RPGamers Network > Reviews > Game Music Reviews > Rockman X Alph-Lyla with Toshiaki Otsubo
Reviewed by: Ersatz Sobriquet
Ahh. Classic Rockman X. The original X game that spawned six other games, and a host of characters I'd rather not get into. The original music to the game was that of a rock based format, what with the SNES' limited sound source. But, the Alph Lyla Band did a great job capturing the feel of the original production and transforming it to fusion.
The general feel of this album is basically fusion, with classic rock (era 80's) and old school jazz (era 80's, as well). Synthesizers reign supreme throughout the tracks. Welcome to Mechanical Forest ~ Forest Stage captures that feel quite well. I didn't really look at the track names before I started listening to this album, and was only taking down various notes for each song. This is what I said in my notes about WTMF~FS: track 2: Kinda repeating. Weird forest theme.
Shows you right there that these guys are getting the feel down pact for each of the songs. It sounded like a forest theme, what with the vibrating synths and the weird bells being played throughout, and hot diggity dog, it was.
Track 3, Take Back The Tower ~ Tower Theme is a nice, smooth piece where an jazz electric guitar carries the verses along, with tags and hints of classic jazz, then a sax comes in and picks the song up when the chorus comes around. Very smooth piece, that can get you bopping your head along.
For some reason, throughout the reviewing of video game music, I always seem to find that ANY kind of Factory song usually rocks out in one way or another, and this isn't any exception to that rule. Scrapping Beat ~ Factory Stage is a great classic funk song in its own right. All the instruments get a chance to wail it out on their own in their own little solo, even the drums. The bass line slaps its way throughout while the keyboards keep up with it without a hitch. Very funky.
Of course, you know I had to mention Get Through The Dark ~ Tunnel Stage, one of the most rocked out songs on this album. The guitarist was having so much fun with this one, as he plays along with the set pattern of arranged strings and drum machine. No real instruments being played here except for maybe the bass and possibly trumpets, and of course the guitar. Excellent song, nonetheless.
There are faults with this album, though. I had some serious issues with Repliroid King ~ Vs. Last Boss Stage. The melody line was changed up too much, what with background beats being completely different with back-background beats, not counting the silly bass line. Was too much for me. The violin part was nice, but everything else detracted ones enjoyment away from the whole.
All in all, it's a great listen. Something you can throw on if you just want to relax and let the melodies indulge your senses some. Lovers of fusion will have a field day with this, though, as it contains enough mixture of the two (rock and jazz) to appease both crowds. A must listen to.
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| Album Information | Reviewer Rank |
|---|---|
|
Rockman X Alph-Lyla with Toshiaki Otsubo Published by: Sony Records Release Date: March 09th 1994 Composed by: Setsuo Yamamoto, Makoto Tomozawa, Yuki Iwai, Yuko Takehara, Toshihiko Horiyama Arranged by: Toshiaki Otsubo 1 Disc, 10 Tracks Catalog: SRCL-2828 |
85 |
Reviewed by: Ersatz Sobriquet
Ahh. Classic Rockman X. The original X game that spawned six other games, and a host of characters I'd rather not get into. The original music to the game was that of a rock based format, what with the SNES' limited sound source. But, the Alph Lyla Band did a great job capturing the feel of the original production and transforming it to fusion.
The general feel of this album is basically fusion, with classic rock (era 80's) and old school jazz (era 80's, as well). Synthesizers reign supreme throughout the tracks. Welcome to Mechanical Forest ~ Forest Stage captures that feel quite well. I didn't really look at the track names before I started listening to this album, and was only taking down various notes for each song. This is what I said in my notes about WTMF~FS: track 2: Kinda repeating. Weird forest theme.
Shows you right there that these guys are getting the feel down pact for each of the songs. It sounded like a forest theme, what with the vibrating synths and the weird bells being played throughout, and hot diggity dog, it was.
Track 3, Take Back The Tower ~ Tower Theme is a nice, smooth piece where an jazz electric guitar carries the verses along, with tags and hints of classic jazz, then a sax comes in and picks the song up when the chorus comes around. Very smooth piece, that can get you bopping your head along.
For some reason, throughout the reviewing of video game music, I always seem to find that ANY kind of Factory song usually rocks out in one way or another, and this isn't any exception to that rule. Scrapping Beat ~ Factory Stage is a great classic funk song in its own right. All the instruments get a chance to wail it out on their own in their own little solo, even the drums. The bass line slaps its way throughout while the keyboards keep up with it without a hitch. Very funky.
Of course, you know I had to mention Get Through The Dark ~ Tunnel Stage, one of the most rocked out songs on this album. The guitarist was having so much fun with this one, as he plays along with the set pattern of arranged strings and drum machine. No real instruments being played here except for maybe the bass and possibly trumpets, and of course the guitar. Excellent song, nonetheless.
There are faults with this album, though. I had some serious issues with Repliroid King ~ Vs. Last Boss Stage. The melody line was changed up too much, what with background beats being completely different with back-background beats, not counting the silly bass line. Was too much for me. The violin part was nice, but everything else detracted ones enjoyment away from the whole.
All in all, it's a great listen. Something you can throw on if you just want to relax and let the melodies indulge your senses some. Lovers of fusion will have a field day with this, though, as it contains enough mixture of the two (rock and jazz) to appease both crowds. A must listen to.
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