Vectros Soundtrack (Physical Edition)
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Album Title: Vectros Soundtrack (Physical Edition) |
| Record Label: SuperSweep |
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| Catalog No.: SRIN-1111 |
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| Release Date: February 26, 2013 |
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| Purchase: Buy at Sweep Record |
Overview
The Vectros Soundtrack is the full CD release of all the music featured on the iOS shooting game, Vectros, composed by ex-Taito composer and Darius legend Hisayoshi Ogura (aka OguraHisayoshiOngaSeisakushow). It is his first fully-fledged soundtrack in years. Previously released digitally as a single 12 minute medley, the physical SuperSweep release of the soundtrack features better mastering as well as three bonus remixes by SuperSweep’s Zunba Kobayashi, Takahiro Eguchi, and Shinji Hosoe. Is the CD release worth it? What if you already own the MP3 version of the soundtrack?
Body
As this is a casual game, the main soundtrack itself is quite short, featuring six themes, two of which are sound effect related. The main theme, “SiLent ErRors -Theme-” (yes, that’s how it’s capitalised) is definitely one of Ogura’s best. It’s a fantastic mix of lo-fi sound and modern electronic beats full of vigor, robotic vocal samples, and spacy harmonies. While it isn’t the most melodic, those melodic sections really do manage to hook the listener in. It definitely reminds of his excellent themes for the Darius series.
“Go ahEad -Core-” also features a heavy focus on lo-fi sounds and modern electronic beats and gives off the impression of a tense battle. However, what I really enjoy most about this theme is the interplay between these intense sections and the beautifully ethereal bridges that help ease some of the tension. “SociAl ErRors -Van Allen Belt-” is an interesting theme as it is quite different from the rest of the game’s soundtrack. Rather than feature an intense electronic sound, it opts for a more ambient sound, reminiscent of G-Darius. It is futuristic, with hints of beauty, all while portraying a sinister, unnerving atmosphere.
Exclusive to the physical release, tastly, “His-stoRy –ErRor-” reprises the main theme. Both “Head arEa – back ground effects #1-” and “NoiZ-niUs – back ground effects #2-” are both very ominous in approach, although they aren’t nearly as effective as they are in-game, due to their nature.
The remixes on the album tackle the three major themes of the soundtrack. “SiLent ErRors ZuN VeR miX,” arranged by Zunba Kobayashi, is definitely a departure for him. While I’m used to his softer jazz arrangements, his approach of accentuating the lo-fi and industrial sound of the main theme is nothing short of brilliance. While the original is pounding and in-your-face, Kobayashi opts for a subtle approach, yet still retaining, the power of the original. For the majority of the arrangement, the electronic accompaniment is more subdued, the tempo slowed, and a higher emphasis on additional industrial effects is placed. This really helps to craft a spacy, futuristic sound that manages to showcase both sinister and peaceful soundscapes, all at once. Of course, there is a short section that features the main theme unadulterated.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Takahiro Eguchi’s “Go ahEad E-gUch mIx” amplifies the intensity of the original with a heavier beat and some playful manipulation of the main melody of the original. However, similar to the original, Eguchi keeps the calmer sections almost unchanged, while adding a little bridge that incorporates the melody without any beats. While it isn’t anything groundbreaking, it still manages to do justice to the original and would work well in its place, if need be. Lastly, Shinji Hosoe’s “SociAl ErRors MegA Mix” takes the ambient approach of the original and applies his sinister electronic twist. In many ways, the original atmosphere is retained, but in others, through the use of heavier industrial beats and spacey synthesizer tones, it does become a bit more sinister in nature. Fans of his work on Virtue’s Last Reward would definitely enjoy his remix, as it is most similar to that style of music.
Summary
In the end, this short album is well worth the asking price. While there’s only 26 minutes of music here, the generous price of 1050 JPY reflects that. The original soundtrack content showcases Ogura’s ability to craft interesting combinations of sounds as well as give a nice throwback to his Taito days. In addition, the remixes all complement the source material adding a new take on the material without totally deviating from the atmosphere of the original. If you haven’t already picked up the digital version of the soundtrack, sans the remixes, you may not need to purchase this album; however, if you are looking to hear the remixes or the other exclusives, it might not be a bad idea to double dip given the low asking price.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
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Posted on April 18, 2014 by Don Kotowski. Last modified on April 18, 2014.
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.
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