Game Music

Bang For The Blocks: Boom Blox Soundtrack Review

February 6, 2009 | | 2 Comments Share thison Facebook Bang For The Blocks: Boom Blox Soundtrack Reviewon Twitter

I’ve actually had an interest in Boom Blox ever since I heard about it some months ago. It may sound strange, but I always find it really interesting when someone from a completely different field takes a leap into the field of games, and Steven Spielberg certainly qualifies. Of course, as any adventure game nut reading this will know, Steven Spielberg’s first effort was the fantastic adventure game The Dig. But Boom Blox is not the type of game you might expect from the famous storyteller Spielberg, as it’s certainly not an adventure game. It’s actually a cute puzzle game. Apparently, Spielberg wanted to make a game that he could play with his kids!

Before I get into the review, I have to admit that I haven’t actually played the game yet. It’s been on my “to-get” list for a while though, and when I saw that we had the chance to review the music of the game, I jumped at the opportunity. I basically figure: if I enjoy the music, I’ll get the game. After all, who ever heard of a bad game with good music, right?

So what of the music? Find out after the jump!

Well, if you’re familiar with Mark Mothersbaugh, you might know what to expect. My first encounter with his work as far as I can really remember was his work for Crash Bandicoot. I wouldn’t say that what he does here is revolutionary, but it’s definitely fun and I imagine it works really well inside the game.

The album kicks off with a very lenghty 7 minute song which as it turns out is a long stream of variations on the main theme. Very cool stuff, and I would imagine that this keeps the tedium of hearing the same main theme well at bay. The vibe of the album is set with this track: the first few tracks are very traditional, with tribal sounds and lots of percussive drums. Then it passes into a sort of Irish folk vibe, with one of my favorite tracks, “Powdered Wig”. This track is really groovy and I really enjoy the way it develops.

The next group of tracks are set in a darker tone, though they are still quite playful and goofy. They give off an almost tribal feeling. These tracks are followed by something completely different though–country music! As something of a closet country music enthousiast, I can dig these tracks. I always think they work well with puzzle games so I’m not that surprised to hear them on this soundtrack, and I definitely approve. “Blocks Up Hoe Down” is my favorite of this group of tracks, as it seems to be the most coherent of the three country-style tracks.

The final 3 tracks are the most modern of the bunch, with some synthesis and guitar grooves making for a much more serious tone. After what amounts to 3 quarters of an album’s worth of silliness, however, this is only sensible and it works really well. Even these tracks are far from morose though, and they still have a jump in their step. However, I have to say that these tracks weren’t able to keep my attention like the previous ten or so could. They just don’t have that melodic hook to them.

The album closes with a real winner titled “Fear Anytime,” which is a fantastic little eerie track that I absolutely adore, and “Ready, Set, Edit” is a warm, mellow track with some great bass grooves and a funky melody. I could see myself building… whatever it is I’d be building to this.

Overall I’d definitely recommend the music, and I’ve become piqued enough to purchase the game as well. Well done on that, Mothersbaugh: you’ve sold EA a game.  The soundtrack is currently available on iTunes via Nettwerk Music Group, so check it out.

To anyone who has tried this game, what do you think of it (and its music)? Leave a comment and let us know!

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