New releases today: Soundtracks

Review: New-York-based double-act Matt Stephenson and live drummer Sean Kelly have carved out a distinctive hole in the wall of alternative music, melding hard rock, breakcore and experimental industrial-electro into a whole unique aesthetic. In the studio, just like the inception of Machine Girl, Matt goes it alone, resulting in some of the most beloved alt albums of the decade (Namely 2014's 'Wlfgrl', a favourite of the underground snob).

Their first soundtrack comes courtesy of Game-Award-nominated speed-focused platformer 'Neon White', a collaboration between Anapurna Studios and Ben Esposito, the mastermind behind 'Donut County'. The game is breakneck, following Neon White as he blasts his way through the realms of heaven in search of the mechanical halo, which allows the wearer to stay in heaven for a year. Set against a vibrant colour palette, the mixture of breakcore, techno and bubbly jungle is a perfect fit for the fast-paced levels that 'The Wicked Heart' scores.

Review: The 21st Century so far has seen to a huge explosion in the esports industry, and League Of Legends, one of the foremost RPGs of said Century, might be said to be this explosion's event horizon, its kamikaze vanguard. LoL's central esports championship is known as Worlds; described as the best and most riveting place for players to come together as one, and compete at the highest level, battling enviously and tirelessly for the crown known as the Summoner's Cup (oh, and several million dollars). So, to complement nearly ten years running of this gargantuan stadium-bound tournament, this new record delves into each year's star theme songs, bringing together the likes of Zedd, Lil Nas X and NewJeans to transport the listener to eternal gamespace glory.

Review: Neon White was released to rave reviews in 2022, receiving multiple nominations and awards and featuring on many 'Best of' lists. This is, by no means a stretch, partly due to the sensational soundtrack that scores the combination of fast-paced speedrun-based platforming and visual novel worldbuilding parts of the game. That OST is the brainchild of Matt Stephenson, the founder of the New York alt duo Machine Girl, inspired mainly by the early works of 'RePorpoised Phantasies' and 'Wlfgrl', which centre mainly around bubbly electro-funk and breakcore cuts.
'The Burn that Cures' contains all of the non-level tracks, that soundtrack the conversations you have with your fellow neons or the ambience of certain realms of heaven that Neon White traverses. Printed on two marbled discs, referencing the adversary's Blue and Neon Green, the cover art is made by none other than artists and lead producer Esposito himself, featuring Neon White and Red in one of many sensual moments throughout the story. A big stand-out track is 'Holy Ground', a late-game track that is as unsettling as it is calming, the ambient synths washing over the ear is heavenly.

Review: Vampire Survivors Vol. 1, the soundtrack to Poncle's indie hit, receives a fitting tribute with this 2xLP vinyl release from iam8bit. Composed by Daniele Zandara and Will Davies, the music perfectly encapsulates the game's blend of roguelike bullet-hell action and gothic aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from classic vampire-slaying franchises while exploring modern soundscapes, the result is a synthesis of epic, nostalgic, and unexpected tunes filled with rad riffs and high-impact drum fills. The vinyl edition, pressed on Blood Splatter Red Vinyl, not only complements the game's theme but also adds a visual dimension to the auditory experience. Illustrator Nimit Malavia's cover art captures the essence of Vampire Survivors, elevating the release to a bodacious and badass masterpiece. iam8bit's commitment to nostalgia and new-wave sensibilities shines through in this release, appealing to fans of retro gaming and contemporary music listeners.