Shnabubula

• Chip Music

  Shooting Stars: Shnabubula’s “Starbound” Released

  June 2, 2012 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on Shooting Stars: Shnabubula’s “Starbound” Released Share this Shooting Stars: Shnabubula’s “Starbound” Released

  

  This past week was blessed with the release of an brand new original digital album by Samuel “Shnabubula” Ascher-Weiss with the debut of Starbound. After wowing us with his last game-tribute release NES Jams back in March, it seems Mr. ‘bubula has been busy whipping up some awesome freshness for the rest of us to enjoy in awe. And I do very much mean AWE.

  Featuring electronic funk and fun progressive chiptune beats, Starbound is every bit shooting for the stars as it alludes to. Although only boasting 5 tracks, this 42-minute album manages to give you real a sense of piloting a flying spaceship in full 8-bit glory whilst blasting away and brightly-colored obstacles. Intense melody and electronic mastery awaits you with this release that, should you know any of Ascher-Weiss’s previous works, shall not disappoint in the least.

  Officially released on Ubiktune and available for download at the beyond-reasonable “Name Your Price” format on Shnabubula’s own Bandcamp page, Starbound is well worth immersing yourself in a spacial world of total musical grandeur.

• Chip Music, Reviews

  NES Classics Revived In Style: Shnabubula’s NES Jams (Review)

  April 1, 2012 | Taylor Brown | Comments Off on NES Classics Revived In Style: Shnabubula’s NES Jams (Review) Share this NES Classics Revived In Style: Shnabubula’s NES Jams (Review)

  

  Many know the name Shnabubula. His virtuosic piano skills coupled with his talent for chip music have been explored in the past in releases such as Free Play and Game Genie, respectively. Now the two come together in NES Jams. This album’s story picks up immediately where Game Genie’s leaves off. A young boy, Tommy, has just defeated his Game Genie, and in its place is a mysterious NES cartridge. Upon placing it in his NES, something wondrous occurs; the message “PREPARE TO JAM” appears and Tommy approaches his brother’s keyboard. Suddenly, the game and his fingers begin to play music together! Now, this is just a brief summation of the album’s story; the real beauty is the album itself.

  Join us on an aural tour through the album’s 11 tracks after the jump. (more…)

• Chip Music, Reviews

  Danimal Cannon’s Chip Music Debut Begins at the ‘Roots,’ Ascends To The Stratosphere (Review)

  December 1, 2011 | Joshua Kopstein | Comments Off on Danimal Cannon’s Chip Music Debut Begins at the ‘Roots,’ Ascends To The Stratosphere (Review) Share this Danimal Cannon’s Chip Music Debut Begins at the ‘Roots,’ Ascends To The Stratosphere (Review)

  

  Around this time last year, I was sitting at my desk, jaw agape, listening to an early recording sent by the inimitable Dan Behrens, lead guitarist of VG cover bands Armcannon and Metroid Metal. It was maybe the 2nd song I’d seen him write under his Danimal Cannon moniker with LSDJ, the popular homebrew tracker for Game Boy that he had begun using in earnest just 2 months prior.

  What I was hearing, however, sounded like the work of a hardened veteran, chock full of masterfully measured dynamics, thoughtfully programmed software instruments and complex, melodic arrangements that could have been played by a 4-piece prog metal band if they didn’t sound so damn good on a Game Boy.

  Now, a year later, I’m similarly stunned by a full-length release that’s staggering in both length and variety, where guitar solos (born of both plucked strings and pulsewaves) soar over a bassline bedrock and into picturesque landscapes of micro-processed progressive, math rock and heavy metal anthem. Combine that with a smattering of live instrumentals and guest appearances from the likes of keyboard virtuoso Shnabubula and you’ve got one hell of a debut chip music album.

  (more…)

• Chip Music, Demoscene

  Ubiktune’s Magic Lamp Continues To Give

  September 21, 2011 | Audun Sorlie | Comments Off on Ubiktune’s Magic Lamp Continues To Give Share this Ubiktune’s Magic Lamp Continues To Give

  

  To say that 2011 has been a good year for independent label Ubiktune would be a gross understatement. Since the earliest months of this year, they have graced us with some of the most fantastic albums across any genre, and with each passing release, the creativity of their contributors as well as the foresight and understanding of consumer preferences continue to grow and improve at ever increasing rates. September has been a real knockout month only halfway through with Impostor Nostalgia‘s retro inspired groove, and of course the official Bloodrayne: Betrayal Soundtrack by none other than Jake “virt” Kaufman.

  With these 2 releases alone, Ubiktune would be able to pat themselves on the back with the most impressive back to back albums in quite some time. But apparently, if you are to be outdone, you should be outdone by yourself. This week, Ubiktune has presented yet 2 more album of the year candidates in Shnabubula’s Game Genie, an incredible SNES prog rock / jazz fusion masterpiece from a deeply interesting mind, and Jay Tholen, a man that could sell you this album on his beard alone, but manages to win one over with a great electronica album that mixes in diversity with the use of live instruments and vocals. As usual with the releases over at Ubiktune, these albums are free, though you can name your own price to support the artists if you feel inclined.

  And no need to wait for preppy Brits to tell you where these albums can be found for your listening pleasure, this shortlegged Viking has got you covered. Head on over to Ubiktune.com and support the amazing creative outlet, at whatever price.

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