ReMix:Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest "Truthful Symphony" 3:53

It's twilight in upper west Atlanta as I write this, but we've got something cool for you today! That's because when T-Square homages are put in front of us, we race toward 'em like we're in the Grand Prix! After our encouragement to send this in while hanging out in person at MAGFest, NyxTheShield returns after five years out with some 80's style "DKC-Square", so to speak! :-D Having arranged the original Donkey Kong Country with his debut, NyxTheShield now gets after the second entry in the trilogy and the classic "Stickerbush Symphony", something Nyx said he relished being able to do while also honoring the style of T-Square:

"This remix is heavily inspired by T-Square's Truth sound and "vibe", but without taking any elements directly from it. I always wanted to make a jazz fusion DKC cover and I felt this was the perfect opportunity to do so while paying homage to my inspirations. I hope you enjoy it!"

DarkSim and his family just just had a new baby (congrats! -- and we've got something for ya!), so while he's away sanitizing bottles, changing diapers, and hopefully taking lots of cute baby photos, he chimed in before the arrival of his new addition because of the novelty and charm of adapting David Wise's legendary tune in this unique way:

"Thanks for the reference tracks - I listened to T-Square - TRUTH, and can definitely hear the influence. So cool to hear Stickerbush done in this style, it's one of my favourite pieces of VGM, and you've done something new with it that sounds great. [...]

Love the introduction of the sax and lead guitar, they work wonders together. Perhaps an extra tribute to David Wise, who also plays the saxophone? Would be amazing to hear the sax played live...

Nice ritardando to finish. Really enjoyed this one, thanks!"

All of the judges thought the snare should have been pulled back, which didn't hold this back from approval, but actually would have made the T-Square homage more faithful, since the beat in beat levels of their album are actually a lil' more subdued (though still impactful). That said, judge MindWanderer, who never has qualms about sharing his truth, was surprised by the giant side steps of NyxTheShield's arrangement yet an unexpected lover of the approach:

"What an unusual take. The source material is definitely there from the get-go, but it's not obvious until 0:29, and even then the remix focuses on the supporting elements of the source and not the melody. It's a good exercise to the listener to not just focus on the melody. [...]

The strengths are way up there. The sax and guitar arrangement and performances are stellar. The approach is unique and works great."

Quite the celebration of a successful concept piece, and the positive vibes from the Js just keep on flowing! I don't know a better musical wingman than Emunator, who sure knows how to make a musician feel good. :-) He was full of praise not only for how well NyxTheShield pulled off his concept, but for how far he'd come in his musical journey:

"Man, what a strong concept and a huge step up in terms of interpretation and arrangement compared to some of your earlier submissions that I remember hearing from years ago. You had a really clear vision and executed with a clear amount of passion and respect for the source material, both Donkey Kong and T-Square. All of the sounds in the band complement each other wonderfully and the arrangement is just chock full of creativity. I love this, I've never heard this source done this way before and I'm glad you chose to send this our way. Really great stuff!"

Thanks again to NyxTheShield not only for letting us know about this track being in the works, but for stepping forward to send it in right after MAGFest was over. It sailed through in a breeze and you know a unanimous panel approval has to feel good. When in doubt, submit what you've got and let us take a listen. :-) The truth about this "Truthful Symphony"? It's a terrific tribute to and fun fusion of both David Wise & T-Square!