This CD is the arranged soundtrack to Genso Suikoden II: Orrizonte (sometimes listed as “Pure Melodies”, though Orrizonte translates from Italian to the word “horizon”).
The CD has a very Celtic/traditional folk feeling to it, and has been compared as a rival to Xenogears: CREID. However, rather than a rival, it just so happens that this CD features similar staff members from the Xenogears CD. Yoko Ueno was the feature “choral” vocalist on Creid (“choral” means the person who sings on weird syllabic noises, and not words…see the first track of Creid for a prime example). Yuji Yoshino, who arranged the other tracks, later become popular enough to work with Ueno and Creid drum progammer “Kalta” to create the Melody of Legend CDs, which features styles very similar to Creid and Orrizonte.
Some of the songs on this CD are most definitely less emotional than Creid (yes, I realize this review is just one big comparison)…however, what it lacks in emotional prowess it makes up for in overall technical skill. These tracks have some very “unique” styles, with awkward instrumentation and new beats to create a whole new feel from the original Suikoden II music. I appreciate the vocals on this CD more than the instrumentals: “Currents” is a capella, and it is marvelous. “Plastic Castle in the Air” is definitely a strange strong, with some very unusual lyrics (this track and Currents are English vocals)…but the music that goes with it creates a mood that helps reflect the CD’s style. Then, Orrizonte is just a nice, calm song with a music box as the major background music, and only one vocalist for the whole song. Very simple, a great way to end the CD.
If you like Suikoden, and you like the samples, you’re guaranteed to like the CD.
