchase: Buy at Sweep Record |
Overview
overdrive hell 17 – Hizumi Heaven and the Chamber of Tetsuko is the seventeenth iteration in a series of hardcore and experimental electronic EPs featuring Ayako Saso and Shinji Hosoe. In addition, a new composer, X, who has yet to be identified, returns to the fray. While not for everyone, it does feature some interesting music for those fans of this style of electronic music. All of the themes on this album feature track titles inspired by the Harry Potter series as well as Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, host of a popular Japanese program called Tetsuko’s Room. How does this album compare to the previous entries in the ongoing series?
Body
The album opens with “Lesson.74 The Chamber of Tetsuko,” a piece that mixes hardcore beats with upbeat and playful synth. The melody itself has a bit of a carnival-esque sound and the beats themselves aren’t too harsh and feature some interesting percussion breaks. “Lesson.75 Flying car TOYOTA Anglia” is decidedly heavier in sound, with an industrial flavor to it. As with the first track on the album, this, too, features some bright and playful and mysterious synth tones that help bring a more lightheartedness to it. However, there is also a lot of electronic distortion incorporated into the piece, as well as a notable increase in BPM in one section, that definitely gives it a unique feeling among the rest of the tracks on the album. “Lesson.76 Dinagon Alley” is another melodically driven piece, akin to something that might fit within a Ridge Racer game. There is a steady electronic beat at a heightened tempo, some rock elements, and plenty of gabber vocal sampling that adds to the sense of speed in the piece.
“Lesson.77 Onion of Secrets” is another vocal sample heavy piece featuring reggae vocal samples mixed with a heavy beat at an increased tempo. While it certainly isn’t the most creative piece on the album, there are some nice sections, such as the slower tempo sections that help break up the intensity of most of the tune. Lastly, “Lesson.78 Successor of onion head,” is certainly the most memorable tune on the album. Opening with “Hedwig’s Theme” from the Harry Potter series, the track moves from a whimsical orchestral piece to an electronic remix of said theme. There are some original sections in the tune that also work quite well in the overall scheme of things. It is certainly interesting to hear such a daring remix of an iconic film theme, so it may not be for everyone, but it is certainly the most memorable tune in the overdrive hell series as a result.
Summary
While the overdrive hell series has generally not been for the faint of heart, this album, like its direct predecessor, is fairly accessible among the various CDs in the series. There is more focus on trying to create something musically pleasing to listen to while at the same time keeping the core aspects of the series intact. It’s a nice blend of musical ideas and is a strong entry in the series.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
3.5
Posted on April 29, 2015 by Don Kotowski. Last modified on April 29, 2015.
About the Author
Don Kotowski Currently residing in Philadelphia. I spend my days working in vaccine characterization and dedicate some of my spare time in the evening to the vast world of video game music, both reviewing soundtracks as well as maintaining relationships with composers overseas in Europe and in Japan.
Related Posts
ESP RA.DE. Ψ Drive Waves 2019 →
BLASTRAVE COMPILATION -Burst Rave- →
Nanosweep 29 →
