ReMix: Kingdom Hearts 'New Beginnings'

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Game: Kingdom Hearts (Square, 2002, PS2)
ReMixer(s): Blue Magic
Composer(s): Hikaru Utada, Yoko Shimomura
Song(s): 'Deep Jungle'
Posted: 2005-03-07, evaluated by the judges

Third time's the charm for Damon Campbell, alias Blue Magic, whose tertiary submission in recent history is the first to be posted. The ReMixer writes:

"It is a remix of the "Deep Jungle" track from Kingdom Hearts. It's kind of a jazzy/ambient(ish) mix. I was experimenting with the drum pattern and I thought it turned out pretty nice."

A mellow latin percussion vibe intros, with a gradual crescendo on the acoustic guitar (sounds like a twelve-string or steel, not straight nylon) pattern that buttresses most of the track. Solo flute with a distinct vibrato that sits in the alto range covers the melody as ensemble strings, piano, and even ensemble brass build up around the basic motif. There's excellent drum work around the second minute, when a rim shot comes in with something that's about as close as a rim shot can come to having a solo - excellent syncopation and one of those details not everyone would even consider in the course of constructing a mix. Quoth Shariq:

"Sounded a bit similar to the original when I first heard it, but I went back and I listened to the original again, and I can see the variation. Lots of nice percussive work here; subtle and dynamic. It really accentuates the piece. Piano is nice, even though it's not there much. This is really chill."

Gray also gave props, specifically to the instrumentation:

"Instrumental selection is wonderful. Great use of strings, panflute and flute, guitarlike stringed instrument, nature fx to create an enchanting atmosphere. The range of percussive instruments is also handled very nicely. The rock kit, ethnic hand drums accentuate the piece perfectly."

"Enchanting" seems like the perfect word to me to describe this mix, which has a folksy, human feel to it, dashed with a bit of island exotica. Sample quality was an issue for some, but for me the only eyebrow-raisers were perhaps the ensemble string and brass patches, which are always sorta hit or miss. Here they're used very selectively and very effectively, and most of the time blend enough to cause no umbrage. Drums are the highlight though, and do much via their layered, ornate wholesomeness to counter aspects of production - the somewhat mono nature of the underlying acoustic guitar, for example - that aren't as compelling. Great instrumentation choices, though, and a good sense of development. Involved and yes, enchanting stuff from Blue Magic, who's got a good ear for an interesting percussion track, amongst other talents. Looking forward to whatever's next.

― djpretzel

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

I never liked the original source, or the area in the game, but this mix gives the song an entirely new flavor that I can appreciate, even if I’m not overly crazy about it. A nice, breathy, flute takes the melody, and the guitar work in the background is a great fit. Brass/orchestral hits sound a little fake, but they are passable. Drum work is mostly background, but in a good way, nicely done on those.
The slower tempo makes for a more contemplative feeling which I like. I would have liked more dynamic variation overall; there wasn’t much change going on. Especially around 3:15 or so when the flute goes into the second part of the source. A crescendo into that would have been nice.
Good work, not my favorite source, but still an enjoyable listen, and a good change from the original.

- DragonAvenger on February 1, 2009

Nice how your opening phrase changed in mood once the melody came into play. You guys are great! Thanks, really made my day!

- Ryu2Wolf on January 6, 2009

We need more Kingdom Hearts remixes! That being said, I'm fond of this one. I enjoyed the music to Tarzan's world, and this remix captures that melody in it's own unique way.

- MechaFone on November 19, 2008

Completely fantastic soundscape at the beginning; I love the guitar/dulcimer along with the drums. The flute samples were a little weaker overall, but nothing too offensive to ruin anything. Even the jungle effects were cool, and the percussion, though at times mechanical (the rim hits in the double time section specifically), is well layered and interesting.
The brass punctuation and a lot of the syncopated hits were well used, and added some nice contrast and power.
I always thought most of the Kingdom Hearts music was well executed but overly vanilla, so something like this that throws on some chocolate sauce and whipped cream is definitely welcome. :-)
Nice work Blue Magic. :-)

- OA on April 4, 2008

I'm loving this. Very serene as if you are sitting beside a waterfall in the warm summer heat enjoying the silence as well as the beauty of the landscape. It's very mystifying throughout. Keep these coming!

- lady zelda on April 9, 2006

SO AWESOME MORE KH REMIXES PLZ!!!!!!! :!: :!: :!: :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!! :)!!

- Xx~~Zangetsu~~xX on February 2, 2006

Incredible mate, absolutely incredible. I dislike the techno/disco remixes, and so this one was just great. Nice job again mate.

- DCAlexis on October 5, 2005

This is so well remixed that I can hardly recognize the melody. Nice guitar, some small drums beating and some real good flute together with Kairi´s melody. Then there were some piano and trombones(I think), really none too shabby there either. Thanks for a tremendous KH-remix BL. :D

- Bummerdude on September 22, 2005

Nice Job!
I am surprised.
I was wondering what you could possibly do with the music of this piece.
Good work:D

- Princess_Of_Memories on August 16, 2005

All I can say is: whoa. This is an amazing piece. The guitar is a nice touch. The whole remix is a nice, slow pace, but still mysterious, making it sound like it would fit perfectly with a flashback or a major turning point. The Kiari Theme you stuck in there blends in perfectly with the theme of the song. To restate what I just said: Awesome job. Sounds good. Any chance we might get some more of this caliber?

- Lockblade on June 28, 2005

That's an awesome mix, very, very very good mix....
Keep on the good work
BTW: I love this site

- Zodd on March 12, 2005

This kind of quality is the reason that I initially joined OCRemix. This track will probably end up on a mix.
Adorable.

- DreamOfTheRood on March 10, 2005

I'm so thrilled to see another great Kingdom Hearts remix come out of OC!
I can't find any technical errors in the piece (I wouldn't know, I haven't tried to remix anything), and I absolutely adore your takes on both 'Deep Jungle' and 'Kairi' (excellent choice, throwing that in). I look forward to more. There'll be more.. right? :]

- Zidane on March 10, 2005

I enjoyed this mix, and that's not just because I'm a Kingdom Hearts mark, either... :D
It was slow and relaxing, which I liked. The background melody is nice, too. Also, is that Kairi's Theme at about 3:12? If so, nice surprise!

- Average Joe on March 9, 2005

This is strange, I posted yesterday on this and it's not here today...
Oh well. Basically I said excellent job. You were able to take a piece I didn't like and make me enjoy it on the very first listen. I don't think I had any suggestions, I really enjoyed it. Next time I play Kingdom Hearts, I'll turn off the sound in the jungle and turn on your tunes instead.
Zipp

- Zipp on March 8, 2005