Fear of the Heavens

Let’s get right into the thick of it this week as we discover the wild and wonderful analog synth cover of Hiroki Kikuta’s beloved soundtrack to Secret of Mana -- Switched On: Secret of Mana by Switched On SNES (Will Patterson). Pressed on green and white marble & transparent gold by Subtropic Records, Will’s own publishing label, this release is also available on standard black vinyl. Right out of the 16bit era to your turntable, this love letter to one of the greatest RPGs on the Super Nintendo is here to enamor you once more. From cartridge to turntable, this is one nostalgia trip that you do not want to miss.

Into the Thick of It

Secret of Mana is quite possibly one of my favorite games ever. It’s soundtrack is something that I know holds a special place in the hearts of many, including my own. Make no mistake, the compositions on this album are something of an entirely different breed. The work that Will has achieved here is extremely and absolutely special. The composer has given the listener the ability to relive the music in a new way, all while being so wholly familiar. This additional care and craftsmanship will be noticed even for first-time listeners. From smooth and fluttering tones to pulse pounding bass, the definition and character that is added to Mr. Kikuta’s original arrangements creates an entirely new and prismatic facet that truly lives up to and respects the momentous and, quite frankly, generation-defining music that it is.