Now this is the kinda stuff that I like the Japanese score for. They do a good job of the fun loving pop pieces. This one is produced better than most, probably because it's newer (Kai). Pretty short, but it's just a bumper kinda piece so that's expected. Good use of thematic material, or it gives that impression. I don't know all the melodies well enough to place it but I'm betting there's a full version of this melody, maybe with lyrics.
It's kinda like Disco meets J-Pop. I dig the open high hat on the up beat (disco trademark) I appreciate all the effort and detailed work that went into the arrangement, which sends it soaring above your average disco tune. Instruments coming in and out, tasty counterpoint from the low brass. The string runs are handled perfectly and at the right places. I love the way the melody fades between instruments. Trumpet, then trumpet and strings, then strings, then trumpet alone again. Great use of stop time hits at the opening and close. Very punchy.
Then there's the melodic and harmonic content. Disco music is pretty stagnant usually, vamping a chord or two. J-Pop however moves a lot more and tells a story usually. In a way that lazy American artists have just forgotten how to do. Not only does J-Pop harmony move more, but the melody does as well to match. No exception here. Nice syncopation as well in the melody. Very groovy.
The temple blocks at 0:06 are a nice touch, I can appreciate aux percussion in a piece like that this is meant for fun stuff. It's when they put it in the middle of a gory battle that makes me go whu??
Performance is good too. All in tune, great timing and feel from all the players.
But yeah like it. One area where the Japanese score beats the crap out of the American score for sure.
Next: Brian Tyler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eHIDkwTNt4
