It seemed only last month that halc, in collaboration with Tuberz McGee, released the album Menagerie. However the chiptune artist is back at it, this time flying solo with his latest EP, Nostalgia Canon. Being that this EP, there is only 9 songs, but the selection of songs halc chose to cover are fantastic.
To be honest, I am actually excited for this album because halc has branched off and made covers of games that don't get a lot of attention. While he did make a Legend of Zelda medley, that is the only common track on the album. The rest of the songs are from the Hudson Soft classic Super Adventure Island, Yoshi's Island and Earthbound. I can't really disagree in making a cover from Mega Man 10 as the PSN/XBLA Megaman games are often ignored.
Nostalgia Canon starts the album off with the Legend of Zelda Medley, The Never Ending Legend. Taking 4 songs from A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time, halc has made a wonderful medley. Taking the Opening Demo theme from A Link to the Past and the Title Theme, Song of Storms and Saria's Song from Ocarina of Time. One would think that turning the music into an electronica beat would ruin it but it depends on who is doing the music. Some artists, such as halc, can treat it with respect and know how to make it work while others, not so much.
The third track is Explode in Peace, the cover of Blue Resort from Bomberman 64. halc is one of the few artists that I know that an make a electronica track that evokes feelings of peace and relaxation. Even with the heavy techno backing, I feel incredibly relaxed with this song playing. It is a great song and an inspiration that you can find inspiration from any track.
The fourth song is from the cult classic Earthbound. Of all the songs from the game, halc decided to cover one of the more obscure tracks in the game. Nobody I know who enjoys the game talk about the naming scene or even references the music. However, halc decided to cover this song, amongst all the others. And to be honest, I am not much of a fan of the song. The song itself is good
This is a solid album and I heavily recommend that you pick it up. halc has done something great by covering tracks that barely get attention. Maybe this will get other artists to cover different tracks.
halc has paved the way for covering tracks from forgotten gems. I know I say this a lot, but there has to be more artists willing to cover tracks from more obscure games. If they don't, then it will become harder and harder for new talent to get noticed. Personally, I find it hard to listen to new talent as they cover the same song. I have heard it countless times before, is there anything new this person can bring.
You can find Nostalgia Canon on halc's bandcamp page.
I am Daimo Mac and I am lost in the music.
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