CW: language
Nexgen’s been on a roll this year, and this next track continues the streak! “Bladedancer” begins with a melancholy beat made of a multitude of sounds. The guitars seep in and Nexgen pounces, his words crisp and clear, cutting through like the sword of the bladedancer the lyrics describe. There’s a lot of clever rhymes like “conjurer” with “wanderer” as his character describes his path towards becoming a pony rap legend. I’d best stay out of his way if I were you!
Totalspark returns once again with their newest track for the Equinity Project: “They’re Coming VIP.” This is by far one of their heaviest tracks that I’ve heard, which I feel is fitting for a villain such as Chrysalis. The crisp “handclaps” and rhythmic “buzzing” on occasion really added onto the song, giving that feeling of a buzzing swarm of Changelings awaiting their command. Overall, such an infectious piece with enticing rhythms that have me getting lost in the music.
“I was so excited when I heard the opening notes of ‘Shelter’ done with pony chops,” they whisper in the halls of convention hotels long after the concert has ended. “But I tried to find it online, it’s never been posted anywhere.” More like a myth than a song despite having heard it with my own ears…
The year is 2023. It is a month before NeverLastStanding’s final MLP performance with Loophoof at Everfree Northwest, and the legendary “Pony Shelter” has finally dropped! A recreation of “Shelter” by Porter Robinson and Madeon, its synths so warm and pure and full of light, its pony chops evoking emotions long thought to have been lost, its stunning visuals showing Celestia nurturing Twilight and then Twilight nurturing Luster Dawn, a powerful way to echo its lyrics, “I’ll give them shelter like you’ve done for me.” Euphoria. Words can’t do justice to how this song makes one feel.
It’s been a huge honor to see NLS perform this one live in his farewell performance to the fandom. Best of luck entering the next era of your creative journey!
This month’s voting has come around so fast that I forgot to post it for a few days! Voting’s only open until 3pm Eastern on 8 September so get your entries submitted with the form while you still can! And as always if you need a reminder about what songs there were, Luck’s August playlist should have you covered with 169 options for you to choose from.
Almost a year ago, Blackened Blue gifted the world with his track “Living in Zephyr Heights,” an already amazing song that had me listening on loop for weeks straight. Recently, Celicia Soldream created a cover of the song that has me doing the same all over again! Unlike traditional covers that showcase musical talent using the same blueprint of the original song, Celica goes above and beyond with her cover and spices it up with tasty harmonies and additional lyrics that were not present in the original song. And that isn’t the only spice that this piece is serving up. Not only is her voice & range perfect for a song that is supposed to emulate Zipp singing the lyrics, but it has a very similar “edge” that matches Blackened’s style of vocals; I couldn’t think of another vocalist that would make a perfect cover of this already perfect song, and I can’t wait to see what Celica has in store for the future!
I still haven’t seen any of G5 besides the movie, so I can’t speak much on the story behind the lyrics, but this song from Biscuit’s new(ish) EP hits HARD! The composition of this song is very unique; the lyrics shift between different ponies’ perspectives of Opaline, each one having its own musical identity instead of a repeating verse-chorus pattern. Check it out now for some glorious through-composed headbanger material!
It’s cool to see ElectroKaplosion trying his hand at even more acoustic jams. Their latest original song features some lovely little intertwining melodies and licks on acoustic guitar and piano, a story of someone who just wants to overcome loneliness and, of course, a cute red mare.
Jacqueling is back with something slightly different to her usual repertoire. Pairing up with Neu KatalYst (once again) together they bring something that blends their two signature styles. This song maintains its high energy throughout, with Kat’s stylised vocals helping to bridge the gap between metal and electronica where this song fits perfectly.
With a unique mix of traditional music styles, EveryDayDashie takes us on a trip “Over the Mounts and Streams”. The music mimics the journey over wide mountains and across wild streams with an energetic and upbeat tune. The blend of Chinese and Celtic elements enrich each other and give this journey a mystical element. With all this emphasised by the percussion, the song will swiftly catch your imagination and bring out your inner wanderlust.
Zythiria’s latest track is dark and moody and captures the essence of Discord’s grief, being immortal and having outlived Fluttershy. It beings ambiently, with nothing but epiano to be joined by Zythria’s voice and many background ooohs, creating a most eerie and heartbreaking atmosphere perfect for its lyrics about eternal pain and grief. Mid song, it picks up more with guitar and drums, leading in to a subdued instrumental break at the end. Overall it is beautiful and striking so make sure to check it out!
Horse Music Herald 