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Age of Mythology
12.2.2002
Soundtracks
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Music composed by Kevin McMullan and Stephen Rippy
Label: Sumthing Else Music Works
Availability:
Amazon.com / synSONIQ Records

One of Microsoft's biggest releases in 2002, Age of Mythology definitely deserves this official soundtrack release. The music is a cultural conglomerate of some of the coolest sounding percussion and native instruments, touting skilled rhythmic patterns and simple yet compelling melodies that create an atmosphere suitable to this epic title.

It seems only natural that a game featuring some of the most ancient and powerful gods of mythology should borrow music from those ancient cultures, but in reality, not much (if any) of the cultures' music has survived these long years. It has been up to Age of Mythology's composers Stephen Rippy and Kevin McMullan to recreate some of that mystique - but with a distinctly modern flair and a decent sense of humor.

The list of instruments is pretty impressive (not to mention a 70 piece orchestra on several tracks) but in one sense, this multi-cultural hodgepodge starts to seem absurd. Ney flutes and Indian tabla begin to merge with a toy piano and (doth my ears deceive me?) a banjo - on top of the selection of guitar, some innovative analog and synthesized electronic effects, and some pretty solid backbeats. Heck, even the most energetic track, the opening title theme, is called "A Cat Named Mittens". It seems that the project's composers are taking it with a light, creative air.

Purists might see this soundtrack as a bastardization of traditional instruments while others might see this as a fusion of world instruments into a new sound. I believe that masters of their craft such as Talvin Singh - a world-renowned tabla player who has collaborated with numerous other electronic and folk artists - will encourage this type of instrumental and stylistic blending. It raises a point that perhaps video game music has a unique ability to fly under the radar - styles which may seem taboo to experienced classical composers are open to further creative interpretation in the often daring, experimental, and in this case playful, electronic realm of the video game soundtrack Sadly, the game world also features a lot of bland, rushed music, which is why this release is very encouraging.

Above all, the sense of space in the soundtrack is excellent - the composers create a very large, mystical atmosphere. It is the perfect way to present the wide array of instruments, giving each its own space. Panning and spatialization techniques cue sounds from all around one's head, and listening with a nice pair of headphones is quite an enriching experience. One feels submerged in the sounds that Rippy and McMullan have brought together.

Whether you find the soundtrack moving and deeply spiritual, or mere background music to an excellent game, it is clear that there is a lot of merit in what the two musicians have created here (on their first effort at such a mix, nonetheless). Even with titles like "If You Can Use A Doorknob", their music is quite a serious endeavor and points to great things in the future of game music. By the way, if you found Track 2 very moving, as I did, you'll get a laugh at its title - "Eat Your Potatoes".

While the soundtrack touches on a new revolution in music, it still leaves something to be desired. It has been restricted by its purpose as mere "background" music - and the melodies contained within lack any real bold or innovative purpose. Egyptian songs are bound by the "typical" Egyptian mode. Instruments are confined by the rhythmic patterns - very rigid and afraid to break free. Even the flute, one of the most expressive instruments, seems bound to a simple harmonization on track 7, Slaysenflite. One can listen and sense that some of these melodies long to break free, but are waiting patiently for another time. Even the use of vocals in the soundtrack's orchestral selections seems timid. It can be frustratingbut it is still worth listening to! These restrictions seem understandable because of the purpose of music in games, but I would love to hear more of what these guys can do. In all, the Age of Mythology soundtrack is an experience that should not be missed. It's easily one of my favorite soundtracks from this past year, and it's hard to get that "Chocolate Outline" out of my head.

Jay Semerad

 
 
    2.20.2007
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    1.2.2006
Interview with Age of Empires III lead composer Stephen Rippy
    11.22.2005
Sumthing Else releases Age of Empires III Original Soundtrack
 
 
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