ReMix:Final Fantasy VI "Katabasis" 4:44

Along with a host of familiar faces, Balance and Ruin introduces many new artists to the world of OCR, including Forrest Powell, who collaborated with fellow newcomer Laura Intravia on this stunning orchestral/instrumental take on 'Epitaph' that oscillates beautifully between sweeping ensemble and intimate solo passages. While Jeff's previous mix primarily showcased her very impressive vocal abilities, she's actually better known as 'Flute Link,' having toured with Video Games Live and contributed flute and vocal performances as well as her own arrangement of Super Smash Brothers to the tour-de-force concert series. I have to put in a good word for Tommy Tallarico here, as he really has done a fantastic job of finding talented artists who love VGM and featuring them as part of VGL, evangelizing the power of video game music all over the world. While it might be tempting to initially dismiss the idea of a female Link cosplayer with a flute as being gimmicky, here's the thing: Laura can PLAY. She can also SING. She's the real deal, and Tommy was wise to feature her as part of VGL. As for Forrest Powell, I don't know too much about him, but here's what I can tell you so far: WOW!! Supple, emotional orchestral work with BEAUTIFUL dynamics, a very deliberate sense of letting things evolve over time... such patient arrangement, made possible by attention to detail placed on each & every note. Both of his mixes on the album have this transcendental pacing and contrast to them that paints in very particular, harmonious colors. McVaffe writes:

"This is one of those songs in which a mere few moments after you begin to listen to the track, you wish that Final Fantasy VI existed in some aggrandized form that would better fit with this piece. This song is so big and beautiful that you can't possibly listen to it and imagine little pixelated characters over tiled environments anymore. You're imagining a grand story of sprawling adventure, love, and loss. An exquisite arrangement, and one of those songs that effortlessly paints vivid pictures in your mind."

Exquisite is just the word; think of the best chocolate, cheese, or wine you ever had, now multiply that times ten and eat/drink it in slow motion, with minute-long bites/sips that allow each hit of flavor to reverberate around your palate. The mix has that sort of gourmet, culinary appeal to it, with a layered revelation of texture & tone. Jeffrey Gren & Emily Mondok contributed live strings in the form of cello and viola/violin, respectively, which are a huge part of that texture really sinking in. Forrest writes:

"I'm very appreciative of Laura, Emily, and Jeffrey for their time spent to add their signatures to this work. My arrangement would not be the same without their help!"

Balance and Ruin provides a superlative debut for Forrest & Laura on OCR, and I really hope to see both of them submit more music in the future!!