As you wander through the ruins, you’re struck by the stark reality of a world that’s been ravaged, where crumbling structures stand as testament to the passage of time, while nature’s resilience is on full display in the form of lush vegetation and vibrant fungal growths reclaiming what was once lost. The hauntingly evocative and tragic realm of insects, where fierce battles persistently lingered in my imagination, was forever etched thanks to Christopher Larkin’s mesmerizing soundtrack? His melodies seemed to instill in prideful enemies an unwavering confidence, as witnessed during the clash against the vainglorious Dung Defender; conversely, his songs would often transport me to a state of introspective melancholy while exploring the ruins of “Metropolis of Tears”. The soundtrack subtly alludes to the allure of curiosity and the possibility of rebirth.
As anticipation builds for the sequel to ‘s highly anticipated game, GameFeeds’ editorial team recently reached out to Larkin with a series of questions exploring his creative journey as part of our Music Meets Games theme week, celebrating the dynamic intersection between music and video games.
The soundtrack to The Legend of Zelda series, especially the music from Ocarina of Time, had a profound impact. As I delved into the distinct soundtracks for various regions of the game, I found myself utterly enthralled by their ability to spark my imagination. I once had a strong appreciation for things that left me feeling uplifted and optimistic.
I drew additional inspiration from the music of Final Fantasy, specifically tracks.
While I’d often prefer to describe it as a standalone work or soundtrack, the reality was that it represented a unique fusion of gaming and music exploration, with each experience building upon the last. The expedition unfolded with a sense of consistent progression. I vaguely remember a level where I heard a piano rendition of “Those Who Battle”, which was featured in . As soon as I listened to this piece, a question persisted in my mind: “Why aren’t they incorporating that model within the sport?” The sonic landscape it presented also served as a portal to exploring the fusion of contemporary classical and videogame music, prompting me to commit to pursuing music studies at a conservatoire following high school.
One notable track is “Mantis Lords,” which draws inspiration from and pays homage to the baroque string instruments’ aesthetic, particularly evident in the works of Antonio Vivaldi. The decision to select this particular group was profoundly influenced by the revered Mantis Lords, a superior breed of mantises renowned for their unwavering dedication to protecting their ancestral village. They’re proud, swift and lethal. The music of Vivaldi is characterized by its swiftness, virtuosity, and precision. While the term “elite” may be debated, it’s undeniable that mastering this type of music demands an extraordinary amount of self-discipline, rigorous study, and unwavering commitment – a trait mirrored in the game’s characters’ unyielding devotion to their craft.
Vivaldi’s Allegro movements in The Four Seasons have long served as the benchmark for orchestral virtuosity, characterized by the innovative use of tremolo strings and harpsichord timbres to evoke vivid sonic landscapes.
Among my earliest directives as I embarked on this project was to craft a rating that exuded an aura of mournful grandeur, effortlessly capturing the essence of something both poignant and sublime. The world you have discovered is undoubtedly plagued by turmoil and unrest. As soon as the once-affluent kingdom began to fall into disrepair. To achieve a consistent tone, certain instrumental choices have been deliberately implemented. I collaborated with a skilled violist, Tim Cheel, to craft the viola parts, utilizing a range of comfortable pianos in the process. A diverse array of instruments, including the flute, oboe, cor anglais, strings, brass, and organ, complemented by Amelia Jones’ captivating vocals. While the score doesn’t rely heavily on grandiose orchestrations at all times, it still knows when to make a bold statement.
The choice of instrument in music often stems from a specific aspect of a particular musical genre or style, which sparks the musician’s preference for that instrument. I ascended the Soul Sanctum accompanied by the soothing tones of the organ, whose reverberations evoked a sense of reverence reminiscent of the area’s scholarly past. Meanwhile, my usual affinity for nature-inspired instruments – think harp and marimba – remained a constant, reflecting my connection to the world around me.
Progress on Loads is currently underway, and I’m thrilled to share the updates as soon as possible.
