 | Album Title: Overdrive Hell 18 -Hizumi Heaven tRaders of the Lost Cash- |
| Record Label: Troubadour Record | |
| Catalog No.: HZMT-0018 | |
| Release Date: April 25, 2015 | |
| Purchase: Buy at Sweep Record |
Overview
overdrive hell 18 – Hizumi Heaven tRaders of the Lost Cash is the eighteenth 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 Indiana Jones series. How does this album compare to the previous entries in the ongoing series?
Body
The first tune, “Lesson.79 tRaders of the lost cash,” is a remix of the iconic Indiana Jones theme. It turns the theme into a dance tune with hardcore beats and some original sections heavy on vocal samples; it’s a fairly accessible tune that blends orchestral elements with the hardcore beats, vocal samples, and sound effects the series is known for. “Lesson.83 Orders of the Roast Pork” reprises the Indiana Jones main theme, turning it into a synth-driven melody rather than brass, and features an ever-increasing tempo of hardcore beats.
“Lesson.80 Banging in Whip” is a less melodic tune, focusing on a more experimental approach. There is an interesting flow to the progression of the tune, but it might not be a fan favorite. “Lesson.81 Snake and Sneak” is more hardcore in nature, but features a fun melody, sharp synths, and some exotic vocal samples.
Of all the tunes on this release, I find that “Lesson.82 Ride in this Waterfall” to be the most intriguing. It’s another experimental tune, similar to “Lesson.80,” but is also much more successful. The heavy beats in the tune, mixed with its slower tempo, create a militaristic, almost industrial, vibe. Mix that with the quirky sections, and you have a tune that flows quite interestingly.
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 creating something musically pleasing 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.
