#theburntmango

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ph00t's Favorites 2/4 - 17

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.

Vaceslav - Porcelain Doll

It's kinda weird to see the names Injustrial and Vaceslav in the same place. Injustrial's style is intentionally harsh and forboding, where Vaceslav tends towards a smoother, melodic style. Understandably, this cover is totally different from its source material. While, in the original, the screams of "I hate you," feel more, well, hateful, Vaceslav's interpretation sounds mournful. I love the total change in mood; makes for a very interesting listen.

L-Train - Seaponies

The Seapony theme as surf rock is kind of an obvious interpretation. So why is L-Train the first, and really only person to make a concerted go at it? It's easy enough to appreciate this tune just on the strength of it being a call-back to some oldschool pony lore, but don't forget to pay attention to the solo. L-Train's musicianship is always worth a good listen.

Dalken Starbyne - Phases

I like the way this tune really slowly develops and changes character over the course of the tune. The thematic parallel to the Moon dovetails with the establishment of Luna as the subject in the lyrics. Dalken Starbyne's voice is smooth as silk, and his style complements the tune's droning nature quite well.

Sprocket ft. A Whole Lot of Bronies - TESTIPONY

It's really cool that Sprocket put this out there. I'm not really putting this one in this because of the music. It's excellent, to be sure, and the orchestration really supplements the impact of the words. But the reason I'm posting this here, is because, honestly, it's nice to be reminded of the power of this show, and this fandom, to truly do good things. While it's easy to get caught up in the drama, and fine-grained analysis, songs like this remind us that we're all here to hold onto that little bit of joy, and share it with each other.

Resonant Waves ft. Captainfluffaton - The Temple of Life

The atmosphere in this tune is absolutely phenomenal. I'm always blown away, and rather humbled, by how effortlessly ambient artists like these two guys can fill a space with a handful of well-designed synths and samples. My favorite parts of the tune are the percussive sound that seems to be coming from behind the head, and the slightly distorted pad that closes the tune out. They really round the tune out for me.

idkQuicksilver, Vaceslav, and Guitarbrony13 - Paranoia

I think I've said it, but in general growls tend not to do it for me. This tune is a rare exception, though. In part because of the detail in the instrumentation, especially the pad design in the breakdown, and the guitar work and edits in the climax. This is also a pretty massive collaboration, so I have to appreciate that, as well.

TenderFlutter - Tu Presencia

Before I really even know that I won't understand a word of this tune, the drum programming kinda has me sold. While I don't know Spanish all that well, I do know that I love TenderFlutter's singing, and I can definitely appreciate his decision to use several instruments from his home country's culture. More than anything, I love to see music from all over the planet represented in our humble fandom.

TheBurntMango - Past the Summer Clouds

Okay, so it's some feelgood music about Rainbow Dash. It stands to reason I'm going to like it. But this is some really good stuff regardless. Melodically, this tune captures that side of Rainbow Dash that we rarely see, but that everyone knows is there. I love when that's the focus of the tune. I also love the oh-so-subtle pad that follows the piano's sustain, giving the tune its airy atmosphere.

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ph00t's Favorites 9/17 - 9/30

Our staff member ph00tbag (AKA Sonic Rainboom) wanted to give a shout out to a lot of very special tracks this week.

Seven Ponies - Fluttersky (Ponytronic Remix)

Ponytronic does some really interesting stuff with dynamics in the first minute or so of this remix. He leads into a really chilled out version of the tune, which is fun, but I'm a big fan of how he changes the tune up in the B section. And he brings the temp up here, too, to add a bit of energy to the climax, which is something a lot of musicians forget is an option, unfortunately.

WoodLore - One Day You'll Remember Me

Sometimes it's the little things that really make a tune for me. I really love the arpeggio on the electric piano in One Day You'll Remember Me, especially in the chorus. I feel like it really complements the vocal portion. WoodLore also cheated by making this tune about Best Pony, so that I'd be more inclined to feature him here. Sneaky.

Maressey - Luna in a Coma

The Maressy project has been a lot of fun to follow, even as someone who never really kept up with the Smiths, because of all the great names that it drew together. Faux Synder blew me away with her singing in this tune. Her tone suits the rest of the tune perfectly.

Levi Ackerman - The Spark

I love the sound effect that starts this tune off. It's a sign that you're about to be hit with some heavy duty acid trance riffs. Ackerman does a particularly great job in the design of his acid synths, and as I'm sure you're all aware, I love me some juicy acid synth riffs.

Starfall - Heartland

Little known fact: I have family from Nebraska, and even spent a year or two of my childhood there. That in mind, I've been brought up with an appreciation of the "Heartland," and its aesthetics. This tune really evokes a lot of that for me. I hear this and I can see the undulations of prarie grass stretching off to the horizon. It's very moving, for me.

TheBurntMango - Element of Magic

Twilight Sparkle has been on one hell of a journey as she's grown from Celestia's student into a Princess in her own right, and the Element of Magic has been her guide throughout. TheBurntMango's composition here feels like it covers the whole journey, evoking the pain and joy in equal measure.

Whydidimakeasongabouthorses - Tricks up My Sleeve (Cover)

I love the complete shift in style in this cover. It runs through the whole tune. Rather than old 808 and Yamaha samples, it's guitar, banjo and accordian. And whereas Barr's performance was sultry, in the style of RnB, Whydidimakeasongabouthorses sings with a rawer, more punk rock style. The production is more raw, too, which completes the stylistic reimagining.

TenderFlutter - Somewhere Up Here

As mentioned, I'm a fan of any tune involving Rainbow Dash. I really like the pads in the chorus of this tune especially. They wash over like waves in the ocean. There's also some really interesting stuff happening in the bridge with the hard panned synth rhythm. I know it's tough to keep up with all the brony artists out there, but TenderFlutter looks to be another one to look out for.