ReMix: Final Fantasy IV 'Somewhere to Hide'
- Game: Final Fantasy IV (Square, 1991, SNES)
- ReMixer(s): Hy Bound, Loka LaFevre
- Composer(s): Nobuo Uematsu
- Song(s): 'Somewhere in the World...'
- Posted: 2009-07-21, evaluated by djpretzel
Hy Bound doesn't submit much, but this marks the second time an album track of his has made its way onto the site, and both tracks are refined, highly-polished gems. This latest is a collab with singing from Loka LaFevre that, while used more as a sample/refrain than a dedicated vocal track, adds a ton. This is a fantastic example of lesser-known FF4 source yielding something that really blows me away as one of the surprise tracks on Echoes of Betrayal, Light of Redemption. OA agrees:
"One of the last tracks to be completed, this track really takes the original to unexpected places, and proves that sometimes it's the simplest melodies are the ones with the most to say. Tyler's initial renditions showed a lot of promise, but once Loka joined in and started recording vocals, I knew this piece was headed "somewhere". ;-) Great ideas throughout, and some excellent vocal processing make this very cool without being the least bit predictable. Fantastic work to both artists here, and here's hoping for additional contributions from both artists in the future."
Very atmospheric, grammophoney opening progression reminds me of BioShock a bit, then things get down and dirty. I love how Tyler builds things up, and how only the first "Somewhere..." portion of the vocal hook is used initially, eventually opening up at 1'24" to the full phrase. What I like best is the sheer FORCE of the hits and beats here; everything feels like a punch to the gut. Remember the training scene in Rocky IV, where Ivan Drago was wailing on that funky machine that measured force? Yeah... it's like that. The piece has an unusual cadence to it, avoiding four-on-the-floor for a more syncopated, alternating beat that's off as much as it is on, dropping out then coming right back like a freight train. The edges are sharp, the synths are dressed up to the 9's, and Loka's vocals soar over the whole thing and are processed effectively. The elongated, cross-panned, robot-voice "Somewhere" is a really nice touch, as well.
There aren't too many discrete elements here, but all of them feel like the result of a long, refined selection process, and work perfectly together. I don't know exactly what you'd call this style - I personally find the preponderance of electronica sub-genres a little silly - but I'm a huge fan. It feels unique, contemporary, and above all, just has a lot of impact. Mr. the Bronx Rican put that power to excellent use in the Echoes trailer he did, and that vocal hook's been sticking in my mind ever since. A fantastic, memorable collaboration and one of my favorite tracks off Echoes, this is high-grade ear candy that packs a serious wallop.
- relyanCe on August 4, 2009
I really love the slow intro which is more along the lines of the source, which changes pretty drastically without completely alienating the original once the beat jumps in. The vocals really take the song to the next level, despite the fact that there isn't much variety to them, they work very well in the context of the original, with Kain and Golbez hiding "somewhere" in the Tower waiting for you to find them.
- ZealPath on August 4, 2009
In no way belittling the rest of the album, this is one of my favorites. Interesting, considering Beatsmith was one of my VotL favorites. Way to live up to your namesake, champ.
Assuming I've pegged where you got your name, that is.
- The Dennis on August 4, 2009
- Shael Riley on July 25, 2009
- avaris on July 25, 2009
I'm not usually a fan of electronic music but this reminds me much of "Breakbeat Era" that I used to dig a lot for some odd reason.. Catchy, athmospheric, nice female vocals and yet very rocking.. Also reminds me of Tekken sound track, which is nice!
Superb work!
- ilp0 on July 24, 2009
this one deserves to be on my list of DJ tonight, thank you. /bow /bow
- clofinn on July 23, 2009
- Nicole Adams on July 23, 2009
One thing I love is how the vocals contribute to an ethereal atmosphere. The instrumentals do a great job in enhancing this as well.
Definitely a solid track that shouldn't be overlooked.
- Bahamut on July 23, 2009
- DragonAvenger on July 23, 2009
A+.
- JP_Wright on July 23, 2009
- The Otaku on July 22, 2009
- Kureejii Lea on July 22, 2009
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