ReMix: NiGHTS into dreams... 'The NiGHT Has Just Begun...'
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- Game: NiGHTS into dreams... (Sega, 1996, SAT)
- ReMixer(s): PROTO·DOME
- Composer(s): Fumie Kumatani, Naofumi Hataya, Tomoko Sasaki
- Song(s): 'Under Construction'
- Posted: 2011-07-13, evaluated by the judges
- Album: Featured on NiGHTS: Lucid Dreaming
It's taken me a good while to get fully moved into our new home, but without further delay comes the final mix in the Lucid Dreaming flood, a pop/electronica vocal arrangement from ProtoDome. Stevo writes:
"ProtoDome has proven himself a master of short, happy, chiptunes-heavy songs, and he continues that streak here. This song is one of his longest to date, features great vocals and appropriately cheesy lyrics. There were many songs on this project that added vocals to sources that originally had none, and this is one of the best. If the rest of the night is going to go like this, I’m glad it just got started!"
I agree, LD is definitely an album that fully embraces vocal mixes, and this track from Blake re-enforces that emphasis with sugary-sweet auto-tuned synth-pop/dance that's got enough space for a soaring synth solo, shimmering production, and lyrics/phrasing that channel a modernized Erasure or Pet Shop Boys. Judges actually weighed in on this one; Deia writes:
"Suuuuper fun track. Proto, must everything you do be so cheerful? Really love the textures you have, it's all very bright. Autotune doesn't bother me like some, so I'm cool with this."
Vinnie adds:
"It's easy to say that anyone can sing given autotune, but I think things like enunciation and phrasing still can't be perfected in post (yet). Proto's vocals are great here and are reminiscent of Lee Brotherton in Dreams of an Absolution. Plus for the vocals haters, this song still has those jazzy chords and catchy beat that ProtoDome loves to use and we love to hear."
Indeed; the way certain little passages fleetingly segue into a jazzier style does accentuate the hook & keeps you guessing and engaged. Every single one of our NiGHTS: Lucid Dreaming mixposts has provided insight into what the album's all about, and I really do think it has a distinct & unique style, with a high percentage of vocal mixes, a musical aesthetic that allows for diversity while jiving completely with the world of the game, and interwoven themes that create interesting musical links between the tracks. While its approachable pop tracks might initially suggest ear-candy, everything goes much deeper than that & has been really well thought-out, carefully crafted, and imbued with plenty of heart & soul to match its considerable musical bling. Congrats to Blake on a great pop vocal track, and to Stevo & ALL the ReMixers, visual artists, & others who chipped in to give NiGHTS a truly amazing anniversary gift!
Discussion: Latest 12 comments/reviews; view the This mix always reminded me of what I hate about modern music and made it good.
It's so cheesy and playful, like the rest of the album that I instantly fall in love.
I really can't say much more than, it's fun and I love singing along.
- Tuberz McGee on December 25, 2011
- Bahamut on December 15, 2011
- Crulex on December 12, 2011
Synth bias, AHOY!
- OA on December 12, 2011
So what we have here is a vocal arrangement that takes it in a similar direction to David Gray's electronic material, though much more upbeat and relevant to a tween audience. Blake's style managed to fit appropriately with the track, with some neat synth manipulation, filter/gate manipulation and some very careful autotune work to make it fit within the track's scope. The structure may be basic though, but what pop song isn't? The pieces were taken from the source material and structured appropriately to bring it into this form. Definitely an original direction to go for :)
One thing I did notice though was that in spite of the tuning done to the vocals, I couldn't help but notice a flimsy recording quality behind the vocal part. Understanding that you don't record them often I could let it slide, but it could be something to think about for handling in the future should Blake take this direction again.
All in all, a very fun track; possibly one of the more divisive tracks on Lucid Dreaming though, but there's always the instrumental for the vocal haters. :razz: Let's see what you got for 2012, fellow Limey!
- Rexy on December 12, 2011
The sound reminds me of early Perfume songs. though a chorus of auto-tuned girls isn't that much of a stretch I guess :p Would mash-up really nicely with their title song come to think of it...
- Feyhd on August 15, 2011
Still loving it long-time, Proto man.
"Ohh babeh~"
- DiGi Valentine on July 15, 2011
On my birthday (which was monday mind you)
I had this song non-stop in my head for at least 2 days already, The weird thing is the positive attitude the song gives out made my day awesome even tho i was at work most of the day.
Protodome due to this song your going to get a ton of fangirls.
Hell it might not be just fangirls either..
Your voice actually fits in with your arrangement like a major piece of a puzzle.
I'm gonna add you to the short list of vocalists i love to hear on ocremix.
Truely loved this remix, thanks for making my birthday a happy one :D
- psychowolf on July 14, 2011
Every element falls right in place, pacing is great, the vocals aren't overdone, soundscape is rich and has a nice warm color to it.
A fun arrangement that is sure to brighten your day (or your NIGHTS). Should've been dubbed: "Protodome - the Happiness Formula". ;)
Recommended. :grin:
- Dj Mokram on July 14, 2011
- Emunator on July 14, 2011
