Play soundtrack
Bass Tentaclef's itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Credibility | #7 | 3.571 | 3.571 |
| Creativity | #10 | 3.571 | 3.571 |
| Composition | #10 | 3.429 | 3.429 |
| Impression | #12 | 3.286 | 3.286 |
| Overall | #12 | 3.357 | 3.357 |
| Sound quality | #20 | 2.929 | 2.929 |
Ranked from 14 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Streaming link
https://youtu.be/q1pRcHVOo-A
Track description | Creative process
After listening to the game's soundtrack several times, I compiled a list of elements I wanted to incorporate into my track, each with a specific justification for its inclusion. Since the track was for a boss fight, I opted for a minor tonality to convey tension. Regarding harmony and melody, the original soundtrack features relatively simple harmonic language paired with loosely structured melodies, especially in the shopkeeper's theme. I wanted to reflect these aspects in my composition.
For instrumentation, a plucked bass was essential, as the boss is a bass monster. With that in mind, I created a funky bass line inspired by Hiromi Uehara’s style. To add a unique flavor, I incorporated breakcore-style drum patterns. This choice was influenced by the natural "aquatic" feel that breakcore often evokes.
Rachmaninov's music also played a significant role in shaping some of the melodies, adding unpredictability and excitement to the piece. In fact, there’s a subtle reference to his second piano concerto. Finally, I used diminished and minor major 7th chords as the primary harmonic tools, giving the track a spooky boss fight atmosphere.
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Comments
Really enjoyable jazzy piece, love the composition. Only minor gripe I have is that it's a bit too quiet for my taste, had to crank up the volume on my end.
Thank you! Yes, the volume is very low, I´ve been having that issue lately. I need to learn how to fix that haha :)
Really great attention to the original tune with this one! I appreciate your description of the creative process, it's really interesting to hear how you incorporated all the difference influences. I think I even caught the Rachmaninoff :) Harmonically and melodically a really cool piece, I really enjoyed it!
Thank youu. I'm so excited that you caught the Rachmaninoff :)
Solid track, drums is very nicely played, good bass line, nice melodic elements. Its just very low on volume sitting at around -18 db, you can crank that thing and it would bang !
thank youu
I really loved reading your inspirations while listening to the track! It's a really solid build, a bit on the quiet side tho, but nothing a volume button can't fix.
One thing I'd like to comment is the lack of focus on the first beat. This game is heavenly centered around it, and without it, the song just feels a little bit out-of-scope.
Creativity/composition wise, amazing job! Plenty of variation like you would expect during a boss fight.
Thank youu
Love Hiromi's stuff!
Now that you mentioned Hiromi Uehara, having an acid bass or leads like on Kung Fu World Champion would've probably fit great with the breakbeat stuff and been pretty cool on this!
Good job!
Oh I've been completely obsessed with Kung Fu World Champion and Return of the Kung Fu World Champion for years I'm so glad someone else here likes it!! I would love to learn how to make those sounds to be honest
Probably you could make those with Vital.
Something like a saw wave with a filter with with high resonance and having the cutoff controlled with a fast envelope so it closes fast gives the "squeling" sound from the cranked resonance on the filter like she has on Return Of The Kung-Fu World Champion.
Might give a try on making those myself too! Will share the presets on the jam discord if I ever get around to making something close enough sounding😄.
oooooh thank you for the info, definitely going to try it out