ReMix:Command & Conquer "Acting on Instinct" 3:29

By Mike Norvak

Arranging the music of one song...

"Act on Instinct"

Primary Game: Command & Conquer (Virgin , 1995, DOS), music by Frank Klepacki

Posted 2020-12-21, evaluated by Rexy


Off his Remix & Conquer album, Mike Norvak (Miguel Ángel Ramírez López) brings us a dark, dystopian, sample-laden industrial/EDM take on the original C&C:

"First track from Noise Boulder Records EP Remix & Conquer with remixes from the aforementioned game series. A second part EP is scheduled for 2021.

Audio mastered by Lee Jackson. Special thanks to Andrés Idman Parédes."

Rexy evaluated:

"Mike's choice of BGM is an interesting one - much of the first half relies on a bass groove to define itself, while the second brought in a minimal but effective melody. Even with not a lot to work with, he still made it work with this electronic transformation. This track has a fun assortment of synths with differing expressions, a full mixdown with a noted emphasis on sub-bass, and attention to subtle reverb and envelope effects, adding more to the setup's impact.

Structure-wise, he allowed the 16-note pulsing synths to ground the interpretation while letting the bass riff in the A section get subtle notation modifications. The B section at 1:06 followed a similar idea yet quickly allowed for the C section at 1:22 to be the primary focus through to the end. The chords stuck as a primary focus until 1:56 when the melody made a more anchored appearance, later getting transformations from 2:29. Unlike in the source, he didn't call back to any previous idea, benefitting both the palette and the suspenseful direction overall.

What I heard was a great first impression for his Remix & Conquer EP - one that stands strong to open it, and I've got my fingers crossed to see what the follow-up album will spawn. Excellent job!"

What she said; nice military-industrial complex atmosphere with an undulating bass & plenty of repeated in-game vox/talking FX to seal the aesthetic deal - while more modern than the source, this still has a faint throwback vibe to me, recalling late 90s cyberpunkish electronic work. The piece mutates enough as it progresses to give a sense of development, and I dig many of the sound design choices - it's the right texture for the C&C series, while spicing things up a bit at the same time. Bass in particular has a thick low-end that remains intellegible even with the rapid pulsing. Great stuff from Mike, enjoy!

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 2 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
avatar
CJthemusicdude
on 2024-04-05 19:11:26

I like the vibe of this one, that intro was fantastic. Excellent use of vocal samples as well! Overall, great remix! :)

avatar
Liontamer
on 2020-12-18 12:11:35

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

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Command & Conquer (Virgin , 1995, DOS)
Music by Frank Klepacki
Songs:
"Act on Instinct"

Tags (9)


Genre:
Cinematic,EDM,Industrial
Mood:
Dark,Energetic
Instrumentation:
Electronic,In-game FX,Synth
Additional:
Time > 4/4 Time Signature

File Information


Name:
Command_&_Conquer_Acting_on_Instinct_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
6,309,840 bytes
MD5:
1db2993201255d0163600f8ecfcaa01c
Bitrate:
238Kbps
Duration:
3:29

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