Solo piano pieces are always interesting, and they come in so many different styles too! This one from Lunar Drift has some really interesting chords; the sustained notes lingering between changes create some wonderful dissonance and the key seems to be constantly shifting, an ever-changing illusion, if you will…
Orchestral
New Reverian – “Civilizations” | Orchestral / Electronic
Here we have an uplifting song by New Reverian, paying tribute to “Anthropology”; a fanfic by JasonTheHuman this one is about the crossover of the pony and human civilizations and has that “awaiting discovery” feel to it. It’s hard to put into words when describing the atmosphere in this track. The orchestral arrangements are answered by a euphoric assortment of synths and help to paint this picture and I just love how they all come together.
[P@D] Seventh Element – Tetrahedral Memoir | Orchestral / Breakbeat
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 14 May 2018.
Seventh Element’s music can get exceptionally deep at times, especially when he forays into combinations of orchestral elements with breakbeat percussion and electronic synths. The result here is a gorgeous meld that tells a story of Twilight’s journey into her own mind to face some inner demons.
Elias Frost – Noctem Aeterna II | Orchestral
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 23 May 2018.
A follow up to a previously-released Luna inspired orchestral track, this new piece focuses on her inner battle with Nightmare Moon. There’s plenty of vocal choir action going on, alongside plenty of strings and other lovely instrumentation that helps to build up to a climactic resolution.
Jyc Row – Hope | Orchestral
Jyc Row keeps the pillar theme going with this tribute to Somnambula – the pillar of hope. Another exhilarating orchestral piece for his upcoming EP, Hope has a very Egyptian feel to it, no doubt evoking the atmosphere of the town Somnambula. Row uses middle eastern synths and strings to compose tension into the track and introduces war drums so that the beat adds plenty of drama to the piece. The outro is a soothing resolve with a quiet, high wind instrument as it fades out.
Toby Macarony – Captain of the Wonderbolts | Video Game Soundtrack
Toby treats us to a really nice surprise with this sequel to another track he previously made! Captain of the Wonderbolts was composed by building off of short riffs from background music of MLP episodes like “Wonderbolt Academy” and “Parental Glidance”. The track would fit right at home in any great RPG video game and is a very fitting tribute to the titular character, Spitfire. The track uses synths, horns, and a good rock beat to make the song fun and uplifting. The composition evokes images of great aerial feats and triumph just like the characters performed when we first heard the riffs from the show. Toby composes around the solid work so well, you can feel Spitfire soaring while listening this track!
[LDB] Lucas Gimeno – Our memories | Piano
Lucas Gimeno has a gift for writing sentimental, piano compositions and Our Memories is another wonderful example of his skill. Featured on the new Lycan Dese Beats album, the piece begins with a soft, beautiful intro, before picking up the energy. From there the song eases back into a nostalgic flow and really makes you feel the positivity in the happy memories Gimeno emphasizes. Our Memories is an excellent tribute to remembering good times with friends, so be sure to check out this song and all the others on the charity album!
Lycan Dese Beats – Beats 4 Everfree | Compilation Album | Multi-Genre
Three years ago, after running a successful radio show about brony music for several months, Lycan got a bunch of musicians to pitch in some songs to make a compilation album featuring them. Fast forward to now, and this annual album is now in its 4th edition with the release of Beats 4 Everfree. The primary difference this time round is that the album is dedicated to Everfree Northwest, for which Lycan is the musical coordinator this year, and the funds raised from the album sales will go to EFNW’s chosen charity, the Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy. 14 tracks from a group of consistently solid musicians and producers take this album through all sorts of genres – electronic to orchestral – so there’s something in here for everyone’s tastes!
Beats 4 Everfree is available to download for any given price from the Lycan Dese Beats Bandcamp.
BlueBrony – The Banishment of Luna | Orchestral
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 17 May 2018.
BlueBrony always seems to be able to weave lovely stories with his music when he puts his mind to it, and that’s absolutely the case here with a heartwrenching piece that covers the multitudes of emotions that are gone through in the classic tale of Celestia banishing Luna to the moon. No matter how often artists cover this story, I never seem to get tired of it.
Elias Frost – Jaak-Jaaki Dance | Folk
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 15 May 2018.
I truly love when Elias Frost branches out into more folk-influenced stuff, especially when it comes in the form of new original tunes. This piece is inspired by the culture of the great yak race, and definitely sounds like it would represent them well. The woodwind instrumentation is enchanting, and the composition is superb.
Horse Music Herald 