ReMix:Ecco the Dolphin "Broken Machine" 4:37

By Trace Dragon XVI K

Arranging the music of one song...

"Welcome to the Machine"

Primary Game: Ecco the Dolphin (Sega , 1993, GEN), music by András Magyari, Brian Coburn, Spencer Nilsen

Posted 2002-02-02, evaluated by djpretzel


Based on the "Welcome to the Machine" level music from Ecco, Trace's first submission is also our first Ecco ReMix in years - literally. Hard to categorize, other than to say ornate, ambient, and atmospheric, Trace's mix features a very prominent bassline, layered drums with dynamic stereo imaging, pizzicato strings, oboe, orchestra hits, synth bells, and extensive usage of down-up synth fx 'swarbles' (probably not a word, but that's what they sound like!) Well-implemented key change at 3'08" builds the tension effectively. Ends very spookily, with drums dropping out so you can hear the individual elements quite clearly. Intelligent use of infrequently coupled sounds and a good ear for filmish textures and timbres makes this a very enjoyable mix you can focus several layers deep into while listening and still find stuff. Tres nice.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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TillyFun
on 2012-08-11 19:42:07

Like a cross between the original track and FF VI's Magitek Factory, this just adds a layer of malevolence to an already dark and alien place. (So far from the open ocean, Ecco! :() Trace has also added more musical variation. Even for its time and system, the Genesis version seems like it repeats too frequently... uh, although, when I think of it, players are unlikely to live long enough in this stage to hear a track of Trace's length! Yeeah, maybe for the original, the repetition is okay. ;)

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evktalo
on 2010-12-09 05:49:06

This track is atmospheric and creepy, heavy and pressurized.. and good! Definite keeper. Much nicer than I expected from a track from 2002.

--Eino

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DragonAvenger
on 2009-12-09 11:30:47

The overall mysterious tone of this song is really cool. It makes me think of swimming super deep in the ocean where you start to see all the WTF fish. The industrial percussion adds to the tension nicely, as well. Cool stuff.

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Marmiduke
on 2009-06-26 06:20:24

This captures what Ecco the Dolphin really is: Underwater sci-fi. Weird combination, but very complementary.

The main industrial stuff sounds great, but everything is really topped of by the contrast to the main theme. It's an interesting dynamic as soon as it starts going into a light-hearted horror territory. Usually, I'd think it was a bit schlocky, but the heavily industrial bookends of the mix give it the edge it needs. Also, I think the key change at around 3:08 wasn't entirely necessary with something like this, but handled well anyway.

I wouldn't say I was blown away by this, but I think it's interesting in the right places and a bit of dark-ish fun.

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Jaybell
on 2007-12-05 20:35:52

THIS is the COOLEST DAMN INTRO TO ANYTHING EVER. I put this on my mp3 player based SOLELY on the intro.

The rest of the song is badass too, but nothing, and I MEAN NOTHING can best the intro. It's so dang cool.

I agree with what OA said up thar: Cool and Calculated.

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OA
on 2007-04-25 11:21:57

SLOW MOTION STRUT!

This mix is pretty sweet,starting off mysterious, ramping up the strut-osity, and then taking a bit of a break before struting anew.

Great drums and sound effects, and the ending pizzicato strings really add to it.

Cool and calculated.

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Kurokun1293
on 2006-02-14 00:51:54

The song, at the start, was hard to get into. But it kinda picks up midway, and i heard the actual tune of Welcome to the Machine. Its not an excellent remix, but it reminded me how much i hated that level but loved the music. Nice work.

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Tarrasque
on 2004-11-19 16:02:01

Ecco the Dolphin, with its unique, spooky soundtrack, is the game that keeps me out of the pool. This ReMix is so dark and sinister, it's only strengthened my fear of water. Thanks, I'll just go tell my coach "I can't swim because a Dolphin died on my television screen when I was 6, and Trace made it even scarier."

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killthrush
on 2004-11-15 15:59:16

Outstanding track!

The vibe is remeniscent of some of Ulver's recent work, like the Melancholy EP, only harsher.

Who knew a dolphin could be so badass?

10/10 overall.

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Dr. Pangloss
on 2004-05-24 04:45:25

This is a _great_ remix. This guy must be a Sweetener or something. Great work, albeit pretty much anon.

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herograw
on 2003-06-23 16:03:48

this is one of my favorite mixes on the site. it went on a cd that i burned for the sole purpose of introducing friends to the 'wonderful sounds of ocremix!!!111oneoneone'

maybe my rgm player sucks, but the original doesn't sound all that special, so this mix was a serious improvement. the melody was interesting, but the same could not be said for the original arrangement. this is one of those songs that would have made the original game better if it had replaced the original (sort of like if ailsean's 'nikki learns a new song' mix replaced the original, the world of chrono cross would be a better place).

-rob

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Elvenstar!
on 2003-06-19 23:16:50

Great beat going on in this song. Very cool.

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Nevah
on 2002-12-08 14:39:20

This song is just... amazing! I can't stop listening to it! An overall amazing beat. A eerie song that just makes me want more. I remember playing ecco the dolphin when I was 7 or 8. This song really fits in with the strange and chilling atmosphere of the game.

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Xaleph
on 2002-12-02 17:59:32

This is one of my favorites lately, it's wierd, spooky, catchy, it has that "cool" aura to it, but all in all I'd probably give it around a 8/10.

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Dekkon
on 2002-07-10 06:31:41

I really enjoyed this Remix. I like the beginning, its fluent in an eratic sort of way. I just generally like the beat and the sound. Good stuff, very different from most songs here. If you haven't downloaded it i suggeest you give it a shot :)

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Ecco the Dolphin (Sega , 1993, GEN)
Music by András Magyari,Brian Coburn,Spencer Nilsen
Songs:
"Welcome to the Machine"

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File Information


Name:
Ecco_the_Dolphin_Broken_Machine_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
4,516,786 bytes
MD5:
a2092a38f3a45a708fef5772ea0d2444
Bitrate:
128Kbps
Duration:
4:37

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