ReMix:Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest "Beat the Woods" 5:07

Leandro mixes searing electric guitar, flowing & flittering flute, and even throws in a brass section for more DKC2 love - if you've heard his other work that we've posted, you'll know how much of a treat you're in for :) Larry writes:

"Leandro's style is so welcome here. Everything he's submitted showcases craft, creativity and precision, and it's nice to hear his approach to another classic David Wise DKC2 theme after his spin on "Stickerbush Symphony" posted at the top of the year.

"Forest Interlude" is another theme which has thankfully gotten more attention after OCR's early years and Protricity's sole focus on DKC2's music. Much like Ari's "Forest Birdcussion," the mood here is relaxing, but Leandro's woodwind-driven approach version is less ethereal and more organic-sounding. The cool industrial-style percussion writing at 1:01, for example, was a highlight. 2:35 added electric guitar for something with a little more edge. Even when this mix rocks, it keeps the instruments at the foundation subdued, which was a nice combination. As the fifth "Forest Interlude" arrangement on the site, it stands apart nicely from the other takes!"

Agreed on all counts, and nice work referencing the back catalog for context - we've been posting amazing DKC2 mixes for MANY years, and Leandro's is the latest in a long line of fantastic arrangements of both this source AND the overall OST, arguably Wise's magnum opus. Abreu is a downright SCARY multi-instrumentalist, and he again pairs his formidable guitar chops with equally resplendent flute, layered in parts to lend a dreamy, earthy feel to things. A few more electronic elements here than in previous arrangements, with an interesting drum groove circa 1'01" that sounds like the wavesequenced patterns made (in)famous by the Korg Wavestation back in the day. Those actually achieved something of a reputation for being overused & synthetic, but that was WAY back in the nineties, and with the smorgasbord of live instrumentation in full effect on this track, there was little risk of either fault being applicable. When the acoustic rock kit comes in on top, though, it's almost like the full drum entrance on "In The Air Tonight," wherein a Roland CR-78 groove is demolished by a gargantuan tom fill now immortalized by Mike Tyson in The Hangover. Not QUITE the same contrast, sure, but a similar segue. Leandro has certainly got the Midas touch when it comes to mixes, as everything he touches turns to musical gold and is NOT to be missed. His return to DKC2's waters is no exception; highly recommended!