ReMix: Golden Sun 'Sol Sanctum Guitar'

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Game: Golden Sun (Nintendo, 2001, GBA)
ReMixer(s): EgM
Composer(s): Motoi Sakuraba
Song(s): 'The Elemental Stars'
Posted: 2005-02-20, evaluated by the judges

Long time no see - EgM's not sent us anything in awhile, but breaks that spell with the first of two Gameboy Advance mixes being posted tonight, his being an intuitively - okay, fairly unimaginatively - titled ReMix of the Sol Sanctum theme from Golden Sun. While he may not have put a lot of effort into naming his creation, he did put it into the music, as this guitar-driven meditation on the original features polished electric and acoustic guitar performances and a lovely violin to boot, in addition to using dynamics and changing intensity to its favor. There's also piano, which is present here and there but used largely to end the just-under-three-minute mix on a more somber, softer note, as well as drums that do a good job of getting out of the way when needed but upping the punch during the ballsier bits. Larry says:

"The performance was per Eric's usual quality offerings, and this time I had no problems on the arrangement front. Though still a conservative take on the material, the arrangement expanded upon the sounds of the original and provided adequate variation in the composition and instrumentation. The mix actually seems to go by faster than 3 minutes as you casually listen. Good job on this straightforward relaxation piece."

And Mr. Nowshky gives Eric the nod as well:

"First thing I notice is a very solid guitar tone. There's decent playing, and a good use of dynamics. No, there's a great use of dynamics. It's refreshing to hear someone use intensity as a musical tool and not just an excuse to be loud. "

Classic EgM, but with an updated, more intimate and professional sound, and a bit less conservative arrangement than we've heard in the past. Great work, and an excellent first mix from the popular Golden Sun RPG.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

Excellent work. So sad to see that there aren't more remixes for this game. Keep it up! Hopefully we'll see something from you again on GS!

- dANGER boy on April 16, 2010

Really love EGM's laid back simple tunes. Very emotional and well put together. Been on my playlist for years! Thanks dude!

- avaris on December 22, 2009

great intro- I wasn't a fan of the exposed lead tone, but once the drums and bass came in it worked well. Good transitions and a nice instrumental pallate make this a good track to keep on repeat. The piano is nice, and though the violin is a little bit brittle, the rest of the track makes up for it.
Nice and chill stuff.

- OA on December 22, 2009

This mix is heavy, mellow yet purposeful, contemplative, very oceanic i.e. deep, solemn, with a subtle yet noticeable ebb and flow.
There's nothing that really that's flashy or jumps out at me in this mix, but that's fine; it works great by being subtle. Perfect rainy day music.
Ultimately, I like it and think it's good and worth downloading.

- 42 on March 6, 2009

The entire mix seems quiet to me. I would have liked everything up a notch or two. Choice of instruments is great; guitar, violin, and piano are always a good combination, especially for the more emotional settings like this one. I like the melody for this one, but I honestly can’t place it. I’ll have to go back to the source.
I’m a sucker for harmony, and 2:10 is great to me. Easily my favorite part of the entire piece.
Nice work.

- DragonAvenger on February 1, 2009

you calling me a conservative?? Why you..
:D

- EgM on December 3, 2008

Ha, ditto on the video (sans putting it on my iPod since I don't have one :( ). Truly a man of many talents!
Anyway, EgM's stuff is always on the conservative side, but I think the source is served well in this arrangement. The slower pace gives it an almost meditative quality...it actually reminds me of Schala's theme in some aspects. Love the contrast between the electric guitar and acoustic sections.
The length didn't bother me significantly, but I can't say I wouldn't have appreciated more. :)

- Dhsu on November 10, 2008

Whoa, kick ass video!
I gotta tell ya, I have much love for this arrangement/performance. haha, and I love the ending to the video. Perfect. I'm putting this video on my ipod.

- Hale-Bopp on March 13, 2007

Thanks for all the comments :)
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=4422990780094911140
Video of myself playing that mix :D

- EgM on March 13, 2007

simply put, this remix is awesome.

- DJDarkmaster on May 12, 2006

I agree, this song was great because of it's strong background echos, and a forest remix would be awesome. EGM also did acoustic fireworks for final fantasy vii

- Midgar on May 11, 2006

These games (the 2 GS) have several awesome melodies, which could sound[b] terrifical [/b] if remixed :)

- DENIS_48 on May 11, 2006

DENIS_48 wrote: We need more GS remixes :wink:

I fully endorse this statement. This mix was awesome, and I think the OC Remix community could really do this game justice.

- Triad Orion on May 2, 2006

We need more GS remixes :wink:

- DENIS_48 on May 2, 2006

I liked it... it was a little off but i think that it works..

- Eclipse_Wargod on October 22, 2005