The Music Behind: Persona 5

Persona 5 has been one of the most anticipated games in recent years. The follow up to the incredibly successful Persona 4 released in 2008, fans have been itching for a chance to re-enter the world of Persona for nine years. Released to worldwide critical acclaim earlier this year it’s safe to say it was well worth the wait for Persona 5.

A role-playing JRPG, the game follows the protagonist as they move to a new town and begin adjusting to life in a new high school. Leading your high school life in the day and choosing how to spend your time in the evening, whether it be hanging out with your pals, heading to the batting cages or studying, gives the game a quality similar to the SIMs series. The action kicks in as the story unfolds and you’re introduced to the metaverse – a twisted take on the real world – where you, along with your friends and Morgana, a talking cat who appears to have avid knowledge of this other world, embark on missions as a phantom thief to steal people hearts and uncover their greatest desires.

With a brilliant story-line, an array of well-written characters and utterly beautiful presentation (even the menu selection screens are filled with graphics bursting with style and colour) it’s no wonder Persona 5 is a big contender for 2017’s game of the year. The music, however, personally makes the game for me.

Composed and arranged by Shoji Meguro, the sound director for the entire Persona series. Meguro has described the soundtrack as a ‘single continuous work’ mentioning that it flows a lot more in comparison to the past two games in the series. The opening theme ‘Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There’ is sung by jazz/soul musician Lyn Inaizumi, who also contributed vocals on numerous other songs, it is her first performance in a video game.

The games soundtrack was released in Japan on January 17th, 2017. The album featured 110 songs in total, spanning three discs. A special addition of the soundtrack with selected tracks was later released in North America and Europe, included as part of the collector’s edition of the game. The release is titled ‘Persona 5 – Sounds of the Rebellion’.

Meguro focused heavily on incorporating acid jazz elements to the score to express the mood of the game, this is displayed throughout the upbeat main theme ‘Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There’. Other highlights of the soundtrack include the haunting ‘The Poem of Everyone’s Souls’ that scores one of the game’s most prominent aspects, The Velvet Room. Meguro also bought in a hard rock influence for the games boss battle’s as he felt this would convey the struggle between the protagonist and a powerful enemy, this shines through most in the song ‘Last Surprise’. 

Filled with fire, wonder and variety the music brings an enriching element to the game that seems would be lost otherwise and only enhances the already brilliant gaming experience. Not only is Persona 5 one of the strongest game releases of 2017 but the OST is one of the best composed game soundtracks in recent years. 

                                              'Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There' 

'The Poem of Everyone's Souls' 

'Last Surprise' 

The Music Behind: ‘Wentworth Prison’

Music within visual media is something that has always played as a big interest to me. Knowing that even the simplest piece of sound has the power to completely change the atmosphere of a scene, create brand new elements for the viewer such as suspense and fear, and, to make an already emotional story-line hit even harder. As it’s something that’s peaked my interest for quite a while I thought the best thing to do would be to combine it with my writing, so, with this piece I’ll be starting a series of articles that dissect and outline some of the music heard throughout various TV shows and films.

Since the long-awaited and hugely anticipated fifth series of Australian drama Wentworth Prison, one of my personal favourite shows, aired on Tuesday night; it seemed like the perfect show to start with.

Note: this article WILL contain spoilers.

On the Inside – Lynne Hamilton 

Originally written for Prisoner Cell Block H, the drama series that Wentworth is based on, ‘On the Inside’ was cleverly slotted into the first episode of Wentworth as the audience are introduced to antagonist Jacs Holt for the first time. Holt is heard singing a verse of ‘On the Inside’ as Bea Smith is first placed into solitary confinement. The song was initially used as the main theme for the original Prisoner series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TC38KlmnSo

Walking into Doors – Archie Roach

‘Walking into Doors’ was recorded by Australian singer-songwriter Archie Roach and released on his 1992 album ‘Jamu Dreaming’. The song details the experience and emotions felt by a woman who is involved in an abusive relationship, much like the relationship Bea has with her husband in the show. The track is played as Bea reflects, and the viewers see for the first time, on how and why she ended up inside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsxbe1jtE8U

Who Shot the Bird Down – Kathryn Rollins

Kathryn Rollins in a recording artist from Melbourne, Australia. ‘Who Shot the Bird Down’ is taken from her debut EP ‘Reckless’, released in 2013. She followed this with her second EP ‘Slow Traction’ in 2015. ‘Who Shot the Bird Down’ is played during the end of the third episode of season one, in an emotional scene where Franky Doyle confronts her past and her relationship with her father.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvAnJrGUTSk

Jungle – Emma Louise

‘Jungle’ was released on March 31^st, 2011 by Australian singer-songwriter Emma Louise. It was taken from her debut EP ‘Full Hearts & Empty Rooms’. The song went on to chart is various countries including number 5 on the UK singles chart and number 3 on the French singles chart. ‘Jungle’ is played during episode nine of season one, as the inmates of Wentworth are holding a memorial service for Bea’s daughter, Debbie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy6k9U5E8UQ

Home – Daughter

Daughter are an indie-folk band from London, England. Formed in 2010 they have currently released four EPS and two albums. ‘Home’ is taken from the band’s second EP ‘The Wild Youth’, released in 2011. The song is used during the final scenes of season three as it is revealed that Kaz Proctor is now a new inmate in Wentworth as she shares a standoff glance with now top dog Bea.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNQASi28tIg

Top Five: Musical Theatre Cast Recordings

Musical Theatre has been a strong point of interest for me for the past few years. Upon recently learning that I’m taking a trip to New York for my birthday (thanks mum) where it’s beyond guaranteed that I’ll be catching at least one Broadway show, this seemed like the perfect time to write about some of my favourite musical theatre albums.

Waitress: Original Broadway Cast Recording

Based on the 2006 film of the same name, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress stuck in an unhappy marriage to her bullying husband Earl. After unexpecting falling pregnant Jenna sets her sights on a pie contest and its grand prize to escape and make a new life for her and her baby.

Opening just over a year ago, Waitress is currently one of the most successful Broadway productions. Waitress is the first production to have an exclusively all-women’s creative team behind it with music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Starring tony-award winner Jessie Mueller, Waitress originally made its Broadway debut in April 2016 with the original cast recording following in June.

With a magnificent score including ‘Opening Up’, ‘Everything Changes’ and the heart-wrenching ‘She Used to Be Mine’ the Waitress cast recording is a must-listen for any musical theatre fan.

School of Rock the Musical – Original Broadway Cast Recording

School of Rock the Musical is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most recent venture. An adaption of the 2003 hit film starring Jack Black, the story follows Dewey Finn, an out-of-work rock musician who ends up pretending to be a substitute teacher at a very prestigious school. Dewey is quick to form a band with his students and attempts to win a battle of the bands competition.

The production opened on Broadway in December 2015 and made its West End premiere in November 2016. The original Broadway cast recording was released on December 5^th 2015, just a day before the musical’s opening night. Featuring Alex Brightman and Sierra Boggess as Dewey Finn and Rosalie Mullins, respectively. One of the standout elements of School of Rock is that the show features a children’s ensemble who play instruments live throughout the show, members of the original Broadway cast recorded several instrumental parts on the cast recording.

Including songs such as ‘You’re in the Band’, ‘Where Did the Rock Go’ and ‘Stick It To The Man’ School of Rock’s cast recording is bound to get you rocking.

Miss Saigon: Live from the Prince Edward Theatre

Miss Saigon tells the tale of Kim, who was orphaned by war, and, an American GI called Chris. Soon after meeting the two fall in love but their lives are quickly torn apart by the fall of Saigon. With music and lyrics by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil, the team beside Les Miserables, Miss Saigon is one of the most renowned productions around the world.

The West End revival premiered in May 2014 at the Prince Edward Theatre. The revival cast included Eva Noblezada as Kim, Jon Jon Briones as the Engineer and Alistair Brammer as Chris. A 25^th anniversary gala performance was held on the 22^nd of September 2014 which featured many members of the original West End production joining the current cast for a special finale. The performance was recorded and released in its entirety on News Years Day 2014 with a live DVD released in late 2016.

Featuring stellar performances of songs including ‘The Movie in my Mind’, ‘Last Night of the World’ and ‘I’d Give My Life for You’ the definitive recording of Miss Saigon is an incredible listen, and, with the production just opening on Broadway featuring Eva Noblezada, Jon Jon Briones and Alistair Brammer reprising their roles America is definitely in for a treat.

Wicked – Original Broadway Cast Recording

Wicked is the untold story of the witches of OZ, based on the Gregory Maguire novel; The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. With music and lyrics by Stephan Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The story is told from the perspective of two unlikely friends; Elphaba; the wicked witch of the west, and, Glinda; the good witch of the north. The story begins before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and continues after.

Wicked opened on Broadway in October 2003 starring Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda. The West End production opened three years later, in September 2006. As of 2017 Wicked is one of the most long-running productions on both Broadway and the West End, running for 13 years in New York and 10 years in London. Since its inception, the production has toured in many places across the world including Australia, Manila, Singapore, the UK and North America.

The original Broadway cast recording was released on December 16^th 2003. Featuring the likes of ‘The Wizard & I’, ‘Dancing Through Life’ and the anthemic ‘Defying Gravity’ it’s no wonder Wicked has achieved such critical acclaim.

Kinky Boots – Original West End Recording

Kinky Boots, based on the 2006 film of the same, follows the story of Charlie Price who inherits a shoe factory from his father and in-lists the help of drag queen Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots for men and save the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover that they’re not so different from one another. With music and lyrics by two-time Grammy award winner Cyndi Lauper. Kinky Boots opened on Broadway in April 2013. The production went on to received 13 Tony award nominations and went on to win 5.

The West End production opened at the Adelphi theatre in September 2015. Featuring Killian Donnelly as Charlie, Matt Henry as Lola and Amy Lennox as Lauren. The production won numerous WhatsOnStage and Olivier Awards following its debut. The show has recently celebrated its 600^th West End performance.

The original west end cast recording was recorded during a live performance at the Adelphi theatre and was released on the 1^st of April 2016. The album went on to be nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Best Musical Theatre Album’. Featuring incredible performances from Killian Donnelly and Matt Henry on the uplifting ‘Everybody Say Yeah and ‘Raise You Up/Just Be’ as well as the heart-breaking ‘Not My Father’s Son’ and ‘Hold Me in Your Heart’ Kinky Boots’ West End recording is an album that everyone’s sure to enjoy. 

EP Review: No Insight – ‘Chasing Memories’

London based pop-punkers No Insight, consisting of Gian Astacaan (Guitar/Vocals), Joe Papworth (Bass/Vocals) and Rich Alexander (Drums/Vocals) have been gigging around the south-coast since forming in early 2016. Having shared the stage with bands including Better Than Never and Fierce Morgan. The band are currently gearing up for the release of their debut EP ‘Chasing Memories’ which is set to be released on March 30^th through Shipwreck Records. Clocking in at just 10 minutes long No Insight have delivered a short, fast-paced introduction to their nostalgic energetic brand of pop-punk.

Debut single and EP opener ‘These Days’ starts off with an early Green Day style guitar riff before breaking into a full-band driving rhythm to carry the verses. Papworth’s punk-style vocals contrast with Astacaan’s throughout the verses, and, are at their most effective as the song kicks into a catchy chorus that’s bound to get sing-a-longs started.

Title track ‘Chasing Memories’ sees a more pop-rock orientated direction with a sound that’s reminiscent of early Busted, with the rhythm section pulling the verses along as Astacaan talks about the classic pop-punk cliché of wanting to get out of your hometown. The distortion is amped up for the chorus and a guitar solo is introduced the second-time round. The track comes to a close with a final chorus featuring an array of gang vocals.

EP closer ‘If I’m Rick, You’re Morty’ (who doesn’t love a good Rick and Morty reference?) kicks in similarly to ‘These Days’ with a standalone guitar riff before bursting into a full band instrumental with a melodic guitar melody. The verses see Papworth taking a lead in with the vocals while Astacaan delivers supporting lyrics in a call and response style. The chorus continues to deliver what the previous two tracks have, in a short fast burst of energy. The song takes a dynamic shift as the lyrics ‘We can last forever, better late than never’ are repeated before jumping into a final chorus to close out the record.

‘Chasing Memories’ is due to be released on March 30th via Shipwreck Records.

No Insight are also scheduled to perform at the Asylum 2 in Birmingham on April 29th.

Keep up with the band on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NoInsightUK/

Album Review: Sorority Noise – ‘You’re Not As ____ As You Think’

Emo four-piece Sorority Noise have been climbing higher and higher in the scene over the past few years with the release of their debut album, Forgettable, and, 2015’s follow up ‘Joy, Departed’. Since forming in 2013 the band have been on numerous US tours and festival appearances, sharing the stage with bands including Turnover, Modern Baseball and Citizen. They have also made their way overseas to the UK and Europe for the first time. 

Friday 17^th March saw the release of the quartet's third album ‘You’re Not As ___ As You Think’ via Triple Crown Records. An album that is heavily centred around the struggles of mental health and the loss of loved ones. Consisting of ten songs that are pained with raw and honest emotion and an altogether mournful undertone. Despite this, the message that Sorority Noise have managed to deliver with their third album is still an uplifting one that has hope at the forefront: tell people you love them while you still can and never be afraid to reach out for help. This isn’t a record to be brushed by; to be a soundtrack in the background of day-to-day activities. This is a record to be concentrated on, to be listened to from front to back with no distractions. In short, if you’re going to completely immerse yourself in a new album, make it this one.

The contrast between the bright, uplifting instrumental and the bleak lyricism is what carries the album but vocalist, Cameron Boucher’s, brutal honesty is what makes the record such a fulfilling listen. ‘You’re Not As ___ As You Think’ is the follow-up to 2016’s ‘It Kindly Stopped for Me’ EP that was dedicated to a close friend that Boucher had lost. This album serves as the next step as Boucher delves even further into the emotions felt when dealing with grief. Recorded with producer Mike Sapone, who’s back-catalogue consists of Brand New and Taking Back Sunday. ‘YNA_AYT’ is not unlike the former’s second breakthrough album ‘Deja Entendu’. 

              

Album opener ‘No Halo’ showcases Sorority Noise doing what they do best with a loud chorus layered with jangly guitars as Boucher speaks of missing his friend’s funeral and driving to their house instead. The track closes with him questioning ‘So when you show up to my funeral, will you be wearing white or black?’. Boucher’s questioning within his lyrics is a theme that is followed throughout the entire album. This is particularly demonstrated in ‘Second Letter from St. Julien’ where he questions and tests religion throughout stating ‘If there’s a God do I make him proud?’ before directing his narrative to the friend whom the song is named after asking instead ‘If you’re with God am I making you proud by waking up each day?’

‘A Portrait Of’ sees the second reference, of many, to heaven. With a palm-muted guitar under-laying the vocal melody. The song delves into a hopeful territory as Boucher delivers a spoken word monologue over a heavily distorted outro where he states ‘I have to do everything in my power to be the person I can be and live my life the best way I can.’  

‘Where Are You’ and ‘Car’ present a conversational narrative with the former speaking of wounds being healed and offering a sense of closure. The latter, an empathetic song about the struggles that come with mental health issues and facing grief, delivering a comfort that is; even when you’re feeling completely alone in your struggles there are always people feeling the same way.

Debut single ‘A Better Sun’ is a spoken word track with every lyric beginning with the phrase ‘This is the part where…’ in this vein the song is similar to the teaser video the band previously released for the record, which displays the album title being painted and then the blank being filled in with words including ‘hurt’, ‘happy’ and ‘empty’. The way ‘A Better Sun’ is structured lyrically makes the listener feel as if they could be filling in the blanks at the end of the phrase. It’s a song that is bound to make you feel like a part of the album.  

Penultimate track ‘Leave the fan On’ delivers the most downbeat performance on the record with a simple slow instrumental and a set of lyrics that feel as if Boucher is searching for a direction, answers and purpose within them, all while remembering ‘what it’s like to feel the vacancy’ in his chest. The song kicks into a strong instrumental towards its end in a cathartic outburst that feels like a complete outpour and reflection of every emotion that has been displayed throughout the rest of the album.

By creating an album title that allows the listener to complete its name therefore making it relate all the more directly, ‘You’re Not As ___ As You Think’ is bound to leave an effect on everyone who listens. With a sense of unafraid honesty Sorority Noise have managed to create ten songs that pull you through the process of loss and grief in an album that leaves you with a sense of comfort upon its ending, and, an album that people will surely come back to time and time again to realize that comfort.  

Album Review: Vukovi – ‘Vukovi’

Glasgow experimental-rock natives Vukovi have just released their debut self-titled album. Over the past few years the band have built up a solid fan-base, performed on numerous tours around the UK and released three EPS, 2011’s ‘…But I Won’t Wear You Again’ and ‘It Looked So Good On Me’ and, 2012’s ‘Sweet Swears’. The band originally formed with current members; Hamish Reilly (Guitar), Jason Trotter (Bass) and Colin Irving (Drums) under the name ‘Wolves’ soon recruited vocalist Janine Shilstone and renamed themselves Vukovi.

Latest single ‘La Di Da’ sets off the album at a fast pace with a distortion packed dark instrumental. There’s a similarity to the sound that ‘Love, Robot’ captured on their second album ‘B.A.D.’ Almost immediately you can hear that this isn’t a record that’s going to hold back lyrically, with the track delving into the story of an abusive relationship. Second track ‘And He Lost His Mind’ follows the pace set by ‘La Di Da’, a menacing guitar riff driven song that touches on the subject of alcohol and drug abuse and its affects.

‘Weirdo’ sets a lighter tone, with a bouncy introduction and a heavy pop-rock sensibility, track six ‘Bouncy Castle’ follows in the same vein with electronic elements shining through the chorus with the track truly living up to its name, it really is bouncy. This is just the first taste of the versatility of the record. Track eight ‘I’m Wired’ also captures the band’s pop-rock side, with a dance feel, more electronics carrying the chorus, and, one of the most powerful vocal performances on the album, it’s reminiscent of PVRIS track St. Patrick.

‘Prey’ and ‘Boy George’ showcase the albums more aggressive moments. ‘Prey’ is led by a powerful guitar melody and highlights some of the best lyricism on the record with the chorus melody stating ‘We are deadly monsters waiting for you under your bed'. ‘Boy George’ is riff heavy and bursting with attitude held down by an instrumental that’s derived influence from Rage against the Machine.

Closing track ‘Colour Me In’ serves as a curve-ball and an absolute highlight for the album. An emotional track that details love for somebody close whether they’re still here or not. Making for the slowest track on the album, a dreamy guitar melody and simple drumbeat support the vocals throughout the verses before building up into a strong chorus displaying the lyrics ‘You colour me in from my skin to my bones’.  Eventually cascading into a powerful bridge followed by a soaring guitar solo and a final chorus.

With their debut album Vukovi have proved that they’re a band you can’t pigeonhole. With twelve excellent songs that balance between alternative rock and pop. Being unafraid to touch on serious subject matter throughout the entire record also makes it an incredibly honest listen. With such a strong debut album it’s guaranteed you’ll be seeing and hearing a lot more of Yukovi in the future.

‘Vukovi’ is currently available to purchase on ITunes.

Watch the official music video for ‘La Di Da’ here -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXPM8nXR3Z8

Album Review: Mallory Knox – ‘Wired’

Since forming in 2009 Mallory Knox have released two albums, played numerous festival slots across the UK, including Reading and Leeds, and, performed at BBC Maida Vale studios. The band have just stormed back onto the scene with the release of their third album ‘Wired’ that is currently sitting at number one on the UK rock album charts. ‘Wired’ sees a shift in direction from the band’s second record ‘Asymmetry’, the album spans eleven songs and touches on the subjects of love, lust, religion, family and mental health.

Opening with lead single ‘Giving It Up’ sets the record off to a fast-paced start as vocalist, Mikey Chapman, drives the verses with a series of powerful high-notes before crashing into a hard-hitting chorus making for a great album opener.

The band shed a more light-hearted tone on the record with ‘California’, with a pop-rock sensibility, led by a colourful guitar melody and a sunny chorus that’s guaranteed to get a crowd dancing. Track five ‘Midnight’ also rectifies the tone with a bouncy guitar rhythm and what could easily be the catchiest chorus the record has to offer.

‘For You’ sees the album slow down as Chapman delivers a letter of confessions and apologies as he weaves the story of struggles with mental health, a portion of the album’s songs were derived from bassist/vocalist Sam Douglas’ personal struggle with anxiety. Douglas has previously described the track as ‘a love song without having to say ‘I love you’. With simple instrumentation and a delightful vocal melody ‘For You’ is bound to become a fan-favourite.

‘Better Off Without You’ follows in the same vein as track four, the song details Douglas confronting his feelings towards seeing doctors and being prescribed medication. Speaking of the song Douglas’ described it as being ‘born out of (that) frustration’ and that frustration is clear as soon as the song kicks in with an aggressive instrumental as Chapman delivers the lyrics ‘You’ve got it all wrong, you think I’m indestructible’.

Track seven, ‘Falling in Love’ shifts in dynamics with nothing but a palm-muted guitar rhythm supporting the vocal melody for the first minute and a half, with a pre-chorus that shows of Chapman’s lyricism as he sings ‘I lit a match to let the light in but the demons tried to sneak in’ followed by a chorus hook that simply states ‘I kept on falling in love’. At the two minute mark the song bursts into life with a full band instrumental crashing in which gives the chorus a huge increase in impact.

‘Lucky Me’ and ‘Saviour’ jump right back into the fast-pace shown throughout the majority of the album. ‘Lucky Me’ is a solid guitar riff driven track while ‘Saviour’ demonstrates a highlight for the rhythm section as it powers the verses on before an epic chorus commences with Chapman displaying just how powerful his voice can be.

Closing track ‘Mother’ ends the album on a high. A heartfelt uplifting song that serves as a message from the band members to their parents, similar to You Me At Six track ‘When We Were Younger’ which, incidentally, was also the closing track on their third album ‘Sinners Never Sleep’. Featuring a chorus full of gang vocals and soaring guitar melodies ‘Mother’ is a triumphant ending to a brilliant record.

With the release of ‘Wired’ it’s clear that Mallory Knox have delved head-first into a new vision and are back with something to prove and with an exceptionally strong record full of risk-takes they couldn’t have started this new chapter any better.