ReMix: Final Fantasy IV 'Somewhere to Hide'

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Final Fantasy IV

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.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
3rd favorite track of the album, behind Phantom of the Zeromus (No! Get BACK! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo!) and Fighting for Tomorrow. Hy Bound doesn't pull any punches with the production, and to Loka LaFevre, your voice is angelic. Great stuff!

- relyanCe on August 4, 2009
Since I have no idea when I'll manage to fully review the album, it would be folly not to comment on this track. I almost feel bad saying so but this seems to be one of the tracks that is really standing out to everyone including myself so far, and with good reason.
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
This remix was last seen walking in traffic, pushing a wheelbarrow carrying its huge brass balls.
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
Most excellent. Mean synths.

- Nase on July 26, 2009
This is a real stand-out remix. It doesn't color by numbers, and despite its female vocalist, it's got balls.

- Shael Riley on July 25, 2009
After listening to the project with some non-gamer friends this is the one track where everyone wanted to know who produced it and who sang in it. Nuf said, keep it up dude!

- avaris on July 25, 2009
Striking stuff. About the most memorable track from the new FF4 album... There's something very catchy about the simple vocal punchline: this could easily be a big time radio hit (at least in Finland). Besides that the sounds and production are brilliant.
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
Love it Love it Love it, keep bringin more to the table cause everyone will eat,
this one deserves to be on my list of DJ tonight, thank you. /bow /bow

- clofinn on July 23, 2009
I've said before that Hy Bound deserves more attention and hopefully this track will make many more people aware of how good a producer he is. You know I love this track, but once again, great job!

- Nicole Adams on July 23, 2009
Hm, I thought I commented on this track.
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
This is one of the tracks that sticks out to me. The vocals draw you in so easily, and Hy's track is just great. Love to hear more from these two working together again!

- DragonAvenger on July 23, 2009
Gave the album a cursory listen today while doing some wood work; this song stuck out as well done and creative. I'm familiar with the source material and to hear this splendid, somewhat exotic interpretation was wonderful.
A+.

- JP_Wright on July 23, 2009
I really enjoyed this track. Definitely another favorite from the album, for me. I remember listening to it at the listening party, then BAM, vocals and awesome just blasted my ears and I was like "Whoa!". Great stuff.

- The Otaku on July 22, 2009
Super Awesome. I really hope you both do something at OCR again.
And soon. :-)

- OA on July 22, 2009
Fun, catchy and just a tad unnerving. The vocals really are a great touch; even though it's always the same phrase, the variations around it keep it fresh. Nice work.

- Kureejii Lea on July 22, 2009

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