After hearing composer 2 Mello flex some amazing musical skills in his soundtrack for Read Only Memories, I immediately wanted more. I had to wait a few years, but in 2020, Annapurna Interactive published the indie visual novel If Found…, wherein 2 Mello led the way with another sublime, layered soundtrack.
It then took me another five years to find the words to describe one of my favorite OSTs from the quarantine-cursed year. Apologies for the wait! Silver lining: you’re about to (re?)discover some great music!
:Before I talk about anything else, I’m going to jump to my two favorite tracks: “Who Do You Think I Am” (track 16) and “Where Are You?!” (track 20). Both of these tracks embody the sort of chill, psychedelic jam band soundscape that I typically associate with Jim Guthrie (he of Sword & Sworcery fame). The former is relatively short, with new layers of audio introduced in rapid succession, easily maintaining the listener’s attention. The latter, clocking in at an incredible seven minutes, awards the patient listener as layers get added to the effect-laden looped guitar roughly every eight measures. Counter-melodies, synths, bass, cymbals, drums, and eventually some haunting vocals build to a beautiful, trippy climax. I am fully sober, yet I still see through kaleidoscope eyes when I listen intently to this one. Incredible!
Given that these lovely songs are indicative of the full soundscape, I think they are a great shortcut to determine if you’ll enjoy this OST. Of course, there are some impressive synth-led mellow tracks. “Cassiopeia Was Over Keel” (track 11) and the warbly “I’ve Got You, Kasio” (track 22) hit the mark here. However, it is worth recognizing that this is not a 2 Mello solo effort. Eli Rainsberry produced four tracks, including the atmospheric anthem “My Name Is Kasio.” The repetitive garage-band punk song “High Cost Of Living” comes to us courtesy of band The Threat (Maurice Foley and Stano). The group Operating Theatre (Roger Doyle) gives us the vibraphone-filled tune “Eighties Rampwalk.”
Finally, and perhaps most impressive of all, is the Irish vocal theme “Seachrán Sí” by Ensemble Ériu (composers Jack Talty and Neil O’Loghlen). “Seachrán Sí” serves as such a strong departure from the padded, layered electronic music and lofi rock band instrumentation, it is somewhat jarring. However, in the context of the game, it fits perfectly. So smart!
This full soundtrack, released as a digital-only set, clocks in at 85 minutes. If you’re going to listen to this one in full, get yourself some herbal tea and get ready to go on a journey. Should you try to use If Found… Original Soundtrack as background music for getting some work or study done, you may find yourself too easily lulled to sleep or too distracted by the occasional moment of sublime musical power (again, I point to “Where Are You?!”). And, much like medication with sedative effects, do not listen to this OST while driving or operating heavy equipment!
Okay, that might be an exaggeration. I’m writing from a very personal and subjective space. This is the kind of music where I can let down all of my defenses, be vulnerable with me, and deal with my own problems—not unlike the plot of the game itself. So, if you’re ready to face all of that, pick up this soundtrack and prepare to get lost in a densely layered musical jungle. As for me, I think I lost part of myself while wandering through said jungle this last time ’round. I left a note on that part of me. It reads: “If found, please return.” Would you be so kind?
