Akira: Original Soundtrack

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Free Music Notes for Akira: Original Soundtrack

Free Music Review: The Music of 2019
Hit: 5 Stars

As a result, many of the tracks are longer than they are in the movie. This is only a bad thing if you don't care for the music. I'll admit, it is very different from traditional music, even as far as Japanese music goes, but it is very enjoyable if you give it a chance. Because there are only 10 pieces, I'll go over each, rate them, and tell you what to expect.

"Kaneda" - This piece begins with the bang of thunder, the sounds of motorbikes being ridden, and then the steady beat of drums. It soon moves into the songs of Yamashirogumi's chorus, bringing the song to an exciting life forwarded by the drums. The drums bring about a primal beat, as if Neo-Tokyo is simply a jungle of the future. They proceed like a story, building as they go on, and then breaking into exciting climaxes when the cymbals crash, especially during the chanting of the chorus.
Rating: 5/5 ----- Average Person's Likability: High

"Battle Against Clown" - One of the stranger pieces. Deep voices are used with a steady rolling drum, and sound as though they are inhaling deeply, as if fighting or doing strenuous activity. It eventually breaks into the theme of "Kaneda." This piece really represents a battle, even without the movie's aid, and is very different from most things you'll hear, but it is a very interesting and involving piece.
Rating: 4/5 ----- Average Person Likability: Very Low

"Winds Over Neo-Tokyo" - Starting very quietly, it slowly moves into faint, stirring sounds that are reminiscent of a carnival. It sounds somewhat ominous in the background, but doesn't really flesh this feature until a short ways into the piece. It then beats with heavy instruments, pronouncing itself, as if structuring Neo-Tokyo as a model of greatness. It's a piece one would expect from a movie soundtrack, and while it has a couple oddities, it does sound nice.
Rating: 3/5 ----- Average Person Likability: Medium

"Tetsuo" - Many beats of different drums and other instruments begin this track and hold it for a short time, and then it proceeds into an instrument resembling an eerie organ in effect. It then fades into slight xylophone usage, in a very enthralling tune, that is supported by a slow hum in the back. These times of alternating tunes last for much of the piece, before finally breaking into the mighty chorus of the piece, stunning with or without the film, and its suddenness and drama is awe-inspiring. This truly expresses the mentality of Tetsuo and his strange predicament.
Rating: 5/5 ----- Average Person Likability: Medium

"Doll's Polyphony" - This is another weird one. It's mainly chorus, in a way I honestly can't describe. It echoes over and over, reminiscent of dripping water for some reason. It's really as strange as the scene that accompanies it, and suffers a little without the image to assist it. It's still an interesting one and very... well, fitting for the scene. It gets better as the male chorus joins the intial female chorus and the synthetic instruments join in... just... strange...
Rating: 3/5 ----- Average Person Likability: Very Low

"Shohmyoh" - This is one of the pieces responding to Japanese music, with odd chantings and such. I'll be honest, I try to avoid this one, so I can't give it as much detail as I do the others.
Rating: 1/10 ----- Average Person Likability: Very Low

"Mutation" - This one begins with an eerie chorus assisted by quick-pounding drums. It's interesting, and while the chants are new, the theme of them is related to the "Tetsuo" piece's chanting. Quicker chanting is introduced as the piece wears again, officially bringing it into the weird category as well, and then leads into what sounds like people screaming for a couple moments. Soon, it leads into pleasant and serene singing by another chorus, symbolizing the chaos that becomes piece for Tetsuo. It's nice to listen to and well-composed.
Rating: 4/5 ----- Average Person Likability: Lower-Medium

"Exodus From The Underground Fortress" - Following the primal nature of "Kaneda," this sounds like a Japanese-styled action piece. It moves at a fairly quick pace, starting with a bang, and moving on through action, until it comes to rolling drums and begins to flow with techno insruments and electric guitars. A piece that semblances different cultures, as well as works with the soundtrack's theme.
Rating: 3/5 ----- Average Person Likability: High

"Illusion" - This is a long, somewhat dull piece. Like "Shohmyoh," I honestly don't listen to it that much. It turns me off a bit, as well at other people. It might be better if it were shorter, but not by much.
Rating: 1/10 ----- Average Person Likability: Lower-Medium

"Requiem" - The finalizing piece of the soundtrack. It starts with a slow, steady drumbeat, breaking apart for a moment, and then suddenly pressing against. It soon moves into a faint, peaceful hum that takes its time increasing as the piece moves on. A faint chorus sounds, peaceful like the one that comes late in "Mutation," and soothing to the listener. After they lead the piece, a subtle organ begins playing, soon to be joined by collisions of a faint xylophone-like instrument. A deep organ plays then, resonating the destruction in the film, and almost sounding as though it plays to a death, moving into the highlight of the piece. A deep singing begins as the organ continues, a voice that resonates with mourning. The entire piece is longer than it is in the film, and it's a shame that the entire piece couldn't equate to the screentime. The track finishes with a rendition of "Kaneda," joined by the choruses of other pieces, finallizing in what almost sounds like a choir, singing of Tetsuo. The entire piece is incredible.
Rating: 5/5 ----- Average Person Likability: Higher-Medium

All in all, I feel (regardless of numbers) that the strengths of this track far outweigh the weaknesses. This will truly appeal to those who love more original scores, but it is still very likable by those who are used to more traditional means. It's a wonderful and incredible composition, worthy of all who will listen.

-Escushion

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