ReMix:Snow Brothers "Go Blow Snow for a Year" 4:11

By housethegrate

Arranging the music of one song...

"Story"

Primary Game: Snow Brothers (Capcom , 1991, NES), music by Mikiko Suzuki, Osamu Ohta, Tatsuya Uemura

Posted 2007-11-18, evaluated by the judges panel


House writes:

"This song was inspired by Chromelodeon, particularly some of their Ninja Gaiden 2 stuff. I did it shortly after seeing their last show in Philadelphia. "Blow Snow" is my humble tribute to a brilliant band."

Our first Snow Bros. (or the less hip "Brothers" in the US) ReMix comes courtesy of Mr. TheGrate, paying homage to Chromelodeon. I never saw them live, but I've heard great things; check out their MySpace to see what the fuss is about. Introing with a chorused, clean strumming sound, beautifully pure waveform synths come in along with a hi-hat, leading up to the entrance of bass and a full kit, with background bell arpeggios and guit chugs. At first I thought it sounded a little out of sync, but the whole intro is actually an extended accelerando, gradually getting faster until things bust out. There's a neat jumping-type sound effect panned hard-left, and guits and synths gradually increase in intensity up until the ritardando ending and final triumphant BAM(!!) - excellent decision. This mix doesn't just blend rock with synths, it blends rock with synths and fx that are particularly videogame like in nature, but also does a fantastic job of altering the tempo and intensity in what equates to a continuous crescendo and release. It's very artistic - that's the specific adjective I'd use - and from what I've heard of Chromelodeon, that describes their sound as well. Honestly, not much else to say - if you've never heard of housethegrate, this is a gentler introduction to his work, but no less compelling, and you should grab it stat and check out his other mixes immediately following. If you're already a fan, this is a different sound for him, but it still rocks, while at the same time going for a more conceptual approach.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Nutritious
on 2009-12-15 01:14:33

Pretty relaxed beginning for housethegrate. At times, I'm reminded a bit of Boards of Canada with that synth lead. Nice blend of all the elements here: airy arps, chilled guitar, analogue synth laid back drums. Did I just hear electric guitar at 1:00? Ok, now it's starting to pick up, which is something you'd expect, considering other House mixes. Cool and unexpected piano break at 2:55, with guitars and drums building back up effectively. Overall very good stuff from House, even if it doesn't thrash quite as much as his old stuff.

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Marmiduke
on 2009-12-13 01:50:10

Overly impressed! Very striking synth-guitar retro fusion that never hits a bad note and never ventures into bland territory. I'm really loving the selection of synths in here. Always interesting and fitting, despite being at odds with the natural order of things. The mix is in a constant state of change, and only keeps getting better. Guitar work is up to par with housethegrate's fantastic preceding work, but what I take from this mix is how nicely the guitar and the synths get along in such a busy arrangement. I wouldn't say they were especially harmonoious, per se. But they get along and work to that common goal, and that common goal sure is sweet. A real unexpected highlight.

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Polo
on 2009-10-15 07:06:14

For me, the most pleasing standouts of this multifaceted mix are:

- the creamy guitars waxing eloquent in the beginning

- the chimes at 0:44+

- the 8-bit "bubbles" during the main chorus sections

- the ongoing changes in the percussion (how many players are present, how and when the drums beat, etc.)

- the guitar's farewell-sounding angst at 2:16-2:20

- the piano's soft expressiveness at 2:52 and its level-headed guidance in the end

Such sprightly and cooperative variety brands this one a winner.

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Loning
on 2009-06-01 02:14:57

I love this remix.

It starts off slow and its flow is easy to get into and very mellow. As the guitar is added with the change of pace and switch of instruments, it really delivers an amazing feel that takes in music of the game and your own touches.

Very great remix and one of the best on the site!

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ombar
on 2007-12-09 19:23:46

Who cares about snow? This mix is sure to blow minds and for over than a year.

Even if you've never played Snow Bros. like me, this remix is just so sentimental and beautifully arranged that not listening to it at least once is a mistake.

It totally deserved that DoD first place of the month

Just amazing work, house.

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OA
on 2007-12-04 12:40:12

Old school synths and a Savatage-style Carvin crunch. Delicious!

What really makes this mix awesome is the details. Each spectrum has something great happening throughout, and things build and releasenaturally; especially good is the synth slide right before the piano breakdown. Just that one note makes it so much more dramatic. Super cool.

Playing is pristine and there are some really cool panning ideas and rhythm part layerings. This is really easy to just have on repeat for a few hours, as it flows really well.

Recommended.

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Flare4War
on 2007-11-20 04:51:43

Very very cool. Great remix to work to or wind down with. My favorite type.

I think the piano solo at 2:53 is awesome, and everything after it. Really cool climax.

Great work.

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avaris
on 2007-11-19 21:06:56

Awesome track. Listened to it all day at work. Really loved the simplicity of everything. Changing up the synth and guitar tones was a nice touch. It kept the piece moving and fresh. This one's def goin on the HD.

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Palpable
on 2007-11-19 11:35:17

Very sweet guitar work all over, especially that solo at 2:17. I like how the song initially sounds like some sort of gloomy Cure type of thing but the playful synths turn it into something totally different. Solid track.

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anosou
on 2007-11-19 08:22:25

I'm so happy Snow Bros. gets love! Underrated games need all the appreciation they can get.

While I'm not terribly keen on some of the synthetic sounds (they seem to be out of tune with the guitar too) and the way they are sequenced, the track is still great with a solid arrangement and a very retro mood.

Nice

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BlueMage
on 2007-11-19 03:51:05
Loved this song when it was submitted to DoD and I still do now. Awesome how everything was put together, great work house.

Sums it up nicely. (though at first I thought it was a memorial track for a person)

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Liontamer
on 2007-11-19 02:59:04

Definitely a slick track. In addition to my praise from the judging decisions, just saying that this was great stuff from Alex. Great to see an overlooked game like Snow Bros. get some expert coverage.

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eternal Zero
on 2007-11-19 01:31:37
Loved this song when it was submitted to DoD and I still do now. Awesome how everything was put together, great work house.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

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Dunnowhathuh
on 2007-11-19 01:13:36

Loved this song when it was submitted to DoD and I still do now. Awesome how everything was put together, great work house.

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djpretzel
on 2007-11-19 01:00:24

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Snow Brothers (Capcom , 1991, NES)
Music by Mikiko Suzuki,Osamu Ohta,Tatsuya Uemura
Songs:
"Story"

Tags (5)


Genre:
Rock
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Chiptune,Electric Guitar,Piano,Synth
Additional:

File Information


Name:
Snow_Brothers_Go_Blow_Snow_for_a_Year_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
6,111,983 bytes
MD5:
39e242566604d14a17a75f1b4c968f1d
Bitrate:
192Kbps
Duration:
4:11

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