Project COE | Sony Special Features: Final Fantasy VII: Voices of the Lifestream

Final Fantasy VII: Voices of the Lifestream – Album Critique

Release Date: September 14 2007
Price: Free. Download here
Original Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Arranged by: Various Artists, OverClocked ReMix.
Number of CDs: 4
            In September, fans all over the world celebrated Final Fantasy VII’s 10th anniversary. Square-Enix released Crisis Core in Japan to commemorate this special occasion. The rest of us will still have to wait until 2008 for this awesome PSP prequel. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however…because a group of fans have released their own project as a tribute to the game. For the fans, by the fans…it doesn’t get more poetic than that.

            Final Fantasy VII: Voices of the Lifestream is a collection of remixed music from the game courtesy of OverClocked ReMix, a group of musicians dedicated to reinterpreting videogame music. Lead by veteran remixer Andrew ‘zircon’ Aversa, this project has been in the making for about a year and a half. These remixers have been around for years, making them really good in what they do. On your first listen, it’s evident that this free album is not your typical fan project. Each and every track shimmers with professional quality which would make Nobuo Uematsu himself proud if he ever gets to listen to them.

            There are two elements you should know about Voices of the Lifestream. First of all, it doesn’t focus on one genre. I can happily say that there’s something for everyone here, from techno to rock to orchestra to even J-pop. Second of all, when OverClocked ReMix says interpretation of videogame music, they really mean it. This is not a cheap cover of Uematsu’s music. Every track has its own feel in terms of arrangement.

            Now both these elements are a blessing and a curse to this album, more of the former than the latter in my opinion. Keep in mind that there are over 45 tracks in this album, and most listeners will probably pick their favorites and leave the rest, myself included. It’s a typical habit of filtering a huge selection of music according to your taste. Genre-bias is bound to be present in most of you, regardless of the high quality of the whole album. However, ‘reinterpretation-bias’ is where things get tricky. In OverClocked ReMix’s world, Aeris’ Theme is a 7-minute orchestral/waltz-style epic, Cid’s Theme is a j-pop/j-rock vocal track, and Red XIII’s theme is a mix-mash of electronic music and hard rock. While fans appreciate the work of these musicians who don’t limit themselves, some fans can’t help but feel upset since some of their favorite tracks from the game were taken out of their original vibe. While most tracks excellently balance elements of the original compositions along with the artists’ reinterpretations, there are quite a few tracks which sound really different. Again, it’s a double-edged sword OverClocked ReMix must live with. I appreciate them not caving in against fan-bias and sticking with their mission statement. Nonetheless, I urge fans to give these remixes more than one listen in order for them to sink in. You never know, tracks you listened to once may very well sound much better in your 2nd or 3rd listen.

            In closing, Voices of the Lifesteam is possibly the best you will find in terms of arrangement albums. The high quality of its tracks amazes me to the point that I see myself paying for this type of stuff. Fortunately for me and all you fans, you can download this for free. So what are you waiting for? This is a must-download for all fans of Final Fantasy VII and videogame music in general.

My personal favorite tracks:

1) Short Skirts (Tifa’s Theme): I’ve never really gotten into djpretzel ‘s remixes over at OCR, but this one really stood out from his previous work in addition to being a highlight in this album. Featuring Vigilante on guitar, this remix portrays jazz/chill-out perfectly. The cello samples immediately reminded me of Yoko Shimomura’s work in Kingdom Hearts II, particularly Twilight Town’s theme. The organ sounds really cool. Guitar obviously meshes really well with the theme. The jazz drums stand out a bit too much. Overall, very nice work which complements the original track quite well.

2) Chasing the Storm (In Search of the Man in Black): this is currently the track I’ve listened to the most, and it’s not because it’s the shortest track on the album. Seriously, do not let the length fool you. It starts off with very mellow piano piece then progresses by adding some really catchy electronic beats. I salute you, Rellik.

3) Materia Junkie (The Oppressed ~ Underneath the Rotting Pizza): the most unique track in the album. Period. And yes, LuIzA is a chick who plays guitar and bass guitar. This piece has a live, raw, gritty sound. The guitars sound excellent, mostly influenced by ska rock (especially evident in Rotting Pizza). Drums are well-produced. The bass is extremely catchy. This is also one of the few tracks which maintain the original compositions’ sound while keeping a unique vibe. The ambiance of The Oppressed is definitely appreciated here. There’s also an awesome organ playing throughout Rotting Pizza.

4) Adrenalyne Kyck (Hurry!): like the original composition, this remix is extremely catchy. Big Giant Circles has definitely put a lot of work in making this sound addictive, while zircon cleaned up the track. Added onto this electronic-based remix are some excellent guitar sounds, which I did not expect from the remixer. Another surprise is some robotic-sounding vocals towards the end. At first, I felt that the vocals were out of context, but then they grew on me.

5) Collision (The North Cave): the original composition was a highlight to me because of its moodiness, and this remix definitely complements it while being its total opposite in terms of genre. Starts off with a minute of mellow electronic sounds, sounding very similar to the original. Then, the guitars come in. See, even loud music can be moody. Darangen’s playing is just awesome.

6) Full Frontal Assault (Let the Battles Begin): ah, a progressive metal remix of the battle theme. Snappleman’s guitar shredding will melt your face off, and norg’s keyboard playing does not sound out of place at all. A lot of interpretive arrangement work here. You can’t go wrong with guitar solos, eh?

7) Lunatic Moon (Red XIII’s Theme ~ Cosmo Canyon): this piece sounds very different from the original compositions, but it’s still one of the few pieces I truly enjoyed despite so. My only complaint is the abrupt transitions between Red XIII’s guitar-shredding theme and Cosmo Canyon’s ambient sounds. Nonetheless, very catchy electronica from zircon and loud raw guitar from Sixto. The transition toward the very well-played guitar solo at the end really works well too.

8) Black Wing Metamorphosis (One-Winged Angel): the remix most of you fans have been waiting for, I believe. If you’re expecting a 7-minute epic orchestra/rock track ripping off Advent Children’s remix, then look elsewhere. The five artists who collaborated on this track represent what this album is all about; multiple genres and reinterpretation. Chiptune, orchestra, and rock come together with the best parts of One-Winged Angel…all represented in just 3 minutes. I know that starting off with a chiptune of an epic theme will render you confused, but trust me it grows on you once you listen to it again mid-track. The orchestra work here is excellent. The drums are wicked. The guitar compliments the track well. Live female vocals by Pixietricks are a nice touch which compensate for the rendered choir parts (I would’ve preferred those to be live). The guitar solo in the end by Sixto is definitely well-played, but it could’ve been longer.

9) Serenity (Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII): a very chill-out piece with some awesome live sounds. The piano keeps playing a riff of the main Crystal Theme of the Final Fantasy series while the haunting female cappella vocals sing the overworld theme of the game. The guitar provides a nice ambient sound in the background. There’s a nice change of pace in the middle of the track in which the piano continues playing the 2nd part of the main theme.

10) A Life Without Parole (Desert Wasteland): a very cinematic and well-played piano piece which can easily fit in something like Advent Children. Very nice work.

11) Midnight at Club Corel (Mining Town): unlike Short Skirts, this jazz remix gives off more of a “lounge” vibe and less “chill-out”. Nice instrumentation which really nails the vibe it’s going for. The piano is especially good here.

12) Damn Those Turks (Turks’ Theme): space/industrial rock with western influences…that’s how I can describe this very unique remix. Some very nice ethnic choir vocals mid-track which surprised me.

13) Beginning of the End (Birth of the God): Despite being somewhat different from the original vibe, I can’t help but bob my head as I listen to this excellent trance remix. It’s extremely catchy, and guitars which come in toward the end of the track kick ass!

Ahmad Mosly - Senior Staff Writer