ReMix:Sonic CD "Chips out of Water" 4:53

Off Sonic CD: Temporal Duality, Rexy gives us an upbeat jazz/synth arrangement of the JP version of the Tidal Tempest theme:

"After nearly a year of not submitting anything, I have returned to the judges' inbox. This track was done for OC ReMix's Sonic CD project Temporal Duality, which I honestly swear is going to be AMAZING when it comes out. While "Tidal Tempest" (JP) wasn't exactly my first choice of track to mix when SuperiorX sent it around those that initially took interest, it did however present me with sweet ideas to work with on a sound design level. Knowing for sure that the JP soundtrack (my most preferred of the two) was ahead of its time, I felt the best approach would be to do something in a more contemporary style as of 2013 - 9-bit elements. In other words, "Rexy attempts to wear halc's shoes." :P

Instrument-wise it's more stripped down than what I'd usually do - piano lead, 6-part Genesis soundfont work, bass, drums/percussion, strings and square lead. But to me, that's what Tidal Tempest feels like in comparison to the busier levels in the rest of the game - a water level so tranquil even the dreaded "drowning" motif doesn't pop up. It still doesn't mean life is a breeze - one just needs to break out of the water that's binding them and find those directions to make a difference to the world."

While this actually didn't hit me as particularly chippy/9-bit, that bass certainly wears its FM badge proudly, and the overall vibe is some pretty swift smooth/jazzy action that's a bit of a departure from Rexy's usual fare. It might actually be a little TOO swift, in my opinion - I don't make this specific suggestion/criticism often, but I think the tempo could have been dropped 3-4 BPM and things might have sat a bit better. Your mileage may vary; this is definitely pretty complex & syncopated stuff, and at times a little rigidity sets in, which is really something that Rexy has otherwise overcome relative to her much earlier work. Overall, though, a fun & funky jam - Larry writes:

"Once the track picked up at :37, I wished the bassline wasn't quite so similar to the original "Present" track, but the overall arrangement was unquestionably personalized substantially, so it wasn't a big deal. Not that I'm looking the other way, but it's understandably difficult not to just roll with that bassline fully intact, since it's so swank. Nice chiptune and piano spices, as well as extended freestyle-ish sections. The Genesis-style chippy intro and outro were huge ear candy, nostalgia-inducing highlights.

On the minus sides, the piano timing was stilted in places, but nothing beyond a passing comment rather than a big hit against it. Agreed as well re: the compression being a bit much; you SHOULD have eased it back some, but at the same time it didn't bother me at all personally.

Nothing but strength on this one overall, and an awesome component of Temporal Duality. In 2012, I said Bev was showcasing more well-rounded execution with Mega Man 6 'Synthesize This!'; even with the flaws in that one, the potential was clear. Lately, there's nary a meaningful seam to be found. Her stride. She has it. :-)"

Funny, I actually dug the obvious compression on the drum part, which has really nice writing & fills to the gills; just seemed stylized to me. The flow here isn't quite as smooth as artists who work predominantly in genres like this, such as Joshua Morse, but as a foray into the style, it's great stuff, and a fresh/funky addition that fit right in on Temporal Duality!