NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 23 April 2018.
When the pony of shadows comes, you’d better say your prayers! They weren’t especially well developed, but the character design was really super cool. What’s also really cool is this new tune from Syzy, which goes unashamedly hard right from the start. Powerful battle drums lead into a heavy drop that showcases an awesome variety of contemporary sound design, coupled with a fantastic foreboding atmosphere.
BroniKoni are without a doubt one of the best actual bands I’ve seen in the brony fandom, and I’m so happy to see them contribute to a Ponies At Dawn album! Runaway Princess starts with wonderful synth arps, fast-paced riffs and as it progresses, each instrument takes its turn at the forefront. From guitars to flute to piano (including a neat little 7/4 breakdown; odd time signatures are always appreciated) we get the whole band taking turns to shine, ending with a beautiful piano solo. This is one of three of their songs about the banishment of Luna, there’s more info in the video description. This song is available on Rebirth and also their debut album, Friendship Express!
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 1 May 2018.
Elias Frost is at it again with a new cover of the song from the recent CMC episode. He’s given it a pretty neat makeover in his usual style, with a great music video to go along with it.
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 30 April 2018.
Hot off the heels of his last remix, JoinedTheHerd has another one for us! Flawless gets his remix treatment this time, and he’s definitely done an awesome job with it. The vocal chopping through the track is gorgeous, and the synthplay through the track is heaps of fun too.
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 1 May 2018.
With a lack of clarity currently surrounding the development of Friendship is Epic, Jyc Row has decided to release some of the music he had composed for the game. Here we have this superb theme for Sombra that aims to put the player in the mindset of an intense final fight, which is does through the use of epic strings and percussion, with some lovely composition too.
Here is an interesting, gothic-style orchestral piece! Mane In Green goes all out on the haunted, spooky feel in this fun, upbeat tribute to Fluttergoth from the recent “Fake It Til You Make It” episode. Fluttergoth Takes Manhattan utilizes the pipe organ, violins, and choir “aahs” very well to establish the dark tone of the song, while incorporating a bouncy harpsichord and unique percussion instruments to keep the overall track energetic. Add in some epic bells and Mane In Green’s extraordinary talent for composition and mixing and you’ve got a very unique and creative song!
Warning: some explicit lyrics
I’ve had my suspicions that there’s no style of music Vylet can’t do well and this confirms it! Executing a great, old-school, underground punk track about Daybreaker, Vylet shows off his huge range as well as the angst of Celestia’s evil, alter-ego. The production is spot-on, ensuring the emotion in the vocals is front and center, as Daybreaker yells at her sister, Nightmare Moon, about the world they could have ruled together. Even the accompanying video feels like it was made in the 70s old school punk era, punctuating the brilliance of both DAYBREAKER and Vylet!
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 29 April 2018.
After remixing Boo Hoo recently, Strach’s now taken a shot at remixing one of Assertive’s other early fandom hits, Boooring! Making good use of the vocals from the original in the builds, the drops are full of some awesome clean dubstep sound design, whilst the second drop gives it a bit of a trap feel too.
This track is just as zany as its title makes it sound! Rarity Advocate brings us this crazy, animated, orchestral piece as a tribute to Cherry Berry, the best balloon pony! The full instrumentation is on display, from the booming low brass that sets the rhythm throughout, to the fast violins keeping the insanity going, all the way to the slide whistle! The Runaway Balloon is a quick track and fun treat so be sure to check it out!
For someone relatively new, I’m shocked at how deep this feels. Fascinatin did a great job conveying Twilight’s goal of setting an example for all of Equestria as the Princess of Friendship and the emotions that are being evoked are just incredible! If there is one thing that stands out to me, the creative rhythms thrown in by the drums and I’ve always been a sucker for legato synth leads. I expect great things to come from this and can’t wait to hear whats next! How about you?
Horse Music Herald 