ReMix:VectorMan 2 "The Wind That Turns the Page" 3:20

Super-cool experimental take on VectorMan 2 from Michael Hudak:

"Hi again, it's a-me. VectorMan 2 might have one of the Genesis's most overlooked OSTs; it has some bangers, but a lot of people don't know the game exists! "Swamp" from Scene 2 is probably my favorite track from either VectorMan, which are the two games that introduced me to electronica as a wee tadpole back in the mid-90s. So, thanks to Jon Holland and the devs for that.

For this arrangement, I wanted to do something heady and cerebral, but without leaning fully in an IDM direction. So, there are panning and sound design techniques that a lot of my music features, but with more organic instruments (music box and cello from Spitfire), along with several field recordings I did in Japan. The title is a reference to how many abrupt changes my life has taken over the last few years (and I know I'm not alone!), and the somewhat abrupt transitions between song sections (and the ending, even) mirror that. Thanks to the judges for all their hard work."

A semi-autobiographical, chopped/mutated electronic experimental take on VectorMan 2? Well, we already have like... a hundred of those on the site, so join the club, buster ;) I kid, of course, and it's good to see V-man back in our spotlight. At one point, with the ever-popular "-man" suffix, I thought he might become more of a franchise, but his adventures were limited to the Mega Drive when his third outing for Saturn was cancelled. Of course, a vector never truly ends, so perhaps he'll be revived via Kickstarter or some other mechanism in the future. Meanwhile, we have a lovely exploration of the "Scene 2" theme with plenty of sound FX, the iconic Hudak "audible sample release click," an emergent choir that blossoms as the piece progresses, & a generally chill and atmospheric temperament. Judges were unanimous; prophetik music writes:

"track starts with a great little kalimba/music box sample, and gets into some fun field recordings. i like whatever you're doing to replace the bassline - i have no idea what that is, but it's a fun sound and a good way to tie your techniques into the heartbeat of this track. i particularly liked at 1:27 when you had the particularly staticky kalimba playing.

the melodic content is clearly there throughout, so no concerns there. i found the consistent shifts in feel to be not problematic, and found the A / B feel of the piece (transitioning at 1:45) to be interesting as well.

i consistently appreciate your willingness to really get outside the box and see what's going on there. please don't stop."

Hear, hear. Not too many folks mixin' those vectors, and even scarcer are arrangers mustering the guster to explore the types of sound design & complementary arrangement Mr. Hu gravitates towards. Enjoy!