#ph00tbag

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ph00t’s Favorites 4/1 - 14

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.

TenderFlutter - Bad Girls

Classic Rock is really good for the Dazzlings. Weird details tend to really make some tunes for me. This time, it's the way delay is applied to the vocals in this tune, which just scream 80's rock to me. I'm also a huge fan of the guitar solo. I think this is the perfect tune to play when you're alone with your bad girl, if you know what I mean.

I've Got to Find a Way (Brilliant Venture Remix)

I'm always kind of ambivalent about dubstep/complextro stuff. In this case, it's not even so much the drop that does it for me. I actually just think the intro, interlude and outro are just that satisfying. The plucked chords are thick and punchy, the arpeggiated mid-bass is fat and resonant, and the lead melody is unique and creative without sounding random.

Hay Tea - Kratia

This is a tune that has me literally from the first strains. The sampling work on the pad line gives so much character to the sounds used, and I absolutely love the drum fills used in the tune. Most of all, I love how the bass is thick and juicy without having to rely on any mid-range tones, which means it doesn't interfere with the drums or pads. You can enjoy everything in this tune.

JOSHH - Utopia

The equality aphorisms from the brainwashing scene in Cutie Map were pretty bleak. JOSHH apparently agrees with me. Utopia captures pretty perfectly the subtle darkness of the town's philosophy, while also really managing the energy levels of the tune. You can probably also guess that I'm a huge fan of the acid lines in this tune.

Liteheutz - Bonds of Friendship

The rising tones in the intro of this tune make for a hell of a lot of tension in the build-up, and they last so long, it actually kinda hurts. But it's a good hurt. It makes it that much more satisfying when the tune resolves into its chorus, with its wide pads and wistful melodies.

Hydra - Alicorn

I'm weird. I'm the kind of person that doubts that a trance tune can really ever be shorter than six minutes. That's why I'm really happy that Alicorn is eight minutes. Things develop really slowly in this tune. And they're supposed to. It makes the Uplifting Trance melody that much more powerful when it hits. And all throughout, that rolling bassline that just gets you moving.

SteelChords - Counting Sheep

We need so much more A Capella stuff like this. SteelChords sings every part of this cover of Counting Sheep, which makes the whole thing feel a lot more personal. As a night owl, I know that the relationship people like me feel with the night is pretty intimate, so the closeness of this tune really resonates with me.

Progressive Element - Depth of Everfree

I feel like over time, the Everfree Forest has become a less and less threatening place in the pony universe. Depth of Everfree puts me in a soothed state of mind, which reflects the gradual changes in perception the Everfree has gone through. It's also apt that such a gradual change is depicted through a very deliberately paced Ambient House tune.

Sights Unseen - Equalize

The thing that really makes this tune for me is really chord structure. It's so dark and bleak, but Sights Unseen creates a melody with lyrics that just captures the twisted ambitions of Starlight Glimmer in an almost sympathetic light. There's a lot of great sound design, too. I like the lead synths, and the vocoders on the vocal segments. I also love that Midi-esque Xylophone synth.

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ph00t’s Favorites 3/4 - 17

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.

Shurrikane - Cantus Fletus

This tune has an amazing build. "Progressive" music is really not a concept unique to EDM. The art of gradually bringing in elements to a relatively static repeating theme actually started with orchestral music. Shurrikane is keeping the tradition alive in Cantus Fletus, and the melody he uses is really quite moving, making the build-up really satisfying when it hits its stride.

4EverfreeBrony - Honesty

I admit, I'm perplexed this cover of Archers of Agincourt's Honesty never really got a lot of exposure. I mean, sure it's 4Everfree, so everyone heard it anyway, but not many people talked about it. I think it's something to mention. The element 4Everfree brings in here is the detuned piano, which puts me in the mind of someone (somepony?) sitting down at an old keyboard in an old home and playing the tune as a pick-up. It doesn't really change the tune itself, but it changes the context, which is worth a listen.

DJRedSkY & New Reverian - City of Pink

There's a classic quality to this tune that I really like. The design on the bass and the simple rhythm make me think of the nineties and simple pleasures of a good old prog house tune. Oddly, I disagree with RedSky and Reverian on whom this tune is about, though. I think it feels more like a Rarity tune. To each their own.

Pencil Eraser & Sonikkureinbumu - Wake Up Call

I like the sylistic blend here. Pencil Eraser's Emo style combines here with a bit of a more experimental electronic sound. The sound selection and melodic line are definitely meant to reflect the sound of an alarm clock. True to form, Pencil Eraser's lyrics use the world of fanon to draw parallels with the artist's own perceived flaws. I like when songwriters do that.

Kaminadash - Come Back Today

I've been really digging Kaminadash lately. Every one of his tunes is full of such simple cuteness. Come Back Today is one such tune. Musically, it's simple, which is fine because it leaves room for the listener to think about the message of the lyrics. In this case, it's about a topic that's been on my mind lately as well--the nature of Rainbow Dash's devotion, and how it simultaneously contrasts with her nature and also defines her.

Hay Tea - Cantiga Por Luna

Maybe it's just because it's a tune about Luna. I do really like the many ways Hay Tea gives a lo-fi vibe to this tune. Obviously the dirty vinyl effect, but also the detune on the piano. For some reason, these intentional artifacts of imperfect recreation make the tune feel more authentic.

Callenby - Here

This is a wonderfully soothing tune to listen to. I get the sense it's about that simpler time in Celestia and Luna's life, which they sadly cannot go back to. I think my favorite part of this tune is the plucked instrument that fades in here and there playing straight eighths. That sets the whole tunes atmosphere for me.

Indie Notes - Tales of a Babs Seed

Boy, there's been a lot of unplugged rock here, hasn't there? But hey, Indie Note's ode to Babs Seed here definitely needs to be mentioned. This is such an emotive examination of Babs's state heading into her premier episode. I don't usually like when vocalists choke off the ends of notes, but it's a perfect choice for this tune, belying Babs's outward appearance of confidence.

SoCal Ponytones - Goodbye Celestia, My Baby

I can't tell you happy I am to be hearing Barbershop inspired by MLP. I used to be in a quartet back in high school. We never actually sang Goodbye my Coney Island Baby, but I would have liked to. It's definitely a fun tune. The parody lyrics of this tune are a little more serious, but the upbeat nature of the tune makes for a comical juxtaposition.

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ph00t’s Favorites 2/18 - 3/3

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.

Callenby - Someplace Beckons Near

The use of blue notes in this tune is really phenomenal. The instrumentation is really conducive to the mood, as well, creating a very dark, Everfree-Forest-evoking atmosphere. Probably my favorite part is that sick bend near the end of the first minute. I feel like it sets the tone for the rest of the tune really well.

Comet Glider - City of Dreams

This tune by newcomer Comet Glider has a really great, driving rhythm to set the tune, but it really takes off when it hits the half time section, with that amazing fuzzy bass. The thickness of the bass, and the full chords, plus the excellent stereo image really make the choruses of this tune so impactful.

Hay Tea & FluffyKitty - Social Anxiety

The bassline on this tune is some really classic ish. You should also pay attention to the Amen Break edits in the transition. The drums are tuned along with the chord progression. Details like that are rarely observed, but can really add a whole lot more oomph to every chord change.

Doc Monochrome - Equestrian Sunrise

The opening of this tune is very reminiscient of the old Vangelis style, which is pretty freaking awesome if you ask me. I'm always going to be a big supporter of rolling basslines with moving chord progressions. The progressive development of this tune is also perfectly employed to evoke the rising of the sun, which was clearly its intent.

Strik9 - Warrior

This has been a good post for looking at dark tunes about the Everfree and/or Zecora. Strik9's sound design is as incredible as always in this tune. I'm particularly a fan of that synthesized growl in the tune's opening, as well as the reversed synth sounds that come in during a number of the transitions. 

Sean Cafferky - Winter Waltz

I am still amazed at how underrecognized Sean Cafferky is. This composition is goddamned gorgeous. The midsection uses dissonance really well to build back up to the second chorus, which itself feels like a perfect melody to encapsulate not only Rarity's beauty, but the essence of her character.

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ph00t's Favorites 2/4 - 17

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.

Vaceslav - Porcelain Doll

It's kinda weird to see the names Injustrial and Vaceslav in the same place. Injustrial's style is intentionally harsh and forboding, where Vaceslav tends towards a smoother, melodic style. Understandably, this cover is totally different from its source material. While, in the original, the screams of "I hate you," feel more, well, hateful, Vaceslav's interpretation sounds mournful. I love the total change in mood; makes for a very interesting listen.

L-Train - Seaponies

The Seapony theme as surf rock is kind of an obvious interpretation. So why is L-Train the first, and really only person to make a concerted go at it? It's easy enough to appreciate this tune just on the strength of it being a call-back to some oldschool pony lore, but don't forget to pay attention to the solo. L-Train's musicianship is always worth a good listen.

Dalken Starbyne - Phases

I like the way this tune really slowly develops and changes character over the course of the tune. The thematic parallel to the Moon dovetails with the establishment of Luna as the subject in the lyrics. Dalken Starbyne's voice is smooth as silk, and his style complements the tune's droning nature quite well.

Sprocket ft. A Whole Lot of Bronies - TESTIPONY

It's really cool that Sprocket put this out there. I'm not really putting this one in this because of the music. It's excellent, to be sure, and the orchestration really supplements the impact of the words. But the reason I'm posting this here, is because, honestly, it's nice to be reminded of the power of this show, and this fandom, to truly do good things. While it's easy to get caught up in the drama, and fine-grained analysis, songs like this remind us that we're all here to hold onto that little bit of joy, and share it with each other.

Resonant Waves ft. Captainfluffaton - The Temple of Life

The atmosphere in this tune is absolutely phenomenal. I'm always blown away, and rather humbled, by how effortlessly ambient artists like these two guys can fill a space with a handful of well-designed synths and samples. My favorite parts of the tune are the percussive sound that seems to be coming from behind the head, and the slightly distorted pad that closes the tune out. They really round the tune out for me.

idkQuicksilver, Vaceslav, and Guitarbrony13 - Paranoia

I think I've said it, but in general growls tend not to do it for me. This tune is a rare exception, though. In part because of the detail in the instrumentation, especially the pad design in the breakdown, and the guitar work and edits in the climax. This is also a pretty massive collaboration, so I have to appreciate that, as well.

TenderFlutter - Tu Presencia

Before I really even know that I won't understand a word of this tune, the drum programming kinda has me sold. While I don't know Spanish all that well, I do know that I love TenderFlutter's singing, and I can definitely appreciate his decision to use several instruments from his home country's culture. More than anything, I love to see music from all over the planet represented in our humble fandom.

TheBurntMango - Past the Summer Clouds

Okay, so it's some feelgood music about Rainbow Dash. It stands to reason I'm going to like it. But this is some really good stuff regardless. Melodically, this tune captures that side of Rainbow Dash that we rarely see, but that everyone knows is there. I love when that's the focus of the tune. I also love the oh-so-subtle pad that follows the piano's sustain, giving the tune its airy atmosphere.

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ph00t's Favorites 1/21 - 2/3

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.

Vaceslav - Barriers

Vaceslav keeps putting out incredible music, and Barriers is very true to form. What I love most about this tune is the way the lyrics convey how impossible Cadance and Shining Armor's relationship seemed to both parties outset, and how that just tore them up inside. There's a lot of pathos there, and Vaceslav and Itchigotchi really capture it.

Art Fonseca - Loyalty

So Loyalty, by AcoustiMandoBrony, was one of those instant classics a few years ago, and the thrashy rock sound was chosen as emblematic of Rainbow Dash. But Art Fonseca decided to take a bit of a creative risk by using a more Fusion-inspired sound, which appeals to me a lot. It really feels particularly good in the Chorus, and in the solo.

Nicolas Dominique - Through Chaos

Call me predictable, but I hear a Trance tune from Nicolas Dominque, and I can't stop myself from telling everyone about it. Among the increasingly rare active Trance producers in this fandom, Nic stands out for his ability to build without it feeling like a build, then you wake up from the hypnosis, and the tune has suddenly gotten very intense. I wish there was more music like this these days.

Egor Lappo - Stop the Bats

One of the best things about this tune is actually watching Egor Lappo play that truly terrifying eight-string. Lappo really pulls me in for more listens on this tune with the details, though. He finds a lot of little places to insert creative little licks that give the tune a lot more character.

Warbalist ft. Metal Mare - Harmony of Life

The Bossa Nova rhythm on this tune is really a whole lot of fun. The Jazzy feel is a whole lot of fun in general. Metal Mare has a really full alto sound, with great control, and phenomenal range, and Warbalist's Guitar solo is really strong. Shouts out as well to Pashoo for his horn work. This was a tune off the latest Seeds of Kindness album. Definitely check it out.

BlackStone - The Unrequiter

If this is just the test version of this tune, I can't wait for the cleaned up version. The indie rock style is a perfect fit for this tune, what with Trenderhoof serving as, at least partial, inspiration. Whenever Main jumps into those falsetto notes, I get a little smile on my face.

Mr BronyDash - The Life of Freedom

In Life of Freedom, BronyDash seems to be channeling a little bit of Johnny Cash. As a result, this tune kinda gives a feeling of nostalgia. This is one of those tunes that appeals to me for its simplicity. Thematically, it's quite appropriate, as well, with its focus on Applejack striking out on her own.

Adam Sporka - Ultrafast Galactic Bebop from Outer Space

With this tune, I just want to get up and start moving. Sporka is making a really neat use of disonance in this tune. In combination with the bouncy rhythm, and old-school sound design, this tune is a great ditty to get down to, just as Pinkie Pie would like it.

Spectra - Resistance

I was sold on this tune the moment that that rock solid rolling bassline kicked in. I guess in the end I really am a sucker for the tropes of good old trance music. I mean, this whole tune just puts me in the mind of some good old Cygnus X tunes. The transition in the breakdown to a more orchestral rock sound is really interesting, and really helps the tune's charm.

3Spirit - Enchantress

In the last year or so, 3Spirit's really been coming into his own as an artist. There's a lot of really cool detail in this tune. The sound design and sample selection in this tune are definitely on point. I'm a really big fan of the way the congas are use to very subtly suggest the driving rhythm of the tune.

Aphylliate - Power

Everything on W.I.T.S., Aphylliate's latest EP, is definitely worth checking out, but Power is definitely my favorite. If you've followed my highlights very closely, you can probably guess why. Yep, it's the bassline. Also, the liberal application of laser zaps and acid stabs. In general, this is a great paean to the classic rave music of the 90s, which is something I always support.

KaminaDash - Bubbles

I usually just kinda roll my eyes (haha) when people make stuff about Derpy Hooves. It's not that I don't like her, but usually it feels really forced. That said, every once and a while, someone makes something that just feels like it gets the character. Bubbles does that. Without really having to make direct reference to it, the tune captures her unwavering sincerity.

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ph00t's Favorites 11/12 - 11/25

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.

Resonant Waves - Hidden Relics

This tune really gets to me when the percussive edits start up. They've got a really juicy sound to them that mixes really well with the pads. Hidden Relics really takes off, though, in the second half, with the sustain synth. It has an almost woodwind-esque sound, but the bends have this neat synthetic quality that I really dig. Be sure to go out and buy Soft Spectrum III, by the way.

DJ Lunar - Last Light

Those sliding synth stabs are really dirty, and set the tone well for the glitch drums that are to come. Oh, man, and that wet breathing is so sick. And there's so much more for this tune to deliver. By the time the drop proper hits, the rawness of it is almost mundane. Almost. It's uncommon to hear dark music like this in the Brony fandom, and there really ought to be more of it.

M. Aestro - The Other One

I love so much of this. The edited guitar loop has all sorts of neat detail. The drums have this fuzz which M. Aestro has really pumped up, and which gives the sample a lot of unique character. The clarinet is also a really cool touch. I'm also a fan of the pad in this tune; it gives the tune a really light atmosphere.

Silverwing - Autumn Afternoon

I like the formless nature of the intro of this tune. For me, it gives the sense of a very impromptu jam session. It builds over time into real head-bobber. The harmonica in this tune is a nice touch. Again, the way it jumps in lends the tune its casual, jam session feel. This is a good one to listen to while working.

Freewave - The Spark

The lyrics of this tune are probably my favorite part. As a community, I don't think there's enough talk about the profound effect this cartoon for girls really has on us anymore. There was a lot of that early on, though. Freewave, being a rare holdout from that era, addresses that with a heart-wrenching honesty that brings a tear to my eye. Definitely go check out his new album, Songs of My People.

Mordent - This Groove Aria

From the opening of this tune, I'm bobbing my head. I love the groove the vocal splicing gives rise to. But this tune just keeps getting better. The second vocal splicing section is amazing as well. But by far, my favorite section is the arpeggiated and gated beat at the very end, which has such a hectic, danceable vibe. I'm also a fan of the clipping in the bassline in this tune, since it contributes to the gritty feel.

J Brewzy - Immortals

So there's a cool thing going on in this tune where the right hand is playing triplets but the left is playing eighths, which is causing that rolling effect that you're hearing. But things really pick up with the orchestral section. The piccolo solo in the middle is really well done, and makes for an excellent climax in the middle of the tune. The tune also makes great use of dynamics, with the different elements seeming to float into and out of the tune.

Scooblee - Trixie's Space Shooter

And here's one of the rare times I highlight a chiptune. This one definitely deserves it, I think. Not content to just throw show midis into his tracker, Scooblee gives us an original that sounds like it comes straight out of an 80's side scroller. I love the association with Trixie, here, because it makes me think of a space shooter with Trixie just flying around shooting people ineffectually with her magic.

Ponytronic - Adios, For Now

Yessss, some trip hop. We don't really get enough stuff like this. The tune has some really smooth pads, and really shiny sound design as well. I love the way vocal samples are used in the tune's climaxes. Also really fun is the flanged drums in the breakdown, which are even worked into the tune proper. By the end, there's a lot of stuff going on, which is something I absolutely adore hearing. This, too, is part of the album, Impetuous View, which you should definitely check out, since it out to be out now.

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ph00t's Favorites 8/6 - 8/19

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to these special tracks this week.

Nightmare Lyra - the Simple and Honest

I think it's interesting to see what's going on in foreign parts of the fandom within their own contexts. The nature of MLP as an American/Canadian show means it's really easy for bronies from there to be fairly insular, and interactions with bronies outside of the US tend to be on those terms. This is a Japanese song from a Japanese fanfiction, and it's refreshing to see that in its own context.

Stefan Schroeck - Rise of Princess Luna

I was a percussionist in high school band, and the majority of the reason for that was because I really liked to wail on shit really hard. Timpani was also my favorite instrument to play. This tune both has percussion hitting drums really hard, and Timpani, while being really epic, to boot, so I'm predisposed to like it.

STRIK9 - Homesick

Homesick, for me, brings StriK9 out of the crowd. It's not just trippy and experimental. In this tune, Strik9 demonstrates a mastery of timing, holding moments just long enough for the tension to build to a peak, without the need for risers or drum rolls. My favorite part, incidentally, is near the end--silence reigns for several seconds before a water drip sound effect plays, and just as the echoes die, thunder rumbles. It captures the whole reason I love the tune in one moment.

Aphylliate - Bolts

This tune is so funky, with a heavy dose of nostalgia. The climax of this tune takes all sorts of inspiration from early rave music, with the stretched vocals, orchestral hit melodies, and pitch-shifted Amen Break. I'm a big fan of music that evokes classic edm genres, so of course I would love this tune for all the reasons above.

Injustrial - BUCK 2014

Doesn't this tune make you just want to get up and bounce around like no-one's business? That's the idea, of course. The synth design and melodic composition are some classic hardcore, which is all about jumping around without a care in the world. Just watch out for the people next to you.

Aoshi - Don't Let Anypony Keep You Down!

Aoshi has become something of a mainstay on my features list, but that's because he just consistently puts stuff out that I love. He manages to maintain such tight control of very messy sounds, and makes it sound so good. One thing I like about this tune in particular is the vocalizing after the hook. The effects chain Aoshi runs in through makes it sound so deliciously raw.

Replacer &I ft. Feather - Until The Sun (IWillMissThisWorld Remix)

I squealed like a kindergarten-age girl when I saw IWillMissThisWorld's name come up in my subscription feed. They don't make much stuff, it seems, but if it's so that everything they make can be this much fun to listen to, that's okay. This Until the Sun remix is full of glitchy, chopped up goodness. Most remixes of this tune were just generic dance music, but IWillMissThisWorld definitely brought their own distinctive style to it.

Vylet - Everfree Macrocosm

I really dig what Vylet has going on in the percussion section in this tune, both with the bongos and with the glitched drum sounds. I'm also a fan of the throat singing that he throws in here and there, which gives the tune a really otherworldly vibe. Vylet's been making waves a lot lately, and this tune really proves his value to me, personally.

Donn DeVore and the Cutie Marks - Hello Crusaders

There's not enough love given to background music from the show. Particularly heinous is how little attention is given to the CMC theme in remixes and covers. Donn DeVore apparently agrees, and gives a little jam session to the tune, then mashes it up with a cover of "Hello," which works really well when you hear it.

LeafRunner and DerpyCrash - Shampoo Factory

It's rare that chiptune really catches my eye. I guess this isn't one-hundred percent chiptune, but it's close enough, and I like to give love to this rather sizeable chunk of the brony music community from time to time. Shampoo Factory is a wonderfully funky little original tune, which I could totally see in a SNES-style Pony Beat 'em Up. Oh man, this game really needs to happen, now.

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ph00t's Favorites, 7/23 - 8/6

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to these special tracks this week.

Night Breeze - Childhood Eyes

From the opening chords of Childhood Eyes, it's clear that this tune is something really special. It starts out quiet and hesitant, but it eventually builds into a full and confident tune. In every section, too, there are some chord changes that really surprised me, but wound up making the tune much more impactful. I was quite pleased to hear this tune.

D1SCORDANT3 - Hard Reset

I love the sound effect that plays every four bars that sounds like some horrible hellspawn roaring in fury. There's a lot of really neat sound design decisions in this tune that I like, really. I'm also a fan of the phaser on the snare and hats. It's really tough to have an effect like that and still keep the instruments involved clean.

Dr. Dycer - Want it Need it

Dr. Dycer's back at it with a look into the potentially distressing properties of certain spells in the MLP universe. Want It Need It is a great showcase of Dycer's mastery of the creepy. The background vocalizations in the chorus are a great touch, but what sells this for me is the whispering at the end of the chorus, which is in the original by Jeffthestrider, but Dycer's delivery is perfect.

Grizzly - Baltimare Mining Operation (OfficeBats Remix)

I featured the original Baltimare Mining Operation here a while back, because it was a rare example of Techno. In this tune, Officebats brings a totally different approach to the original concept, showcasing the variety available in the Techno genre. This one has a bit more of a ravey vibe, with the pitch-shifted Amen interludes

wacarb - Hey Pony Waifu

This. Song. I don't really know how to introduce this song. It starts out sweet, kinda. It quickly becomes different, before moving right along into strange. Then, it blows right beyond creepy into utterly wrong. As a listener, one can really only grab ahold and hope not to fall off because one is laughing so hard.

Jeff Burgess and the Bad Mares - Home (Aoshi Acid Trap Remix)

Remixes that totally change the context of the original tune are really fun. In this case, the original Home was a touching tune about Luna and Celestia. This remix is completely irreverant, casting the story in a completely different light. As always, Aoshi has some really creative and dirty sound design, which is something I'm happy to listen to again and again.

Shurrikane - All or Nothing

I love how the intro to this tune evokes the stomps of Tirek as he advances. Shurrikane's ability to evoke things like that is on display throughout the tune. Even though musically, not much changes, Shurrikane uses changes in orchestration to convey the intended image. This is especially evident in the end, where the same theme is played, but the bells give it a more funereal sense, compared to the combative tone of the preceding segments.

Arturo Fonseca - I Truly Didn't

Arturo Fonseca really knocks it out of the park with this one. The minimal instrumentation is perfect, giving the tune an introspective feel. Lyrically, the tune is fairly minimal, as well, but it really sets up perfectly for the last line to hit hard right in the feels. The solo, too, is quite wonderful, and matches perfectly the somber nature of the tune.

Starbreeis - Hush Now, Quiet Now (Cover)

I can't get enough of Starbreeis's loungy vocals. Her composition is often missed while listening to the singing, though. In this tune, it's worth to note the points where she throws in little background vocals in the chorus. She's also added an extra verse to Hush Now, which fits perfectly, such that if I didn't know better, I'd think it was from the original.

Psychgoth - Meet Fair Rarity

The vocal cuts in this tune are just so much fun. In a way, this is another one of those tunes that reminds me of the music that was being made in the beginning of the community. Goofy, silly dance music with glitching vocal cuts carrying the melody. I kinda wish there was more stuff like that.

4everfreebrony ft. Chi Chi & Relative1Pitch - Chant of Mirth (Wubbaducky's Space Out Remix)

Wubbaducky is another artist whose work I've recently become enamoured with. He makes a lot of bold production decisions that make me happy. What sold me on this tune was the liberal application of sidechain compression on the original Chant of Mirth vocals, but with the kick's output high passed and dropped, so that the vocals duck seemingly on their own. The effect is trippy and strange, but it totally does it for me.