F/A Remix -Shinji Hosoe Works Vol. 4 Alpha-
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Album Title: F/A Remix -Shinji Hosoe Works Vol. 4 Alpha- |
| Record Label: Sweep Record |
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| Catalog No.: SRIN-1123 |
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| Release Date: February 27, 2015 |
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| Purchase: Buy at CD Japan |
Overview
Shinji Hosoe Works Vol. 4 Alpha Remix -F/A- is a remix album of the recently re-released soundtrack under Supersweep of the 1992 vertical shooter, Fighter and Attacker. Featuring updated versions of the electronic music that was popular at the time of its initial release, how does it compare to the original soundtrack and is it worth a purchase?
Body
The majority of Hosoe’s remixes aren’t going to reinvent the wheel, but there is emphasis placed on making them much heavier and harder hitting in terms of sound/intensity. For example, “Desert Storm” is much louder in comparison to the original, includes some vocal sampling of the game’s title, and also some nice breakdown sections that help keep it fresh.
Like the original, “Beat Resistance,” keeps its darker tone with its sharp synth hits, while, at the same, placing more emphasis in the bass of the track. Even the unused tracks get their day in the sun as well. Hosoe’s “Time Looper” definitely retains that feeling of Streets of Rage flavor to it, but it is much heavier in sound and is extended to include some nice additions, such as a more hardcore beat at times that helps differentiate it from the original.
Takayuki Aihara’s two remixed stage themes, “War Art” and “Hellharmony”, like the original soundtrack, are some of the highlights on the album. While a lot of Hosoe’s arrangements incorporate updated synths and heavier beats, Aihara’s remixes, especially “War Art,” are more transformative. “War Art,” the clear highlight on the album mixes powerful orchestral brass with heavy industrial sound effects and beats to give an extremely fresh take on the original.
Aihara’s unused track, “Don’t Touch U,” also gets a nice, extended remix that is a bit more ethereal in tone to its lighter natured original. It’s quite a beautiful piece that retains the sound of the original while also offering some new elements into the mix as well.
Summary
Shinji Hosoe Works Vol. 4 Alpha Remix -F/A- is an interesting album. While it doesn’t always change the original music drastically, the modernized soundscape, while still retaining the rave sound, makes for a refreshing listen. For those who order from Supersweep, there is also a bonus disc that comes with it that features a nonstop mix of the remix album. For fans of the original soundtrack, it might be worth picking up to hear it in more updated synths and remixes.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
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Posted on April 28, 2015 by Don Kotowski. Last modified on January 19, 2016.
About the Author
Don Kotowski Currently residing in Philadelphia. I spend my days working in vaccine characterization and dedicate some of my spare time in the evening to the vast world of video game music, both reviewing soundtracks as well as maintaining relationships with composers overseas in Europe and in Japan.
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