1. The Wars of the Last Wolves - Kenshi OAV1
The grim atmospheric tones... yup, this is the Iwasaki that's captured my ear the first time I heard him. This piece pretty much features everything I like about Iwasaki. The pacing is great as it segues into the action-y parts and fires off with a ridiculously beautiful strings section that channel a calm, calculated, yet destructive force. Military vibes are all here and the buildup to glory is done very nicely. It subsides into a shot at tranquility that invites you to take in the destruction and marvel at man's capacity to destroy. Not sure if I can think of an Iwasaki score that I like more. This is my favorite, hands down, and this piece puts forth a good argument why.
+2
2. Kimi ga te wo Sashinobeete Kureta Toki - Kekkaishi
Those violins are something, aren't they? The progression is breathtakingly beautiful and I just can't help but to surrender my will into its calm, inviting arms. Flutes have always been able to win me over, and when coupled with its tranquil tones, I have to give this one a nod. Probably helps that I haven't listened to this OST before too. Good stuff!
+2
3. Theme of ROD - Read Or Die OAV
Haha, man, this piece reeks of awesome styling, doesn't it? You can never go wrong with this classic.
4. Nanami - Katanagatari
Oh hey, another album of his that I probably need to get into! This one would definitely have worked during Japan week or something. Still waiting to see if there's more on display here beyond that percussion-y thing. Sure enough, the flutes and violins come in softly, displaying a sense of sadness or emotional turmoil... can't decide which. The way it comes across is really beautiful, but doesn't touch me quite like the Kekkaishi piece (in contrast to omo) so this one's a good nod, but not engaging enough for me.
5. PSYCHEDELIC SOULJAM - Soul eater
Iwasaki does electronica? It's got that nice cacophony to it that reminds me of the music you hear in Vegas casinos coming over from the mass of slot machines filled with decrepit souls pulling in hopes of elevating their situation. The addition of the rap makes for an interesting touch. Then there's also some nice Celtic vibes to in the middle, which is pretty rad. This one does require that you really pay attention to the stuff 'neath the overrunning rhythm though.
+1
6. Yakitate!! Japan - Yakitate!! Japan
I really expected that the rest of the soundtrack would be this fun and bouncy, but man, I was pretty disappointed by it. This one will always stand out for its energetic tones that are just a fun to listen to as you watch the characters go out to sculpt something wonderful and extraordinary! Sure is festive too like omo mentions.
7. Flame - Witch Hunter Robin
I kinda wanted to add the somber Iwasaki + action into the mix. I think omo was aiming for Robin?
8. Obsession II - Getbackers
Yeah, this thing radiates the whole brooding aura thing pretty well. Shifts into the whole quietude that figures to be a calm before the storm before the piece really unloads its torrent of action and energy. You can hear the Kenshin stuff which I think does a better job with the shifts/transitions within the piece.
9. The Dark Crow Smiles [remix] - Kuroshitsuji
Was wondering if we'd get any of his choral stuff which proceeds in a pretty stately manner and it's pretty interesting how this one keeps up with the same rhythm that befits the chant it's carrying.
10. No Way! Only 1m20s to Suck Up - Gurren Lagann
Haha, I can hear the Great Britain piece from ROD in this song. He sure knows how to bend glory to his will, and this piece is really no different!
+1 |