ReMix: Ecco: The Tides of Time 'Drift'
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- Game: Ecco: The Tides of Time (Sega, 1994, SCD)
- ReMixer(s): SGX
- Composer(s): Spencer N. Nilsen
- Song(s): 'Heart of the Giant'
- Posted: 2003-07-25, evaluated by the judges
SGX creates a furtive, delicate underwater atmosphere with this ReMix of Spencer Nilsen's Ecco 2 soundtrack, from the redbook/Sega CD version of the game. It later develops more momentum and a very interesting, compelling syncopated drum riff, but begins with a smooth, submarine vibe and takes its time to build from there. Danny took on the role of your friendly neighborhood marine biologist in offering this note along with his mix submission: "Interesting note (sorta): The various sea creature noises you hear in this aren't dolphins. Dolphins make annoying chattering and clicking sounds, and that didn't fit well in this song. The stuff in my mix is mostly samples of a bunch of different types of whales. No dolphins." - so, while you won't find biologically accurate sounds from the game's protagonist, I'd concur that clicking and chattering prolly wouldn't have juxtaposed well. SGX continues to develop as a ReMixer that can create very evocative textures, shimmering and effervescent in their complexity and harmony. In the couple or so larger pushes this arrangement makes, where legato strings are dominant, it really opens up and sounds vast, which is totally appropriate given the game's context and the mix title as well. This is very slick chill music with brains, and particular kudos for developing the drums further into the piece and not letting them stagnate. You don't get a lot of melodic movement or variation, but that would have required extremely capricious conjuring given the original composition. Nilsen's done a lot of redbook audio work in the game music world, and usually capitalizes on being unfettered from the limitations of a chip, so his stuff is already sonically developed, but SGX has taken things in a different direction with great success, capturing the exploratory and epic scope of the Ecco series perfectly. Recommended.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the Edit: Nevermind, I realized the Sega CD version has different track titles. Confusing.
Anyways, awesome as always SGX.
- hmp22 on January 7, 2010
- metalsnakejuice on August 17, 2009
- yosefu on August 17, 2009
- emotionally imploring synths
- thunderous drums
- "miscellaneous" sound effects in the source (bovine, chirping, mechanical, etc.) replaced by those of marine mammals to reflect the [i]Ecco[/i] setting
Makes me wish I could joyride (joyswim?) on the Pacific Ocean like a dolphin.
- Polo on August 8, 2009
- Liontamer on May 22, 2008
The depth of sound is great, and it feels submerged. Super props.
- OA on March 2, 2006
Definately one of my favorites. 8)
- Flux on July 9, 2004
For some reason, I must have missed this when it first came out. I also recently refreshed an old minidisc that I had and I added this song to it.
So here I sit at work, and I had to stop EVERYTHING, because this song grabbed all of my attention. I sat there with shivers all through me.
It builds so well, and it takes the mind (and apparently body, too) with it.
What a fantastic reMix.
Thank you, SGX
- Aurora on November 13, 2003
Although I wish I could remember when this song was played in the game, (The "Futuristic Sky Place"? Or was it when you were in the presence of "DNA Dude"?) I've always loved this song, and you did an EXCELLENT job of remixing it.
- elman on August 19, 2003
This remix gave me goosebumps four times when listening to it...
Impressive. 8)
- nachokun on August 8, 2003
- bailey on August 7, 2003
The ambient whale sounds are timed and executed very well throughout. I like the light and kinda floating feeling created by the drums, it adds more depth to the underwater setting of the song. The drums fills, kicks, etc. are good (I pay a lot of attention to them). I'm fond of the drum progression and additive complexity, particularly the changed around 1:46. The following synth that is introduced around 2:01 fits well, imho, as do the rest of them for that matter. I like the section at 2:31 in contrast to its earlier rendition. The addition of the new drum sequences is a nice compliment for it. The introduction of the toms adds another layer of nature to the song, I think, and fits well.
I can't really find anything I don't like, not that that's surprising. Pwned.
- McNoods on August 6, 2003
The percussion seems a bit strange at 00:30, but I think that might just be my ears. When the kick and snare come in at 00:37, it evolves. I like the slow building of the melody. That works really well.
1:01. The synth behind the melody is kind of strange, as is the reverse cymbal at 1:09.
1:16 - AH GOD, dude, I love this part. It's awesome. Everything from here on is great, except that second chord in the progression - it has a wierd tone. It works, but it's just not my taste. It actually works v. well, just not something I'm used to. Nice use of dynamics and percussion coming back to the quiet section at 1:31, though I think a cymbal roll would have worked well there.
Percussion at 1:46 - woo, I love it. It fits so well. The lead at 2:02 is a wierd noise, but again, it flows well. The noises in the background are great - really exemplifies the fact this is ambient.
2:32 - returning to the the chordal theme again. I like it, especially with the percussion there. The gong entering into the quiet part again works almost better than a cymbal roll.
2:51 - that sound is freaky. Kinda strange.
3:01 - nice false buildup.
3:03 - the beat oriented melody is awesome. I love to see mixers experimenting more with this. It's strong, v. strong, gives it a unique feel.
No complaints nor comments up until 4:26, everything works fine and is v. aurally pleasing.
4:26 - That reverse cymbal again. It's so wierd!
The way it ends with the ambient noise and the lightly fading melody is kind of cliche, but it's so good.
Overall, amazing piece. More than made it onto my playlists - it's at the top for a while. Good work, SGX.
- Ryuko on August 5, 2003
- Mr. Merc Kage on August 1, 2003
- Elblai on July 31, 2003
