NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 28 February 2018.
After a few more ponderous and intricate pieces, Radiarc’s given the more epic style of orchestral a go again. Powerful percussion, intense choirs and some lovely work with strings help to create an atmosphere befitting the king of darkness, Sombra, with some neat guitar thrown in too.
Reviving an underrated fandom classic, Rarity Advocate brings us a unique and splendid take on ThatSonofaMitch’s First Night Alone. This track adds new dimension to the synthpop original with a variety of gorgeous woodwind melodies combined with epic horn undertones. Culminating into a harmonically flowing piece or art, Rarity Advocate demonstrates expert orchestration while maintaining the feel and emotion of the original track.
Capturing the very sensation of the winter season, here is a great instrumental piece highlighting the magic and mystery of snowfall at dusk. Zephysonas uses ambient piano chords which immediately bring images of wintertime and the early dark of night while keeping the tone of the track light with playful mallets invokng visions of light, frosty snowflakes dancing in the breeze. Simple, yet refined, Snow Song is a great example of how music can make you feel the cold of winter in such a way that you appreciate the season for the sensation.
Jyc row, I am so PROUD of you! look at you go man, collabing with Michelle Creber and Blackgryph0n! Wooo! Although the Woodlore version stays amazing, I think Gabriel also did a marvelous job! Props to you both for a spectacular performance. Michelle Creber killing it though! If I will one day talk about the best re-masters I’ve ever heard in my life, this track will definitely be in it! The orchestra, the melody, and definitely the vibe! Through the water, the wind, and the fire, we can feel it! Marvelously done both of you. Jyc I love you bro and I’m so proud of you! ❤ Keep it all up man all of you! I’m with you all the way! Everybody, you know what to do. 😉 ❤
Encompassing the soothing nature of the Night and its many wonders once more, Sonic Hooves takes us on another musical Night stroll along Luna. Classical piano melodies are painting a gorgeous nightscape for the soul to enjoy, and it all makes for another wonderful composition from the musician. It’s available as part of the album Nocturnal Harmonies!
Created from a place of highest respect for the Princess of Friendship, Lukas Vokrinek orchestrated his Twilight Suite by tapping into the “delicacy, hope, and determination” of her character. This highly inspired track amazes for both its relaxing qualities as well as the epic build throughout the piece. Starting softly with just a couple instruments including “raindrop” piano keys, this short suite grows both in energy and instrumentation into a big orchestra, proclaiming the greatness of the Princess of Friendship!
DoctorSympony is back with a wonderful character theme of sorts for Luna and her nighttime work as the guardian of ponykind’s dreams, and it just reflects perfectly that serious-ness, ethereal nature, and a bit playful side of Luna’s personality and activity! Night-like piano and eldritch oboe set the mood perfectly and create a stunning BGM of choice to play in that map in a game if it existed, controlling Luna or following her!
174UDSI and Vexillographer team up for this amazing orchestral composition. An uplifting, rather happy song, it’s a bit of a break from 174UDSI’s traditional genre of electronic. However, that’s some of the draw – hearing a musician try a new genre is always exciting and interesting, and here, he does a fantastic job.
After two big years of development and collaboration, Exiark gifts us all with an incredible electronic album! Utilizing the talents of many exceptional fandom musicians like Chi-Chi, FritzyBeat, Freest, NekoWolf, Flittzy, Namii, Megaphoric, and Lia Quo, Otherworldly Journey is comprised of a whopping 19 tracks exploring Princess Luna’s journey throughout her exile on the moon.
The tracks range in genre and encompass a great variety of electronic music while still appealing to most everyone. No matter what type of music you prefer, there’s something special on this album for you!
Aside from the obvious vocal talent featured on Otherworldly Journey, Exiark’s use of expertly crafted synths and beat tracking is on full display, and will transport you to another world! There is an excellent sense of a lunar atmosphere in the instrumentation which ranges from symphonic to synth-heavy, and the subtle space vibes will make you feel as though you are dancing with the Princess of the night herself. There is no excuse not to check out this outstanding album!
Author’s note: While I don’t like to compare fandom music to time periods for several reasons, if you had told me that several of the tracks on this album were big hits from the early days of the fandom, I would absolutely believe you. Exiark really makes the music his own style, discernible from other early fandom musicians but there’s something about the quality and energy that takes me back in time with a giant smile on my face.
The second track on Jyc Row’s forthcoming Heroes EP, Bravery is about Flash Magnus and how he outsmarted the dragons. It’s orchestral at its best – powerful, moving, epic, and spectacular. Much like a movie score (or MLP’s own fight scene background music), it exemplifies courage and strength!
Horse Music Herald 