ReMix:The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening "Domain of Darkness" 5:59

DDRKirby(ISQ) [Timmie Wong] peppers this chip/EDM Link's Awakening ReMix with references to SM64, OoT, SMRPG, Mega Man, Shovel Knight, and more - see if you can spot 'em all, and enjoy the integrated, dark, funky-yet-suspenseful jam while you do:

"This is off of our Songs of the Sirens release. Hooray!

"Mysterious Forest" is such a cool and groovy track, oozing with atmosphere! My 9-bit interpretation of it retains its ubiquitous bassline while exploring a bunch of different musical directions. The part at 2:14, for example, brings in some sinister chords inspired by the "Bowser Battle" theme from Super Mario 64, and the harmony section at 4:02 references multiple other "mysterious forest" themes -- in order: the "Forest Maze" theme from Super Mario RPG, the "Lost Woods" theme from Ocarina of Time, and the "Lost Woods" theme from A Link to the Past. The whole "lost woods" trope is ubiquitous among video games, so I thought it would be kind of cool to envision all of these forests as actually being interconnected... a place where you can get so lost that you even end up in the wrong game! If you listen closely, you might hear some percussion techniques borrowed from Mega Man and Shovel Knight as well. I hope you enjoy the mishmash of different elements!"

I certainly did; at just over six minutes, the source cameos act as jumping off points for exploring the main "Mysterious Forest" source, and I dig the chip trills & other elements that make periodic appearances throughout. Larry Oji writes:

"Timmie always brings it, and even if this had stuck to just the Mysterious Forest theme, this would have been great. The seamless weaving in of other classic Nintendo theme cameos was such a nice touch, and really took my appreciation to another level (my personal favorites were the Super Mario 64 and A Link to the Past ones). As always, DDRKirby showcases great dynamic contrast throughout in his arranging; when working with what some would consider a more limited sound palette like 8-bit style leads, textural variation can be make or break, but it's something Timmie never, ever has a problem with. The near-6 minutes went by just like that, and I'm already looping it for more! :-)"

Roger that; I think the key thing is that the cameos aren't forced - they pop up very naturally and feel like part of the "plan," as it were, thanks to clever, intuitive arranging. It's not really a medley, but rather an arrangement of a single source that's informed & transformed by well-timed infusions of other themes, and it works a treat. On top of that, you've got modulated, crunchy, & occasionally reversed/glitched chip drums, pure synth tones, a dark/suspenseful vibe that's still a lil funky, and Timmie's impressive attention to detail in all arenas, making for a stellar track & a fantastic addition to Songs of the Sirens!