 | Album Title: Tiny Barbarian DX -The Serpent Lord- Original Soundtrack |
| Record Label: Ubiktune | |
| Catalog No.: UBI067 | |
| Release Date: June 6, 2013 | |
| Purchase: Download at Bandcamp |
Overview
Violinist Jeff Ball had already made a name for himself as a first-rate performer in both indie games and AAA titles. But, surprisingly, his breakthrough soundtrack Tiny Barbarian DX: The Serpent Lord turns out not to include a single solo-string instrument, in favour of a retro-inspired sound.
Body
The Tiny Barbarian DX: The Serpent Lord soundtrack matches the game’s 8-bit graphics with glorious, unabashedly melodic chiptune music of the highest order. From the stomping opening chords of “TBDX Opening Street”, Ball unleashes a steady stream of utterly catchy, head-nodding melodies and huge hooks, while busy arpeggios bubble away in the background.
Tiny Barbarian DX hits the ground running and never looks back, as it rushes through the more cinematic “Break Down the Walls”, the Castlevania-inspired “Kinda Creepy” and the absolutely euphoric “Haters Gonna Hate” on a wave of adrenaline and muscular tunes. Ball greatly expands upon his two-minute soundtrack for 2011’s Tiny Barbarian to give a fully-fledged 35-minute effort.
Summary
One of the best retro indie soundtracks released so far, Tiny Barbarian DX sees eye to eye with the classics of yesteryear – it’s uncomplicated fun, but it’s anything but simple. Released on the eminent Ubiktune chiptune label, the album can be streamed or downloaded for free (or you can name the price) on Bandcamp now.
