Video Blog Post - Is This The End?

This might be it for us here at ShinyMuso. It's been a great project and hopefully someone got something out of the knowledge and musicality we've thrown at you. Enjoy this funny little video we've created of us goofing in this processes.

The video in the last post is a trailer for our blog Shiny Muso. It includes footage of each member and provides simple information such as who will be focusing on what music genre for their blog posts. Music of the genres we chose play in the background when introducing them (musical, R&B, indie, and film). In our a video, a variation of music is heard, which represents the wide variety of music our group enjoys. We had a discussion of how the vlog should be filmed and each member inserted their thoughts and ideas; everyone had input their creativity into how we can make the vlog as funny as possible while making it relevant to the blog. Nathan took footage of himself during our filming session and we ended up including those in our vlog because they were humorous. Joseph volunteered to be the model for our ‘cat-walk’ footage. Janice came up with the idea of the footage for her part, which was dancing to film music. Jerome contributed ideas and also did the vlog editing for the group.

Soundtrack Analysis: Scrubs

http://idents.tv/blog/category/videos-tv/

It might seem unusual that I'm analysing the soundtrack of a TV show, considering my usual area is indie and alternative music. There is however good reason for this. Over its time on air, from 2001 - 2009 (There is no 9th season), Scrubs was able to spotlight a great deal of alternative music thanks to the efforts of the music team as well as lead Zach Braff and director Bill Lawrence. Not only did they use the music, they incorporated into the show flawlessly, using it as a tool to set the mood. The show, as well as being amazing of its on right, gave a great platform to artists who otherwise might not have recieved such wide reception.

To give you a sample of the quality music the show highlighted, i've compiled a top 10 of my favourite songs featured in Scrubs (In no particular order), although I do suggest you give the show a watch:
- Dracula From Houston (Butthole Surfers)
- Feeling Fresh (The Eels)
- Good Time (Leroy)
- Dreaming of You (The Coral)
- Missed the Boat (Modest Mouse)
- Light & Day/Reach for the Sun (The Polyphonic Spree)
- New Slang (The Shins)
- Human (John McLaughlin)
- Have It All (Jeremy Kay)
- Close Your Eyes (Young Love)

Bonus Track: Charles In Charge (The Blanks)

What did you think of my list? Did I miss your favourite Scrubs track? Leave a comment and tell me what you thought

Gig Review - Kiss 40th Anniversary Tour 2015

So October 10th 2015 marked the day Kiss performed for their 40th Anniversary Tour at Allphones Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, Australia. The difficulty to contain the sheer awesomeness experienced is almost impossible.

Image Source

I have never seen a bigger show that is so true to the glam rock performance style. For many people in the audience it was their first time seeing Kiss and for my own sister it was her first rock concert. Regardless of whether you enjoy rock music or not it is a life experience to go to at least one rock concert in your life.

Going through their big hits and some of their classics they performed rather flawlessly. Granted Paul Stanley was probably feeling ill he managed to bring it together as the Starchild should. The tech crew dealt a few mistakes in the beginning but I will also grant that there was so much to focus on with suspension wires, fireworks, pyrotechnics, and such but you would expect the sound to be the main priority.

Don’t misunderstand me, I loved the performance, truly the greatest rock concert in the world that anyone could go to. With a fully equipped moving spider-stage with a raising platform. Gene Simmons flew up to it after a super fuzzed bass solo and blood drool before breaking into a thick intro to God of Thunder. Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer performed as a true Catman and Spaceman would delivering the tunes to their high-octane performance. They skilfully brought us through every song and solo from Deuce to Black Diamond with the truest passion of rock.

Guesting with Kiss were Aussie rock group; The Dead Daisies. Their usual guitarist was unavailable to perform so the band requested their friend Dave Leslie from Baby Animals to fill in, and did he deliver. To learn the songs of another band and solo perfectly in every song, it was a most impressive performance.

Image Source

Overall, if you’ve never seen a Kiss concert you have not experienced a true rock performance. True rock legends who never lost what they still have.

Attack on Titan OST - Vogel im Käfig

Vogel im Käfig is one of the main musical themes.This piece is first heard in episode 1, where Eren and Mikasa witnesses their mother being eaten by a titan. It is often used in scenes where characters die and when Eren are having flashbacks, especially about his mother.

This song is sung in German; some of the important lyrics are:

"The inner fortune of people is

like colorful light which shines through colored glass"

"We will fight against our fate

We must not give in to our fate."

"With sorrow and confidence in our hearts

we show the will to move on

No one shall be willfully deprived of their life"

The instruments and vocals heard are: main vocal singer, choir vocal singers, brass instruments, strings instruments and percussion. The main vocal is needed because there are lyrics to be sung. The choir vocals contributes to the mood of humanity crying for help as a whole, and humans fighting against the titans. Orchestral instruments such as strings and brass are western orchestral instruments, they contribute to style of piece. Percussion is used for emphasis, it represents when the people decides not to give up, and to fight until their last breath.

The tempo of this piece is Largo (very slow). Slow songs make listeners feel sadness and peacefulness, also makes the song sound mournful. There are many pauses in this song, which represents change of mood and thoughts.

This piece is in Dorian mode, one of the Medieval music modes. This fits the anime series as it is set in the Medieval times.

The overall dynamics of this piece is soft. The dynamics does not change much, suggesting that the people are tired, they don't have a choice but to fight and survive. Soft dynamics represents sadness and quietness. It also suggests that people are "voiceless"; they are crying for help, but they are not heard.

A narrow range of notes are used. Again, this represents sadness.   - sadness, peace

Complementing harmonies are used and no dissonance is heard. This suggests the temporary peacefulness and relaxation.

The structure of this piece is through composed. Similar to ətˈæk 0N tάɪtn, it suggests that we could not go back in time, and the determination of not looking back.  

I hope you enjoyed this piece and my analysis! 

By Janice

Drake Concert Review

On the 25th of February, 2015, one of the most respected artists in the industry came to Sydney. Mind due, Drake released a 16-track mixtape a week before arriving in Sydney and was shocked by the response of the crowd when they started singing back the track to him. His concert was all about the 6 years his been in the game and taking it back from the beginning on the journey he went on. Midway through the concert he cames back on stage wearing the countries Rugby Union jersey of the Wallabies and the crowd went wild with support for Drake. 

He then levitated over the stage when he started singing his fan favourite "Hold On, We're Going Home" ensuring the crowd that "He isn't going home" that this is the best city, doubtful that he didn't say that at every city he toured in. Besides that he got the crowd involved and was very interactive and kept them entertained. The atmosphere being there was something I haven't experienced the whole Allphones Arena reciting the same lyrics as you to a song that has a different meaning to everyone is really something magical. 

Here is a little clip of "Know Yourself" only being released a week before the concert and the audiences reaction and Drake's reaction.  

Drake - Know Yourself (Live Sydney)

Top 10 of 2014!

Tracks of 2014

The year 2014 released many great songs some which broke records, good or bad, discovered many new artists in the R&B industry and albums were released and more individual talents discovered on YouTube. This is my Top 10 tracks of 2014; in no particular order: 

Tinashe - 2 On 

PARTYNEXTDOOR - Recognise ft. Drake

Chris Brown - Drunk Texting ft. Jhene Aiko

Jeremih - Don't Tell 'Em ft YG

Trey Songz - Na Na

Drake - 0 to 100

T.I. - No Mediocre ft. Iggy Azalea

August Alsina - Testify

August Alsina - Kissin' on My Tattoos

Fetty Wap - Trap Queen

This was a hard list to put together and it was a struggle to narrow it down to a top 10 but that is what was fire for me in 2014. I can't wait to see 2015 conclude and evaluate again and make another top 10 track list. 

August Alsina Bio

August Alsina

An artist who took his talent through the powers of Youtube. Very similar to another individual "Justin Bieber" who expressed his talent on the same platform only with a completely different story. At a young age his life was surrounded by drugs both his father and stepfather were addicted and lost the struggle to defeat the substance abuse when August was 14 years old. As he trying picking himself back up, and started get a bit of an audience on youtube his past revisited his life and his best friend was shot dead in the streets of Houston. He disappeared from the stage he was creating for himself. 

At 16, he was then kicked out of the house by his mother. Attempted to start his life back up he enrolled into high school though short on a paycheck, his brother and himself went to the only thing they knew and that was the streets. They both started selling drugs to fill their pockets with some money so they could sleep. Shortly after this begun his brother Melvin LaBranch III was shot dead on the streets. "People die everyday in the streets of New Orleans. Unfortunately, death has become a way of life".

After this brother's death he used it as inspiration to keep going forward with his music to get out of the ghetto. His talent eventually attracted some positive light from a production company. Who picked him up and helped him release his first mixtape "The Product" with one of his biggest hit songs "I Luv This S***". Later getting more attention from MTV as one of the Fab 5, to one of the main hip hop artists to watch. In April 2014, he released his first album Testimony selling 67,000 units in its first week, making it the #1 debut album and R&B album. He is now currently touring with Chris Brown. 

The Ongoing Guitar Revolution - Guitar Gods

The guitar. A traditional instrument that has led to the creation of the most revolutionary music of all time. From the classical guitar to the modern electric there have been countless modifications, forms and additions to augment and evolve the sound of the guitar.

When people are asked ‘who is the most revolutionary guitarist?’ they will most likely answer Jimi Hendrix whether they are a muso or not. However, there are too many groundbreaking guitarists to make one the sole revolutionary, so I have culled down to a few of my personal influences.

Look to before Jimi to the man of the crossroads, Robert Johnson. The iconic blues guitarist of the early 20th century who sold his soul to the devil to be the greatest blues player ever.

Image Source

We also have the renowned Django Reinhardt with his two fingered jazz/blues glory.

Image Source

Joe Satriani

We’ll begin with the first major guitar influence on me. The electric Joe Satriani. Some may be unfamiliar with this guitar god and if you are one of those people you need to go look him up right now. We owe Satch for some of the greatest guitar compositions to this day and for some of our biggest music idols. Satch has been mentor for some of the greatest guitarists to date including Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, and Andy Timmons. If you’ve never heard of Master Joe then you need to educate yourself with one of the most influential guitar albums of all time; Joe Satriani’s 1987 Surfing With The Alien most famous for the title track.

Steve Vai

Next we look at the student who surpassed his master, the mystical Steve Vai. A student of Satch who went forth and became one of the greats. With works that focus on a different vibe to Satch’s highly melodic tunes, Vai has created some very thematic works which often revolve around mystical and alien themes. One of his most famous pieces and music videos being The Audience Is Listening from his 1990 album Passion and Warfare, presenting Vai as a child playing with his band in ‘show and tell’. Truly one of the best music videos.

Eddie Van Halen

Another one of the most famous guitarists of the 20th century, the incredible Eddie Van Halen. I grew up with Van Halen, saw one of their concerts when I was ridiculously young. An electric rock and roll blues master with the power of the POD (Watch Tenacious D’s The Pick of Destiny if you don’t understand the reference) known for amazing albums including 1984, 5150 and Diver Down. If you’ve been living under a rock you may know, or should go educate yourself, with songs like Eruption, Panama, Jump, Ice Cream Man, and Hot For Teacher.

Guthrie Govan

A monstrous jazz fusion master of crisp cleanliness. Guthrie Govan is a beast of a guitarist with the jazziest of fusions with awesome skill (in every sense of the word). His tapping, slap guitar and shred/sweeping skills are out of this world. With flawless abilities to show his funky fresh licks, sweet mellow solos and inhuman chicken pickin’, Guthrie is a huge influence on me personally and definitely a guitarist to educate yourself with.

Tosin Abasi

Now we’ve worked out way to Mr Tosin. If you’ve read my last post you might have become familiar with the groundbreaking, eight-string frontman of Animals As Leaders. Utterly mind boggling 7/8th string thumps (An Infinite Regression) inspired by Victor Wooten, polyrhythmic, double tapping bass line melodies (Isolated Incidents) and repetitious rhythm-based progression heaped with jazz theory. A hugely influential guitarist among the new generation of progressive metal artists.

Angel Vivaldi

Finally, I bring us back to Angel Vivaldi. As I have said, one of the most original new guitarists I have heard to date. With such heaviness but with the most ideal tempos and rhythms, chords, and melodies he has broken the rules within the rules. Creating incredible themed EPs I only wish I could see live for now. Utilising the seven-string guitar to his own potential with the passion of a man who loves his art.

Attack on Titan OST

image source

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) is one of the most popular Japanese anime series, and I would be surprised if you haven't heard of it! This anime had brought me from the western video game and TV series world back to the Japanese anime/manga world. It contains some of my favourite soundtracks by my favourite anime composer, Hiroyuki Sawano. I'll be analysing one of my favourite soundtracks from the anime: XL-TT, the main theme of Attack on Titan. 

OST 1 track 14 XL-TT

XL-TT is the fourteenth track on the first Attack on Titan original soundtrack CD. It is one of the main music theme used. This soundtrack is in E minor, key changes are used to match the change of mood. The tempo changes in different sections, but the metre is 4/4 for the whole track. This soundtrack is used in the scenes where people prepare to fight Titans and in scenes where many deaths are involved. This soundtrack is first heard in episode 1, where the Colossal Titan breaks the wall and people are under attack by the Titans.

This piece is sung in German to fit the theme of the anime and the main character - Eren.

Some of the important lyrics that represent the mood, story and character:

The earth roars and turns red

The people remember that tragedy

Is this the destroyer or the creator?

With the blaze of hate we swing the swords

Is that our fate or our will?

We will fight until this hot wind takes our wings

What will we find beyond this horizon?

image source

The instruments are: choir vocal singers, brass instruments, strings instruments, electronic sounds and percussions (synthesisers), electric guitar and bass. Vocals are used because lyrics had to be sung. Choir singers are included to create the intense and powerful feeling, which also suggests an army of soldiers fighting against the titans. Brass instruments are used because they are usually related to military. Electronic sounds and percussion are non-traditional instruments, they are used because the advanced technology that exists within the series. Electric guitar and bass are used to give it a distorted and heavy tone colour, making the piece a little similar to heavy metal.

This soundtrack starts with a rapid drumroll building up to the powerful entry of choir vocals. The use of drums create a dramatic atmosphere. The tempo is Allegro (quickly), and the dragged out notes are an augmented version of Attack on Titan, another soundtrack that shares the same main melody line. The choir vocals sing in unison with the strings, representing the unifying of mankind against the Titans. The synthesised percussion is heavily distorted, representing the explosions and destroying of houses while the Titans attack. The brass instruments play the harmony, adding a rich feeling to the tone colour. The bells play crotchet notes and they are repeated over and over, creating a feeling or urgency, because bells are used as a reminder of "the time has come". The melody is repeated again, with strings playing an octave higher, creating layers and emphasising the dramatic atmosphere. The synthesisers harmonises with the melody but creates dissonance with melody, matching the chaotic situation. 

Section B is focuses on the rhythmic layers at first. There is repetition used in the drum section, the bells play in semi-tone in a stepwise motion, representing the hesitation of the people who had to face the Titans - the motion of stepping forward and backwards repeatedly. The synthesiser continues to create dissonance to represent the on-going chaos.

Section C has a thinner texture and is quieter than the previous sections. The strings play low pitched quaver notes repeated, suggesting the action of people running, and some of them hiding. The pitched synthesiser represents the explosions, it is also a syncopated rhythmic layer formed with long and short notes, representing the Titans walking around.

The choir vocals are heard again in section D, they sing the main melody, which again is an augmented version of the Attack on Titan theme. When the melody is repeated, the brass joins in with the vocals, gongs and bells also joins in, creating a more intense feeling.

A new melody is introduced in section E. The main melody line is still long and dragged out notes, representing the sound of people calling and crying for help. The vocals and strings are in unison, the backing choir acting as harmony, singing in intervals with the melody. The melody line played by synthesiser after the vocals stop singing is unorganised and has a wider ranger, suggesting stronger feelings and gives listeners an uneasy feeling.

Section F establishes a new tempo by the use of synthesiser playing syncopated rhythm. The tempo changes to Andante. The vocals and brass starts at the same time; all parts are unison at first, but then branches off into four parts harmonising each other. The melody is sung by the choir, the bells play the same note in a syncopated rhythm that is not sustained. This brings back the sense of urgency. The key changes from E minor to C minor, signifying the change of situation. The low pitched quaver chords played by string also enhances the atmosphere. The accompaniment changes as the part is repeated again. Strings are divided into two parts, one part in unison with vocals, the other part continues with the accompaniment. The brass plays the harmony and creates dissonance as synthesisers are not used. In between the change of sections, synthesiser plays notes with no particular pattern that creates a chaotic feeling.

The mood contrasts between G, H, and I. The atmosphere remains intense in section G, although there is no dissonance with the lack of use of pitched synthesiser. The mood changes in section H. The melody is different from section G, the main melody sung by choir and played by strings are lower pitched, as if the people are thinking about giving up. The thinner layer and less instruments used creates a temporary peaceful feeling. Section I is the continuation of G, the notes of the melody are in the higher register, and the accompaniment of instruments are similar to section G. In these last three sections, synthesisers are used as rhythmic layers, and they are not used to create dissonance. This gives a hopeful feeling of things finally being in control, suggests a chance of victory at last. 

image source

XL-TT

section A

0:00 dragged out long notes - augmented version of Attack on Titan

Drumroll - end of every 2 bars - dramatic

Choir vocals - melody - German lyrics

Strings in unison as vocals

Synthesised percussion

Brass plays harmony

Bells - repetition - crotchet notes

0:15 repetition - strings playing an octave higher

Synthesised instruments - dissonance

section B

0:30drums - rhythmic layer - repetition

Bells - semitone  - stepwise motion - hesitation

Synthesiser - dissonance

section C

0:44 lower register strings - repetition - low notes - quaver - quick - people running

Pitched synthesiser - explosion sounds - rhythmic layer - syncopated - short long rhythm - titans walking

0:59 higher register strings - repetition - similar melody as other strings - harmony

Drums - repetition

section D

1:13 vocals - detached crotchets notes - augmented version of Attack on Titan theme - stepwise

Bells

Synthesiser - dissonance - continues

Strings - chords - harmony - continues from last section

Drums - same rhythm - as before - rapid repetition - every bar

1:42 Repeats same section

Brass joins in - unison with vocals

Gongs - every 4 bars

Bells - every 2 bars

section E

2:09 new melody

Vocals, strings in unison - long notes - steps motion

Vocals - backing choir - harmony

Brass - harmony - in intervals

Low register brass instruments - sustained notes - chord base

Main melody - still long, dragged out notes

Drums - continue

Synthesiser base - continue

Gong - continues

2:38 synthesiser

Synthesiser - melody - unorganised - wide range - hectic/chaos

Synthesiser - low - base - sustained

section F

2:54 New section - suggest change - key change

Synthesiser - establishes a new tempo - quicker- Andante

Tempo - syncopated

The syncopated rhythm part's pitch ascends

3:07 Vocal - 2 parts

Brass - 2 parts

All parts in unison at first - develops into different melodies - harmony

Brass - independent

3:26 main melody - sung by choir - key change (C minor)

Bells - syncopated - pattern not sustained - chaos

Synthesiser - rhythmic layers

Strings - low pitched - repetitive quaver chords

3:47 Vocals - main melody (same part)

Strings - unison with vocals - semi quavers

Strings - accompaniment continues

Drums - third beat on every bar

Brass - one line harmony - steps - dissonance - accidentals

No synthesiser

3:58 synthesiser - rhythm comes back

4:08 synthesiser - melody

No pattern - chaos

section G

4:18 Vocals - main melody - steady rhythm

Strings - unison - melody - quavers

Brass - simple line melody - steps

No synthesiser

Drums - first and third beat

4:40

Synthesiser - rhythmic layer

Brass melody - lower pitch - different melody

Strings - slight change - repeated notes

section H

5:04 Vocals - melody and harmony

Strings - unison with vocals

Drums - syncopated

section I

5:22 Vocals

Strings - accompaniment - same as section just now

Synthesiser - rhythmic - drum rhythm

Brass - unison with vocals

Drum - rhythm continues - end of every bar

5:44 Synthesiser - change rhythm, higher pitched - syncopation

Episode 1 - 18:33-21:51

http://www.soul-anime.net/watching/shingeki-no-kyojin-episode-1/

The main reason why I analyse soundtracks is so I could appreciate all the small details of them, and so I could share them to others, making others appreciate them too! Did you enjoy my analysis this time? :) 

Next time, I will be analysing another soundtrack from Attack on Titan! I just love this anime way too much. See you! 

By Janice 

Prog, Djent, and More Strings

Every now and then there is a rising trend in music. Currently in pop music it is the inclusion of a guest rapper in every song in an album, electronic sonic manipulation and recently the recurrence of a saxophone riff.

However, I’d like to look at the progressive styles as they have developed over the last decade. Since 2005 there has been an exponential rise in progressive metal artists and the use of djent. The trend lately in this area of metal music has shown it having become increasingly more technical, using more strings (7 and 8 string guitars mostly) and including a more theoretical musical basis.

The area of progressive metal ranges quite broadly to this day. It includes areas where there are incredibly jazz-theoretical components, odd and rapidly changing time signatures, and varying atmospheric vibes.

In this post I will be looking into specific prog artists; CHON, Animals As Leaders, Periphery, Angel Vivaldi, and TesseracT.

CHON are a progressive instrumental rock group founded in San Diego, California. Currently fronted by members Mario Camarena (guitar), Nathan Camarena (drums), Erick Hansel (guitar), and Drew Pelisek (bass, vocals). 

They’re syncopated melodies and countermelodies create a cascade of notes over the choppiest drum rhythms I’ve ever heard. Almost as if the whole rhythm section is a melody in itself. Also described in the category of ‘math rock’ their compositions are very exact in the placing of notes and rhythm hits.

Just check out the title track from their 2013 EP Newborn Sun. Those motif chop/melodies of ‘1 - 1, 2 - 1, 2, 3’ are just some of the incredible psycho syncopations that I’ve come to love from these guys.

Next we look at one of the most groundbreaking progressive metal bands; Animals As Leaders. Formed by Tosin Abasi of Reflux fame, Abasi was asked to do a solo project to which he formed Animals As Leaders with fellow eight-string guitarist, Javier Reyes, and drummer, Matt Gartska.

With songs of sheer, jaw-dropping technique and theory we have a solid blend of metal with jazz chords/scales, extensive modes, and rapidly changing odd time signatures.

All from this trio of two eight-string guitarists (no need for bass here my friends) and a godly drummer.

Just check out this song On Impulse from their self-titled debut from 2009.

Next we have another groundbreaker. Noted as one of the pioneers of the progressive metal movement, Periphery are a force to be reckoned with. With influences vastly ranging from Devin Townsend and Meshuggah to Dream Theater and Guthrie Govan, they have created a range of songs with elements of jazzy prog metal, djent and more. To clarify for those unfamiliar, Dent is a chugging technique used on multi-string guitars (7+ string). It is often an odd rhythm matching the kick drum and usually stays on one note. Recently it has become a style category like ‘Indie’ when really it is just a technique. It is useful sparingly but some artists base their whole style upon. Periphery on the other hand utilise it to its true potential with incredible chords and melodies.

Fronted by Misha Mansoor (guitar) of Bulb fame, Mark Holcomb (guitar), Jake Bowen (guitar), Adam “Nolly” Getgood (bass), Matt Halpern (drums), and Spencer Sotelo (vocals).

Check this personal favourite of All New Materials from Periphery’s self-titled 2010 album.

Next we have one of the most original modern day guitarists I’ve heard in a while; the incredible Angel Vivaldi. Not the most progressive metal guitarist I’ve heard since listening to Abasi and Mansoor but certainly one of the most original. With fast paced riffs and melodies that make you wish you were running like a superhero with his songs as your action themes Vivaldi reaches out and attains the Speed of Dark and takes you Away With Words on a Revelation of seven-string discovery through his Universal Language. Just check out this amazing track from his 2013 Universal Language EP; A Mercurian Summer.

Finally we come to one of the most atmospheric and djent-prominent of these artists; TesseracT. Formed in Milton Keynes, England in 2007, TesseracT are a progressive metal group with an apt for the atmospherically ambient such is heard in their second album Altered State. Currently touring in Australia upon the new release of their album Polaris they are a simplistic sounding band but in reality one of the most well put together progressive metal bands around. They're current lineup consisting of Acle Kahney, Jay Postones, James Monteith, Amos Williams, and Daniel Tompkins.

Check out the song Nocturne from Altered State.

Slender: The Arrival OST

image source

I absolutely love the soundtrack of the horror genre, because fear is a strong emotion, and music's ability to cause such strong emotion within audience always fascinates me. Today I will be analysing two soundtracks from a horror video game - Slender: The Arrival. 

Conceal

"Conceal" is used in the stage "Into the Abyss" where the player has to turn on generators in a mine when being stalked by Slender Man and a woman who became Slender Man's victim . This piece is very repetitive since it is designed to be looped through the game stage. This piece has changes of time signature or is free rhythm because there is no definite beat in the beginning, and the time signature changes in the middle of the game. Strings are the main instruments used are strings. This piece is in minor, and the use of pitch is very contrasting. It uses a low note as a pedal point, a sustained bass note, but in the middle of the piece, high pitched sounds were used in contrast to create the feeling of constant changing situation. Synthesised sounds are used, a soft ringing noise that is barely audible is used throughout the whole piece. Around every twelve seconds, the violins play short, quick notes in crescendo. These are possibly not strictly scripted, but played freely by the violinist to create a sense of chaos. High pitched noises are created by strings, possibly violins, by not pressing the strings all the way down and hitting the strings with the bow. This creates a screechy sound that disturbs the players and make them feel nervous. The subtle drum beat joins in when the disturbing noise starts, it creates an unsettled feeling. The screechy noise eventually fades out, so does the drum beat stops. In the actual gameplay, the soundtrack used in this stage is not the same as the soundtrack in the link provided. The short notes played by strings, drum beat and screechy noises are only used to alert the player that they are in danger.

0:00 strings, brass unison - Sustained low note - pedal point

Soft ringing noises - synthesised

0:05/0:17/0:29/0:40… around every 12 seconds

strings: short, quick notes, crescendo - not scored/unscripted

0:48 disturbing, high pitched noises made by strings (violins)

Drum beat starts - soft, syncopated

1:36 disturbing noises starts to fade out

Drum beat stops

1:46 noise completely fades out

1:54 music fades out

Flicker

"Flicker" is used in the stage where the player has to escape the burning forest and avoid being caught by Slender Man. This piece is repetitive, designed to be looped and the notes are also repeated. The tempo is very fast, suggests the player is running in this stage and creates an intense atmosphere. The time signature is 6/8. The main instruments used are strings, bass drum, and synthesised sounds. This piece is in minor, and dissonance and chromatic scale contributes to the uneasy feeling of the player and the feeling of constantly being in a dangerous situation. This piece has four sections, each sections has 16 bars, and the main changes of each section is the main note being repeated, a new instrument/sound is introduced, and the music gets louder. Synthesised sounds such as ringing noises, audio distortion, wind blowing, and static white noises are being used, a bit like the classic Slender: The Eight Pages theme (the piece is named Shadowed in Slender: The Arrival) and the synthesised sounds emphasises the Slender Man's ability to make electronic devices malfunction.

0:00 strings, repeating note

Classic slender drum beat

0:07/0:15/0:23/0:31/0:39 around every 8 seconds, every 4 bars

Chromatic scale

0:32 main note being repeated changed (lowered), with some dissonance

Drum beat softer, with ringing audio distortion

Crescendo - mp

1:04 changed (higher) also weird noisesss (wind blowing)

Crescendo - mf

1:36 changed (obvious dissonance)

Loud wind blowing noises, high frequency audio distortion sound effects

Strings echo

Crescendo - f

1:39/1:47/1:54/2:03 static sound/audio distortion

starts at third beat every 4 bars cycle

2:08 back to beginning

2:16 fades out

What is your favourite soundtrack from a horror film/video game? 

For my next blog post, I will be introducing soundtracks from Attack on Titan, one of my favourite anime/manga series! See you!

By Janice

Gig Review - San Cisco at the Enmore Theatre

Today I will be reviewing San Cisco's concert at the Enmore Theatre on the 30th of May from their much anticipated 'Gracetown' tour.

The Enmore Theatre was sold out and packed to the rafters for this gig. San Cisco came on at 7:00pm and played through a extensive set largely based around their latest album, although it did feature hits from previous records such as chart topping pop hit 'Awkward'. While the performance was musically solid the performance could have been more visually engaging although a big finale featuring the band, the opening acts and a selection of fans was an impressive close. Solo segments from lead singer Jordie were also a good break from the usual setlist formula.

Overall the gig was a success with a solid all-round performance featuring a solid setlist and performance. Some more visual aspects would have taken this concert to the next level though.

Musicals For Newbies

So after that last post on musicals I will actually make some recommendations and slight reviews of excellent musicals for those new to the genre. I will give a brief paragraph on 6 for the musical newcomer to check out or for the interested familiar.

1. Songs For A New World - Jason Robert Brown

I’ll begin with a personal favourite of mine: Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For A New World. As I have previously mentioned in my last post, this is not exactly a musical as it is a song revue. Each song is a new story with new characters even though there are only four performers in the original 1997 cast recording.

It begins with an overture-esque opening, The New World, in which all the performers are singing and presenting multiple characters hinting references to stories to come.

If you ever find any venue presenting this production I would recommend wholeheartedly seeing it, whether it is a professional production or an amateur musical society. My first experience with it was being suggested to perform the number She Cries which interested me into looking into all of the show with a great passion.

My first real listening was of the original 1997 cast recording. Find that recording, close your eyes and be bombarded by the emotional stories in Surabaya Santa, The Steam Train, The World Was Dancing and I’m Not Afraid Of Anything and the rest of the soundtrack.

Image Source

Here's a sweet taste of Just One Step:

2. Into The Woods - Stephen Sondheim

An all time Sondheim classic taking a massive twist of classic fairytales including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and more. Into The Woods links and mashes three core fairytales in a tragic all-too hilarious show.

The 2014 movie version starring the likes of Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp and many more is a good one to look at if you're looking to watch with children. However, changes were made to match the cinema dynamic.
The original 1986 stage version, gives you the real deal unless you see it live, with full blown innuendos, costumes and talent from the queen of musical theatre, Bernadette Peters, as  the Witch.

Songs like Agony have a different tone to in the original, though I will give Chris Pine props for his performance which was perfect for the film. Hello, Little Girl is drastically different in the film as it had to be made appropriate in the fact that they actually made Red Riding Hood a child whereas in the stage version the actress is in her twenties, thus the song is actually much more sexual on stage. Just check out the fantastic wolf costume as proof of the sexuality imprinted in the stage production.

Image Source

Here's a look at the original 1986 and new 2014 Hello, Little Girl's. The difference is huge.

1986

2014

3. Les Miserables - Andrew Lloyd Webber

If you’ve seen the film version of recent years I fully recommend getting more of the experience seeing it on stage. I saw a very well done amateur production about a year ago and was thoroughly impressed by their set and the performance of the leads.

There’s so much to do on stage and I was curious about how they would go about the barricade and the bridge suicide. To the left of the audience there was a small bridge beside the orchestra where Inspector Javert hung holding on in front fell off the stage. He didn’t duck behind anything, he FELL off the stage. Intentionally, of course, but he had me on the edge of my seat. Obviously he had cushioning but it was so unexpected at the time.

With classic songs by the great ALW including numbers as Castle On A Cloud and I Dreamed A Dream. If you want another true classic but one of utter tragedy then this is the one for you. Whether you are interested or not I would highly recommend Les Mis as just a bit of cultural experience. If you’re hooked you also might be interested in reading the original book, though it is not for light readers.

One Day More - Australian Production 2014

On My Own - Film 2012

4. Repo! The Genetic Opera

So far I have only mentioned musicals meant for stage but now I’d like to recommend a musical that is only a film. Repo! is a rock horror musical which takes place in a future where your organs can be repossessed like a car or any other property. Starring Anthony Stewart Head (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Merlin) in an amazing rockstar role as the infamous Repoman.

A very dark themed film with low-mid level gore in surgical scenes such as Night Surgeon and Thankless Job. I would not recommend this if you're squeamish and do not watch with children.

Thankless Job

CAUTION: Not for kids

5. Little Shop of Horrors - Alan Menken

Another classic musical of timeless appeal. A rock and roll, 60s grooving show. I first watched this as the 1986 film version with Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, and the incredible voice of Levi Stubbs. Masochistic dentist's, carnivorous alien plants and a soundtrack that makes you want to join in wholeheartedly. A great show to see live or just as the film.

Little Shop of Horrors - Little Shop of Horrors 1986

6. Hairspray

As a final musical to recommend there is lastly Hairspray. Now the original 1988 film is not actually a musical but still worth looking at for some contrast to the 2007 film/stage show that I am actually recommending. I can’t remember which order I viewed these in but they are both worth the watch. Personally, the 2007 version was a much more fun watch.

The original film is recommended for the deeply interested and the remake musical for a lighthearted story about a progressive teenager, Tracy Turnblad. Including themes tackling the issues of racism and segregation in the 60s as well as possessing a killer soundtrack I would highly recommend this with the previously mentioned shows.

Run And Tell That - Hairspray (2007)

There are so many musicals I could recommend that are incredibly entertaining. These are among some that are not as sappy as some make out musicals to be. There are the sappy, overacted musicals and if you are interested in finding them look into Gilbert & Sullivan. If you are further interested I would also recommend the following stage/film/TV special/parody musicals and concept albums.

The Book of Mormon - Stage

Avenue Q - Stage

The Phantom of the Opera - Stage + Film (1986)

The Mikado - Stage

The Nightmare Before Christmas - Film (1993)

Rent - Stage + Film (2005)

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - Stage + Film (2007)

The Wedding Singer - Stage + Film (1998)

Footloose - Stage + Film (1984)

Chicago - Stage + Film (2002)

Sunday In The Park With George - Stage (1984)

Jekyll And Hyde - Stage

The Last Five Years - Stage + Film (2014)

Oklahoma - Stage (1999)

Sweet Charity - Stage + Film (1969)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Stage + Film (1975)

Jesus Christ Superstar

Psych: The Musical - TV Musical Length Special (Season 8 of Psych)

Team Starkid

• A Very Potter Musical - Parody
• A Very Potter Sequel - Parody
• A Very Potter Senior Year - Parody
• Me And My Dick
• Starship
• Twisted - Parody

Queensrÿche’s Operation: Mindcrime - Concept Album (1988)

Devin Townsend’s Ziltoid The Omniscient + Z2 - Concept Albums (2007, 2015)

The Dear Hunter

• Act I: The Lake South, The River North (2005)
• Act II: The Meaning Of And All Things Regarding Ms. Leading (2007)
• Act III: Life And Death (2009)
• Act IV: Rebirth In Reprise (2015)
• Act V + Act VI (In Production)