Shoji Meguro serves up greatness for SMT3: Nocturne!
Astounding, isn't it? Shin Megami Tensei games are finally getting noticed outside of the East, meaning Shoji Meguro's songwriting is reaching a larger audience - and deservedly so, as evidenced by his many soundtracks composed for the series...including the one for SMT3: Nocturne.
Three types of songs weave throughout this two-disc set: ambient and melancholy, trippy and atypical, and loud and rocking. "Shinjuku Hygenic Hospital" and "Tower of Kagutsuchi" are very good examples of the first type: light piano notes carrying along a variety of synth backgrounds. "Reunion with Master" is a sorrowful conversation piece that also conveys this type of music well. For the second bizarre type, we have songs like "Junk Shop" and "Large Map ~ Real Universe ~" - not to mention treats like the two Kagutsuchi final battle themes (house techno?...while fighting a mirrorball? Genius!). The third type will certainly stand out the most, though; "Large Map ~ Last Area ~" is a *truly* epic example of this, in a justified usage of the Internet's favorite adjective, and the various battle themes only reinforce the notion. "Normal Battle" has riffs, "Fierce Battle" organ, "Normal Battle ~ Town ~" a jazz-like vibe; all of them, however, showcase Meguro's electric skill and ability to chain together compelling leads and supporting power chords. The heavily-distorted English vocals in most of the battle themes are the true signature, though: indeed, to this day, most of them are still indecipherable. Congratulations, Shoji, you have stumped us all! ^_^;
SMT3: Nocturne provides quite a nice musical offering. Atmospheric, eccentric, or brazen: take your pick! You ought to like what you hear.
