🔥The Tunes of June
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🔥The Tunes of June
Your selection of the very best video game music of June 2023
The summer will be hot. It already is, actually. And I'm not saying that because I'm writing these lines, sweating like an animal in the dimness of my office with the curtains drawn 20 hours a day. No, I'm talking about the absurd number of new releases that await us in the coming weeks.
I mean, you've probably noticed it yourself by following the 'non-E3' conferences. Not a week will go by without a game tempting our wallets. Well, I won’t complain about it. And believe me, if you don't have time to play everything, you can count on me to dissect the soundtracks of all these upcoming summer titles.
Before diving into this month's selection, I would like to mention Origami. Launched by Gautoz, Héloïse Linossier, Le Père Fidalbion, Moguri, and Sylvain 'Hoopy' Tastet, Origami is a new French media outlet dedicated to video games (but not only) that needs funding to sustain itself. Its launch is already secured thanks to the generosity of over 3,200 people. However, The fuller their pockets, the more great projects can emerge. If you can, please contribute ❤️
Secondly, I would also like to welcome to Substack
, Canard PC's new publication. A sort of 2.0 version of their newsletter, Le Cri du Lapin, Le Pavé Numérique expands its horizons and will focus more on tech in a broad sense, providing a platform for new voices to emerge. Subscribe away!To conclude this (too) long introduction, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Mat Ombler for featuring NOWPLAYING in the latest issue of GXM, the podcast dedicated to the VGM industry that he co-hosts with Tom Quillsfeldt. I highly recommend giving it a listen!
The best soundtracks of June 2023
Huge thanks to
for composing the intro for this medley. Go check out the first mixtape they released on their label!Decarnation - Corentin Brasart, Akira Yamaoka, ALT 236, AL9000, Fleur et Bleue
PC, Switch
Decarnation, developed in France by Atelier QDB
Few games have fascinated me as much as Decarnation. First introduced with a French pop tune, the psychological thriller by Atelier QDB quickly revealed that it was none other than Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill) who would be partly in charge of the soundtrack. And to accompany him? None other than Corentin Brasart (Night Call, Flat Eye), the videographer Alt 236 and his accomplice AL 9000.
I devoured the game in one evening, mesmerized by the fate of this cabaret dancer in 1990s Paris plagued by terrifying nightmares. But what will remain in my memory is certainly not the haunting melodies of master Yamaoka. It is indeed the songs of Fleur et Bleue.
A duo composed of Nathan and Clémence, Fleur et Bleue produces a somewhat outdated, just sweet enough French song. Above all, they pay surgical attention to melodies that will stick with you - I assure you - long after the game is over. It's a delightful contrast between visual horror and musical lightness that really resonates with me. I refrain from suggesting the song "Génération Palmier," which is my favorite, simply to let you have the pleasure of discovering it in the game. But for that, Tout Dépend de Toi (“it all depends on you”, in French).
Listen to the entire soundtrack on the platform of your choice (volume 1, volume 2)
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie- Lena Raine
PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, developed in France by Don’t Nod
It's not every day that we get to listen to a new album by Lena Raine, Mick Gordon, and Olivier Deriviere (which I didn’t particularly liked this time – it happens). However, this month, we have the chance to, starting with the latest production from the fantastic composer responsible for the music of Celeste and Chicory.
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a rather unconventional project compared to Raine's usual style. It's a visual novel developed by the French studio Dontnod (known for Remember Me, Life is Strange, and the upcoming Jusant). I must admit that at times, I struggled to recognize her signature style. It's worth noting that her music in this context serves more as an illustration rather than a driving force in the narrative.
Nevertheless, I found satisfaction in a few selected tracks where her musical prowess is allowed more freedom of expression. I'm particularly drawn to the distinct synth sound, which is very prominent in the featured track above.
Listen to the entire soundtrack on the platform of your choice.
Dordogne - Supernaive
PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Dordogne, developed in France by Un Je ne Sais Quoi
We're kind of blessed by French indies these days. After Decarnation stole the spotlight this edition, it was important for me to tell you about Dordogne. Also the first game from its studio, it has the particularity of adopting a breathtaking watercolor style.
But Dordogne is not just a pretty face. This story of a young adult returning to their grandmother's house in the hope of reviving scattered memories touched me. And, as you might expect, the soundtrack by Supernaive won me over.
If this name is familiar to you, it's for a good reason. This French electro duo already has a cool career behind them, with two albums and, most importantly, a groundbreaking EP: Dazed and Confused, released in 2017. As a transmedia project, this soundtrack has the excellent taste of enlisting the services of saxophonist Joseph Shabason and giving Léo Mirage (the sister of Supernaive's members) her first opportunity to sing on a record.
Listen to the entire soundtrack on the platform of your choice.
Mars First Logistics - Dan Golding
PC
Mars First Logistics, developed in Australia by Shape Shop
I'm not particularly a fan of "work games." These are titles where we are asked to optimize resource gathering and automate the production of various items. Needless to say, Mars First Logistics was not on my wishlist. That is, until I saw the name Dan Golding in the game's music credits.
The Australian composer is best known for the soundtrack of Untitled Goose Game, a delightful album of arrangements of Claude Debussy's Preludes. As you can imagine, the atmosphere here is completely different. Dan Golding offers a 12-track instrumental pop album straight out of the 80s.
It's a pleasantly outdated package that blends perfectly with the cell-shaded graphics of Shape Shop's game.
Listen to the entire soundtrack on the platform of your choice.
Diablo IV - Derek Duke, Leo Kaliski, Ted Reedy, Ryan Amon,
PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Diablo IV, developed in the US by Blizzard Entertainment
Regardless of your feelings about Diablo IV, I believe we can collectively agree on one point: never before has the franchise been so masterfully scored.
In my opinion, the Diablo IV OST surpasses everything that has been done before. This in no way diminishes the merit of Matt Uelmen, who laid down immutable foundations upon which our troupe of composers builds breathtaking soundscapes.
When one thinks of Diablo, it is primarily those sustained notes of the twelve-string guitar that come to mind. The theme of Nevesk pays a strong homage to it. However, it is the violins of Kyovashad that I have chosen to highlight for their radically different contribution to the game's sound atmosphere. It has been a long time since I stopped playing just to savor the music of a place. And I challenge you not to be covered in chills while listening to this track.
Listen to the entire soundtrack on the platform of your choice.
Wrestlequest - Michanary
(Coming soon) PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Wrestlequest, developed in the US by Mega Cat Stuidios
At first glance, Wrestlequest may seem a bit silly, but it hides a meticulously crafted pixel art RPG set in the world of wrestling. The game does not yet have a release date, but Mega Cat Studios thought it wise to give us a taste of the finished product by releasing the complete soundtrack.
As you might expect, since the game is in my selection, it's a delightful surprise! Michanary takes hip-hop influences and injects a generous dose of mariachi music, which, although somewhat clichéd, beautifully complements this wacky RPG.
The soundtrack of Wrestlequest is quite extensive, with 35 tracks in total, ranging from heavy rock tunes (Down for the Count) to acoustic guitar melodies that could almost bring a tear to our eyes (Contemplation). You'll also find funk and even some Lo-Fi. Surprising, as promised.
Listen to the entire soundtrack on the platform of your choice.
Love Shore - 1x4x44r, Ntoropi
PC, Xbox
Love Shore, developed in the US by Perfect Garbage
Its name leaves no room for doubt, and its trailer certainly got us all thirsty during the "non-E3" conferences. Love Shore is a visual novel in which you can play as either Sam or Farah, embarking on a quest for love in a city with pronounced cyberpunk vibes. It also involves solving a few mysteries and even confronting deities. Quite the program! But what interests us here is the incredibly crafted sound design provided by Perfect Garbage for the game.
I must express my gratitude to the studio, and specifically to 1x4x44r, for introducing me to the witch house genre. Also known as shedfromthebody, she’s a Finnish producer operating within this very distinctive subgenre of electronic music.
Traces of it can be found here and there in the excellent Love Shore soundtrack. However, for the most part, expect ambient tracks that are both immersive and unsettling. In either case, prepare to be transported.
Listen to the entire soundtrack on the platform of your choice.
Atomic Heart, Vol.2 - Boogrov, Palina, Mick Gordon, Zoanoid, Anton Mikhailov & ali
PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Atomic Heart, developed in Russia by Mundfish
Nearly three months after the game's release and the first volume of its original soundtrack, Mundfish has now released the missing piece. This installment was particularly anticipated as it includes the tracks composed by Mick Gordon (known for DOOM and Prey), which the Russian studio partially relied on for their marketing. And... how can I put it?
Out of the 32 tracks on this album, only five are actually attributed to the Australian composer. And to be frank, they're not the best ones. So, there was a lot of noise surrounding this game, but we're used to it.
No, what ultimately captivated me were the tracks signed by Boogrov, a Russian producer with influences that blend folk and electronic elements, perfectly fitting the game's atmosphere. It may not jump out at you here, since I preferred to highlight a very techno, club-infused piece.
Listen to the entire soundtrack on the platform of your choice.
DJ Max Respect V Extension IV - TAK, Sobrem, ND Lee, Mr.Funky, Purple J et ali.
PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
DJ Max Respect, developed in South Korea by Neowiz
I wouldn't dare to give you a detailed description of DJ Max Respect. Let's just say that it's possibly one of the most popular rhythm games in the world. Released in 2017, the fifth installment of the franchise recently received a major add-on pack called Extension IV.
After listening to these 20 tracks, I mostly regretted not getting into the franchise earlier. It's simple: I loved almost everything I heard. Naturally, you can expect something quite energetic. The bangers may not be particularly original on their own, but they fit perfectly with what you'd expect from a music game from South Korea.
One track, in particular, stands out, especially in terms of its sound. Written and performed by Daisuke Kurosawa, it leans less towards electro or future funk and more towards highly energetic prog rock. Not surprising, considering that the guy boasts winning a guitar contest organized by the band Dream Theater in the early 2000s. He also worked for nine years in the Konami Sound Team under the pseudonym 96 (Kuro).
Listen to the entire soundtrack on the platform of your choice.
Trepang² - Brandon McKagan
PC
Trepang², développé au Canada par Trepang Studio
In the French version of this newsletter, I make a very (yeah) good joke based upon a classic French film called Brice de Nice. I feel sorry for you that it doesn’t work out in English. But just know that this games right here implies a lot of dropkicks, endless slides, and dual-wielding shotguns.
Let's make things clear: Trepang² is a completely self-proclaimed offspring of F.E.A.R. A truly memorable FPS that, strangely enough, didn't spawn many successors over the years. Therefore, it's a work filled with nostalgia that the eponymous studio (four persons only) presents to us, managing to inject a few good ideas into the formula nonetheless. For more details, I refer you to the review by my friend Citizen Erased, who talks about it much better than I could.
As for the music, we have a newcomer. And let me tell you, he immediately enters the top 5 of careers that I will follow with great interest. Hailing from Ohio, Brandon McKagan seems like a reserved young man who has a lot to express. "This is basically what if TimeSplitters was scored by Mick Gordon," summarized journalist Mat Ombler for me. Couldn't have said it better myself.
Listen to the entire soundtrack on Bandcamp.
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Vinyl news roundup
Many exciting announcements this month. But I can't help but mention Citizen Sleeper once again. Stumpy Frog, the vinyl distributor in collaboration with Lost In Cult, has just launched its own variant. Visit their website to reserve your copy, which comes with a variety of tasteful goodies! Deliveries are scheduled for the end of the year, with a total cost of €59.
Next, head over to Fangamer Europe, which is finally adding some highly anticipated titles to its catalog. In particular, I'm referring to the fantastic Celeste boxset, priced at €139 (+€5 for shipping).
Surprise announcement: The Callisto Protocol soundtrack by Finishing Move will be pressed on vinyl. You can find it at Center Stage, with a cost of $49 plus $16 for shipping. It is also distributed by Black Screen Records.
Another major release of the month: SpaceLab 9 is finally launching its 4LP boxset of music from the Dragon Age franchise. This massive collection, showcased by stunning artwork, will be delivered in November for $115, with $69 for shipping to Europe. It's a consistent pattern with the American label. You can save in shipping costs by preordering from BioWare directly right here.
I didn't even have to hear the music in the game to pre-order: the soundtrack for Dordogne by the French group Supernaive has already been announced on Bigwax. It comes in two editions (€39 or €59), with the Deluxe edition including a 16-page booklet and a more stylized cover. Shipment is expected at the end of September. Also available from Very Ok Vinyl and Black Screen.
Staying with Bigwax, one of last month's major releases has just arrived there. It's the latest release from Laced Record: Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus and its outstanding OST (already streamed over 12 million times on Spotify). It is priced at €45 (+€8 for shipping). Delivery is scheduled for October.
Note that if you want to combine orders, this same Mechanicus is also distributed by Black Screen Records among many new releases: Cassette Beasts, Traveler: A Journey Symphony, Mortal Kombat I+II, Mortal Kombat 3, Mortal Kombat 4, God of War, The Oregon Trail, Tales From The Spoony Bard / Hymn Of The Crystals (Final Fantasy IV arrangements), Minecraft Alpha & Minecraft Beta, Bear and Breakfast.
Good news for anyone who fell under the spell of Super Lesbian Animal RPG, for it’s soundtrack by Beatrix Quinn is going physical! It’ll cost 45$ from Turtle Pals and is expected to ship in September.
At Limited Run, fans of puzzle games can get their hands on the Q.U.B.E. 2 soundtrack composed by David Housden. The disc is in stock and can be shipped immediately for $29 plus $12 for shipping.
We didn’t get to listen to the whole thing yet, but Capcom just announced the release of the Street Fighter 6 soundtrack on CD in September. It will be available on their official website and on CD-Japan for 50€ (shipping included). The OST (and its 286 tracks) will also hit the streaming platforms late July.
Lastly, we should also mention that pre-orders have opened for the Guilty Gear soundtrack at ShipToShore. Note that the label has already announced that the Guilty Gear Strive soundtrack vinyl will be revealed soon.