ReMix:Final Fantasy V "In the Shadows" 3:14

By Mattias Häggström Gerdt

Arranging the music of one song...

"The Ancient Library"

Primary Game: Final Fantasy V (Square , 1992, SNES), music by Nobuo Uematsu

Posted 2011-04-25, evaluated by djpretzel


Pizzicato IN YO FACE; not usually the type of instrument/articulation to intro an electronica track, or elicit such capitalized enthusiasm, Mattias makes the plucked string ingredient part of his Regular Ordinary Swedish Meal Time:

"Shariq, being an awesome guy, invited me to participate in his Final Fantasy V project and I didn't hesitate. Shariq had this fantastic concept about portraying each job in Final Fantasy V with a musical theme written inthe "style" of that job. I got a few options and settled on making a track for the 'Thief' job. Ancient Library definitely seemed like the perfect match with its slightly ominous sound and looking back that was a good choice.

The basic idea was to make a track that sounded like a Thief sneaking around in the library, conceptualizing a bit further. Basically, I created the string pattern and then did nothing for two weeks because I had no idea how to continue. After some serious brainstorming I decided to make it a very clean mix, simple if you will, with focus on lighter percussion and instruments. Since I've got a serious thing for bell sounds that quickly became the main hook and it just progressed from there, adding some quirky synths along the way. I know it sounds slightly repetitive, much like Claustrophobia, but I've really tried to make subtle movements in the sound to make it work. Also, I really like simple but effective un-tss."

That's... what she said? Sure. The intro almost feels like something out of a 1950's horror film, but things quickly get electronic, with layered textures creating a sinister, sneaky vibe, as advertised. Chirpier, subtle bits percolate through the latter portions, as synthesizer cat filter sweeps & thwacks us out. Nice minimalist vibe that incorporates a couple non-electronic instruments for flavor and manages to evoke both slinky, shadowed espionage and some happier, more major-key rainbow/unicorn bits - good stuff.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 12 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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timaeus222
on 2013-03-17 14:32:52

I loved this for its creepiness and awesome atmosphere. 2:09 resonant filter stuff is awesome.

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meccaneer
on 2012-05-21 22:13:51

Totally book-thievish in nature. Diggin' it's mischievousness and quirkiness.

It has a meticulous and clock-like sound about it. And, indeed, intelligent and classy.

It's got a classic sound too; reminds of the remixes going on when I first signed-up and fell in love with OCR (I call that 'the good ol days').

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Crulex
on 2011-12-19 15:11:26
The pizzicato opening made me think of the 2009 Sherlock Holmes movie.

Third on agreeing.

I actually got the picture of a clock-like beat to this with the pizzicato before reading the write-up, but I can see the thief thing now that I think about it. This is very creative and interesting, with a nice upbeat feeling to it. It really gets a bit weird and quirky, but that just adds to the cleverness of this ReMix. Great ReMix all the way through and I can't think of any complaints here. Nice job.

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Rexy
on 2011-12-17 11:09:50

If only if he was around for the third PRC anniversary, you could've easily had this set for then.

But even then, to see the source tune worked upon for The Fabled Warriors for a more minimalist sneaking arrangement managed to set the bill just fine. In comparison to some of Matt's other works, it has more of a minimalist quality for it, which is emphasized by a lot of detail given to just pizzicato strings, lead/rhythm synths and chimed organs; definitely an eye towards the feel and what can be considered his strengths.

The arrangement itself was also just fine as well; playing along with solid interpretations on the A section while fitting in a more straight-interpreted B section on the way, and to see the pizzicato being brought down to half-speed to interpret that sneaking feel in comparison to the rest of the core components of the original, it has definitely shown Matt's eye for arrangement for sure.

So, a nice quirky arrangement for a project like this; may not quite get everyone though due to the scope of works Matt has sent already, but I consider it to be something that could gague your interest if you take a more open-minded approach :)

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Melbu Frahma
on 2011-12-12 12:12:49
The pizzicato opening made me think of the 2009 Sherlock Holmes movie.

Same here.

This is definitely one of Mattias' quirkier pieces, in my opinion; and it really does its job and bring to mind the image of a thief sneaking along somewhere, tiptoeing down a castle hallway behind a tapestry past a sleeping guard. Really can't find anything negative to say about it; the various parts work well together and form an interesting, unique whole. Highly recommend giving it several listens, if you haven't already.

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HitoriJaNai
on 2011-12-07 13:19:03

I absolutely loved this track when I first listened to the album. I just loved the minimalism, the mysteriousness, the aura of creeping around and dancing in the shadows. This ReMix totally went and stole my inner fanboy, because I don't think I could gush enough about this. However, in the spirit of the Thief, I'll keep it short. Fantastic job, Mattias; you nailed the mood, the sounds are perfect, and I'm listening to this when I play as a Thief in FFV! :)

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OA
on 2011-12-07 10:50:51

The mood on this track is really well-done, I think Mattias nailed that aspect completely. It is actually pretty refreshing to hear something a touch more minimalistic these days, when it seems everyone else is trying to out-bombast each other.

Intelligent and classy, with a lot of restraint, this is a really nice gem that I think may be hidden for awhile, but the people who do discover it will be very happy they did.

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Speck
on 2011-04-27 18:49:42

The pizzicato opening made me think of the 2009 Sherlock Holmes movie.Similar rhythmic strings (which is also a trait of gypsy jazz) and driving tempo, but taking it a different direction with the electronics and bells.

I doubt I would have thought of a thief directly without the explanation, but the espionage / high energy heist feel definitely comes through.

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halc
on 2011-04-25 21:27:17

I generally LOVE most of Mattias' stuff, but to be honest this one I wasn't digging so much at first. funny he should mention Claustrophobia in his writeup, as that's probably the only other song of his I somewhat disliked. unlike that mix though, this one has really grown on me. definitely a sucker for the pizzacato and all of anosou's assorted bell sounds. the true brilliance of this mix shines through in its concept, and I feel this track represents it's respective job theme better than any other track on Wind.

nice work, you swedish piece of man-sex-love 3

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Emunator
on 2011-04-25 19:05:36

I always felt like this was one of the more creative and unique songs on ~Wind~, glad to see it getting some front page love :-) The intro was what grabbed me initially, it carried some of the quirkiness of anosou's usual style and helped segue naturally into the body of the mix, which is a little more "typical" for his style.

Solid mix!

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Brandon Strader
on 2011-04-25 17:51:05

Anosou is a very versatile artist. I've always been somewhat obsessed with chiptunes combined with orchestra. This isn't chiptunes but the general feeling is the same for me. Electronica combined with orchestral elements. I'd love to hear a future anosou piece where the orchestra is implented more fully rather than just pizzicato strings! This song is very well made, definitely has that thief aspect to the sound while it is building up. I can't wait for the rest of the posts, and look forward to ~Water~

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djpretzel
on 2011-04-25 17:17:28

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

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Final Fantasy V (Square , 1992, SNES)
Music by Nobuo Uematsu
Songs:
"The Ancient Library"

Tags (5)


Genre:
Mood:
Chill
Instrumentation:
Electronic,Strings,Synth
Additional:
Arrangement > Minimalist

File Information


Name:
Final_Fantasy_5_In_the_Shadows_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
5,657,011 bytes
MD5:
bc618ba93562f87179815799c72820bb
Bitrate:
229Kbps
Duration:
3:14

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