ReMix: Final Fantasy VI 'Heaven Awaits'
Download MP3
Play Preview
- Game: Final Fantasy VI (Square, 1994, SNES)
- ReMixer(s): Neblix
- Composer(s): Nobuo Uematsu
- Song(s): 'The Prelude'
- Posted: 2011-05-30, evaluated by the judges
Never thought I'd say this, but it's actually been too long since we've posted a 'Prelude' mix; VGM's most recognizable arpeggio got a metric ton of coverage in the early days of OCR, but has waned considerably in the last half decade. This electronica take, inspired by FF6's incarnation of the uber-ubiquitous theme, is provided courtesy DarkeBrother newcomer Neblix, aka Nabeel Ansari, sibling to veteran judge & ReMixer DarkeSword. Conspiracy? Nepotism? Scandal? Not really... while young, Neblix has improved recently, has a lot of energy & enthusiasm, and will hopefully continue honing his craft. As a debut mix, while not breaking the innovation bank or overflowing with production technique, this arrangement is a solid, enjoyable piece of work. The artist writes:
"Hey guys. This is my dance remix of the Prelude. Usually, I never go past 30 seconds on remix, but I dunno what happened with this one. This is the longest, fastest, and best piece of work I've ever made. (it took 2 days) This mix started with me playing with the new Harmless synthesizer by Image-Line. The sound I made from scratch was originally a pad, but then I turned it into an arp synth when I got an idea for the prelude. It just went on from there. Enjoy!"
I'm a big Twin Peaks fan, and the Prelude always reminds me of that show's opening theme, so at times I felt I was getting the unexpected bonus of listening to a rather solid ReMix of Badalamenti's score. It also has that floaty, angelic thing going on, which Neblix takes advantage of, furthering the similarity. On the surface, this arrangement is rather plain, but the details that have been added underneath & surrounding the oh-so-familiar up/down melody are what seal the deal; Cain's decision echoed my own thoughts pretty directly:
"Yeah there are quite a lot of layers here, but some of them are quite hard to hear first time around like the other dudes are saying. Agreed on the 'deceptively conservative sounding' point. Lots of continually changing textures and harmony. Production is generally pretty strong, not very adventurous but definitely functional.
The prelude is something that's been done so many times you need some kind of original approach to get away with it these days. You've got some original sections and progressions that fit well; it almost reminds me of the FFX version in places.
I think the biggest weak point is that you didn't transition properly into the later section and just left a gap. I suppose there's nothing wrong with that, but arguably comes off a bit lazy. On balance though I'm happy to pass this. I'm sure you'll be progressing with your style and sound quickly, keep putting the work in."
Agreed on boths the strengths & weaknesses, and I'll definitely double up that suggestion to keep plowing forward & improving. Solid debut from Neblix, giving a familiar tune a refreshing, toe-tapping facelift.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the Also, I seem to be in the minority here, but I actually quite like the silent drop. Not sure why; for me, it just seems to work.
- Sorceror Nobody on July 27, 2011
2:55 onwards is nice; gives it more of a harder electronica feeling (same goes for the outro). Too bad this part is so short, though. The silent drop at 3:35 is, as others have already stated, rather weird.
Promising start. Let's see what else you can come up with.
- Martin Penwald on July 26, 2011
Monobrow;796450 wrote: This sounds like it could be a newer Final Fantasy menu screen song. Not in a bad way. I think the strength of the song is that it flows very well, and has good dynamics.
Also glad they fixed the attributed source tune lol. That could have wonky lol. Good job neblix.
Thanks :D
I can make much stronger electronic music now though, fatter, tighter, etc. So keep an eye out for my next sub.
- neblix on July 18, 2011
Also glad they fixed the attributed source tune lol. That could have wonky lol. Good job neblix.
- Monobrow on July 18, 2011
Good jorb.
- Modus on June 25, 2011
neblix;784983 wrote: I believe it's called a MIDI-Chlorian.
*groan*
Anyway, all bad puns aside, the only criticism I would have is that the silence in the middle is a bit of an awkward transition. It works, but not as well as it could. It's not a big deal, though - it probably comes down to personal preference.
All in all, I was pleased with how true you stayed to the original melody while still making it into something new. The Prelude is one of the most recognizable tunes in the video game industry, so it definitely takes skill to create a re-imagination of the piece that still holds its original magic. Good job!
- Markishness on June 6, 2011
ProtoDome;784683 wrote: A high midichlorian count.
I believe it's called a MIDI-Chlorian.
- neblix on June 6, 2011
chthonic;784559 wrote: that is extremely impressive and if that doesn't show potential then I don't know what doesA high midichlorian count.
Great success Neblix!
- PROTO·DOME on June 5, 2011
you got posted at age 15! that is extremely impressive and if that doesn't show potential then I don't know what does
this remix is a very promising first post. go back to being excited nabeel
- chthonic on June 5, 2011
- Ectogemia on June 1, 2011
- blakk waltz on June 1, 2011
- RDX on May 31, 2011
- eilios on May 31, 2011
- SwordBreaker on May 31, 2011
Glad to see you joined us remixers in the cool club.
Wait. I'm not in that club. Sadness. Don't let that bug you too much.
It's still a good remix. Good job on the remix. May many more go up on the site.
- Gario on May 31, 2011
