Project Majestic Mix -SquareDance- Limited Edition

	Album Title: Project Majestic Mix -SquareDance- Limited Edition
	Record Label: KFSS Studios
	Catalog No.: KFSS-704
	Release Date: October 10, 2002
	Purchase: Buy Used Copy

Overview

SquareDance is a fan made album by the communities at KFSS Studios and OneUp Studios. It features dance remixes of popular tracks from SquareSoft by a range of people. A number of fine dance remixes are featured on the album, though there is a range of other material that disappoints somewhat for a range of reasons. Note the album was released in two different forms: a standard one disc edition, and a limited two disc edition reviewed here.

Body

Like many fan-produced albums, SquareDance places the greatest focus on music from Yasunori Mitsuda’s Chrono Trigger. The opening track “Hip-Hop Corridor” is a fairly standard but well produced remix from the game that uses various synthesizers to provide a mellow feel. The beginning is masterful, as it gives an impression of a space odyssey. Oddly there is a second remix of the same theme at the start of the second disc in the Limited Edition. Like many of the additional tracks on this edition, it is a superfluous and generic techno remix.

Also from Chrono Trigger, “Spacecat” blends resonant synthpads with more authentic instrumentation to decent effect, though could have featured improved samples. “To Far Away Times” meanwhile takes listeners on a magical adventure; lovely fairy lights guide the tune while a dance beat thuds away. It’s a simple but very effective and enjoyable remix. Chrono Cross also receives plenty of attention, though these remixes are generally not to standard. “Star Stealing Girl” arguably juxtaposes female voice samples with electronic beats, while the exclusive “From the Depths of Time” is too interruptive.

Considering a few personal highlights, “Cecil’s Jinn and Juice” mixes together two themes from early Final Fantasy games in a relaxing manner. The lead is taken by wind instrumentation and is superbly realised. The transitions between the two melodies is absolutely spot-on and ensures this is a real standout. Another remix featuring excellent transitions, more of the stylistic kind, is “The Day Will Come” from Final Fantasy V. It develops from a gorgeous piano introduction into a fauntless piece of trance music. It is certainly one of the best additions to both versions of SquareDance.

There is plenty of other Final Fantasy tracks represented in the album, but they’re of varying quality. Though stereotypical, “World of Ruin” captures the ominous tone of the second half of Final Fantasy VI with its church organ. “Cyan” meanwhile is geared towards grizzly old-school music and sometimes has a rambling quality. Completing the trio of Final Fantasy VI remixes is “Forever Rachel”, which is sadly another generic trance remix similar to that featured on A Tribute to Nobuo Uematsu. Mystic Quest lovers may also enjoy the tribute featured on the second disc.

Moving outside the Final Fantasy selections, “Forest Animal Groove” maintains the organic and spiritual vibe of Secret of Mana. “Adventurous Break” from its predecessor is perfectly pitched if unspectacular with its regular chord changes, rises, and falls. Even Secret of Evermore‘s “Hello World” is featured, though the melody isn’t distinctive enough for my tastes. “The Ultimate Being” from Parasite Eve is also a prominent entry. Despite some lovely effects, it is just a bit too chaotic and cluttered at times.

Summary

Appreciation for SquareDance will depend on to what extent you enjoy the genre featured. If you love dance music, this will be right up your street, but most game music listeners might only be able to appreciate a few of the arrangements and find the others mostly filler. The two disc limited edition is definitely a broad and diverse selection of remixes, but the majority of the additional remixes not featured in the single disc version are disappointing. Either way, this album is lightly recommended for those wanting a dose of Chrono and Final Fantasy dance remixes.

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