A collection of work that has mostly been released within the last six months, Radiarc has compiled these cinematic releases onto one full length album. The tracks draw inspiration from several sources, primarily among them are MLP and Undertale. Check out the track-by-track review after the break.
Things kick off strong with Eleison, a wonderfully intense and dramatic orchestral composition charged with gritty techno basslines. The piece is inspired by Luna’s banishment.
The second track, Impulse, is an Undertale track that features the hook of Meglovania played on a distant piano. At the forefront of the track is some gated synth, gentle piano, and bells.
Forgive Me, Child, further draws its inspiration from Undertale and includes the hook of Heartache played on strings. There is a wide range of instrumentation used throughout the track to keep things lively as the pace is driven by orchestral drums.
Another Undertale track, The Other Side is inspired by the final conflict against Asriel. Melodies are played out on flutes and strings while energy and tension is sustained by gated synths.
Rancor channels the dramatic power of Discord primarily through an extensive range of strings over distorted synth. More aggressive drum work keeps the vibe intense throughout.
A surprisingly dark track considering it’s inspired by Diamond Tiara, Everything is Mine makes use of strings, bells, and even a choir to build its soundscape.
Duality is inspired by Zootopia which I can’t interpret as I haven’t seen the movie haha. There is a distorted grit to the strings and a funky, heavily filtered, break (or guitar loop?) that keeps things moving in the background which is pretty cool.
Guilt, bears a heavy atmosphere and an erratic energy through some brilliantly employed techno synths. Inspired by the ambitions of Undertale’s Alphys, things are expectedly eerie with a great sci-fi flavor.
Gravity is a dark, Chara inspired track and again features the hook of Meglovania briefly delivered by piano.
After opening with some reverberating guitar, Unbroken drops into a grand choir/pad driven soundscape inspired by the MLP episode Gauntlet of Fire. Things conclude with some clean, sustained string work accompanied by the guitar.
Moonless Nightmare is quick to jump into the fray with dramatic wall of instrumentation. The mixing could be a clearer here, strings still punch through carrying the melody. Halfway through some detuned bells wonderfully contribute a warped atmosphere.
The third track to feature the melody of Meglovania, this time far more prominently on a full set of orchestral strings as well as piano, The Bad Time clearly illustrates the showdown against Sans in the conclusion of Undertale’s genocide run.
The album concludes with Nameless, a Final Fantasy inspired track. It is short and the only track not heavily pushed along by dramatic percussion, instead opting to close out things out with drawn out chords of strings.
Well practiced in his craft, Radiarc delivers a beautiful compilation of dramatic and cinematic orchestral songs that utilize a broad range of synthwork and percussion to build some grand atmospheres. You can buy the album from Radiarc’s Bandcamp page and you can keep up with the producers future works via YouTube and Twitter.
Horse Music Herald 