Seven years ago, 4EverfreeBrony released a signature song about a certain bubbly, quirkily unpredictable party pony with the ability to always lift everyone’s spirits. Crusader! has breathed new life into this fun piece with his cover of this vibrant song. Winning first place in 4EverfreeBrony’s recent cover competition, Crusader!’s cover stays true to the upbeat, lighthearted nature of the original song while adding his own unique elements. Some heavier electric guitar in the background is enhanced with upbeat plucky chords on the ukulele, perfectly suited to Pinkie’s ebullient personality. Relaxed vocals coupled with a ukulele and electric guitar create an energetic party atmosphere, as if Pinkie herself were in the room! Even better, as if this track isn’t bright or joyful enough, a lively electric piano solo adds even more enthusiasm to this well-deserving winner of 4Everfreebrony’s competition!
[VibePoniez] The Empty Tomb – Between Dreams | Future Bass
A new compilation album has just been released, and with it comes this beautifully chill, yet simultaneously epic track from The Empty Tomb. Starting out with a very cool, wintry melody that carries throughout the song, there’s also some crackly sounds that give the feel of peacefully resting in front of an open fire. This contrast very much depicts the idea of Luna watching over our dreams; the refreshing cool of the night is complimented by the warm feelings of the gentle princess watching over us in our slumbers. This track also carries a wonderful progression throughout, beginning with cool chords that lead into a drop with some sweet bass work. Finally, all elements of the track coalesce into an awesome Future Bass crescendo. As the track is titled “Between Dreams,” I imagine Luna is taking a short respite from her “dream-hopping” as she battles nightmares in the dark. She’s not merely idling, however; she is gathering courage to get back up and leap back into the fight! Join her on her epic quest in this refreshing piece, which is also one of many equally fun tracks on VibePoniez’ new compilation album, Overcast!
Rubber – Dragonshy (feat. ItsJustAustin) | Hip-Hop
Based on and featuring vocal chops from the S01E07 episode “Dragonshy”, this song spits more fire than a full-sized dragon! Rubber and ItsJustAustin flex their lyrical and vocal muscles on this track that recognizes what fans of the show know well: If you mess with Fluttershy you just might get Mean Fluttershy, especially when it comes to defending her friends! I loved this hip hop rendition of the story of Fluttershy taking on the dragon and its recognition of how satisfying it is watching Flutters throw down. Rubber really knows how to tell a story, and their usual slick beats and thematically effective melody accompany a great Rubber-made pic of our favorite soft spoken badass.
Ricardofr-200 – Applejack’s Lullaby Remix | Chillhop
The original version of this song, from the episode “Bloom and Gloom“, is a short, sweet reassurance from Applejack to Apple Bloom that she will always be loved by her friends. Ricardofr-200 takes that 20 second song and morphs it into a listening experience akin to wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket pulled straight from the dryer. Fantastic vocal chops are layered in with synth elaborations on the vocal melody, and there’s a really nice progression through a couple of different styles of that melody. Simple but effective percussion and pitched vocal effects add a nice dynamic to the song. If you’re having a down day, let AJ sing your troubles away!
[Equinity] TCB – Only One (Tw3Lv3 Remix) | Liquid Drum & Bass
As a power move, Tw3lv3 has released a smooth and fast remix of TCB’s quite popular tune “Only One” not only to Equinty’s 4th album, but also their own Simp EP! Keeping in line with the ambience and scope of the original we get a taste of a faster yet laid back version of this tune with some really fun changes and twists especially near the end where some surprising but welcome textures and vibes. This one is a wonderful addition to the album and Tw3lv3 really knows how to string a vibe together!
Various Artists – PINKピンカメナ – ピンカヒズミ | Compilation Album | Multi-Genre
Ok, so before we get into this I have to warn you that this is an album that includes darker themes (as you may have guessed from the cover). Some songs include language that is not kid friendly, and I outright put a warning in front of two songs, so proceed through this album with caution.
Today we’ve got ourselves an album hosted by Nyancat and also featuring a few other artists, but let’s cut down on the chatter and get right to it!
(Continued after the break)
Thunder Dash – The Zebra’s Domain | Electronic Orchestra
Ok, let me tell you, this is only the second Thunder Dash piece I have heard, and my word, this musician has my attention. You’ve got to have something special to tell a story this deep and emotional in just over 8 minutes. I love it when bronies, especially musicians, get so creative! In this piece Thunder Dash uses a full tool list of melodies and harmonies to tell the story of the Zebras, their homeland, how they live, and their beliefs and culture. Thunder Dash says it better than I could in the video description, so I will for once focus on the music. The song is all about one thing–atmosphere! The track immerses you in its musical narrative, and you are pulled into its comparison of Zebra life with Equestrian pony life. You can feel the joy when those calling to the spirits are answered! It’s all told with a full arsenal of awesome musical storytelling, and Thunder Dash needs to be shown some love for this! As always, this Qilin asks you to judge for yourself.
SpinScissor – Goodbye | Drum & Bass
I don’t think I’ve heard a track about “Tanks for the Memories” before! I’ve got to the say, SpinScissor, you did the episode justice with the mood of this track. As you listen to the flow of the track, if you listen closely to the vocal chops from “I’ll Fly” with the awesome pounding beats with the speed effects, you hear them flow like the harmonics of the track. The pace is perfect for a Rainbow Dash track; the drums are a nice touch to a beat that I’m sure is going to get you out of your seat movin’ around. Then there are the heartwarming parts of the song with the vocal chops of Rainbow Dash expressing her feelings about Tank needing to go away for the winter… Those chops give the song such great depth and feeling. SpinScissor, please keep working on your craft–you got this! As always this Qilin asks you to judge for yourself. On a personal note, that episode is one of better (and underrated) Rainbow Dash ones because it shows that she is not just this super powerful and confident pony! Rainbow DASH fans, am I right!?
MC-Arch – You got me, I got us II: Our Brave New World! | Album | Multi-Genre / Audio Drama
BIG BIG BIG THANK YOU! to Blackened Blue for proofreading and editing this article, can’t not be more thankful my friend.
(If you have not checked out the first YGMIGU album, you can do that here. I strongly suggest it for story reasons)
(Continued below the break)
One Track Mind – Cyberpony EP | Electronic
Okay, everypony, I’m going to level with you. I almost didn’t listen to this album. The first time that I played “Flyby at Night”, I got about a minute in, and I bailed. “This is too much 80s-style synth for me,” I remember saying at the time. I guess I was busy with some other stuff, and it didn’t engage me at first. Then I looked at the Bandcamp page and modus_ponens’s review. It was a glowing review, and it listed “Flyby at Night” as the reviewer’s favorite track. “Okay, okay,” I thought to myself. “I’ll give it another shot.” Later that day I found myself in the kitchen needing to get a bunch of cooking done and wanting a little background music. Long story short, that time flew by, and now I have to agree with modus_ponens–these are all great songs. Please give this album a listen! Feel free to read on for my take on this soundtrack to a story that I wish that I knew better!
(Continued below the break)
Horse Music Herald 