LogFAQs > #956244918

42. Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City - Unrest - The End of the Raging Waves
I've never really been big on this song. The intense FM synth feels oppressive, but not in a good way. I also feel like I get lost in the song (again, not in a good way) - there doesn't seem to be a clear "direction" for me to follow. That said, I do like some parts, especially the little backing melody that permeates the song thats a highlight. However, there are other songs from this game I enjoy way more, particularly Labyrinth III Cavern of Splendor. Honestly if I redid these rankings based solely on today, this would be a lot lower (its currently a 6).

vs.

27. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner - Beyond the Bounds
This is a very solid song. I like the strings, I like the vocals. I really dont have much to say, and maybe thats because Ive listened to this one so many times, for so many years. Its like an old friend. Im glad it got in and Im glad its doing well and Ill be voting for it today!

and

34. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd - Dreamy and Boisterous Holy Land
An ominous intro gives way to an intense, guitar-driven song. I said in my writeup for Glessing Way! that I tend to find Falcom songs like this a bit indistinguishable, but maybe Trails is a different beast than Ys, because I really like this one. 1:50 is a real highlight, lots of little evolutions the song takes. The guitar works really well with the other instruments, particularly the organ, and the result is a great intense track I can really sink my teeth into. Definitely a Falcom highlight for me this year.

vs.

20. Pokkn Tournament - Tellur Town (Autumn)
Speaking of unexpected highlights, I didnt expect to like this one at all, with its somewhat high-pitched strings. But I genuinely like it! Its got a nice Celtic vibe, energetic but an average tempo. The strings are the dominant instrument and they show off the melody nicely (or maybe the melody shows off the strings???). I love this match because both of these songs, on paper, go against my typical taste, but the fact that I really like both of them is proof of the VGMC miracle, that going into matches with an open mind can lead to wonders.

and

50. Pokmon Super Mystery Dungeon - Gentle Slope Cave
My favorite part of this song is the intro, with light percussion and some sort of bagpipe-like instrument. It conjures images of exploring a world thats open and exciting but also a little threatening at the same time. I also really like 1:20, where the song briefly changes tones to something a little more forlorn. This isnt my favorite Pokemon song in the contest its not even my favorite Pokemon song today but I respect what it does, and the mood it evokes.

vs.

24. Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure - Sight of Silence
Pretty sure this is the first round 3 song so far that Ive used in a guessing game. Sight of Silence throws the whole kitchen sink into the mix its jazzy, with groovy slap bass, but its also got some marimba (or xylophone?) action, and theres some nifty synths that evoke the best of Lena Raine. Plus piano! Who doesnt love piano? It all comes together nicely for me. Ive been meaning to check out the Gurumin soundtrack; the three songs I know and enjoy from it all sound very different (the two VGMCers and Bomber Girl).

One thing thats a little worrisome I have eleven 9s left in the contest (and one 10). Only two of them are in Bracket A (my top two! Gulp). Which makes me worried...are they all in the same division?

Votes:
Beyond the Bounds
Tellur Town (Autumn)
Sight of Silence