Nah, as a massive anime fan and a DBZ loyalist, this right here is the toughest album cover and album name. I don’t care when this came out; it’s already on the top of my list for the homage paid alone. I NEED TO JUMP INTO THIS ONE!
This is the 2024 project by the iconic twins themselves, THEMELLOS, as they decide to create an eight-track dedication album to honour the creator of the Godfather of Shonen Anime himself, ‘Akira Toriyama’, and let me just say right off the bat, this hits me in my heart as a die-hard fan.
Firstly, I love the concept of using Japanese symbols for the names! I have no idea what they mean, but it’s a nice touch, and each song is instrumental, light, short, and ever so touching to the memory of the man. Let’s go through the various songs!
Firstly, we have track 1, which includes this absolutely epic soundtrack to Frieza vs SSJ Goku type shit. I got goosebumps immediately! You have those plucked rhythmic violin strings in the two different notes as well as those massive parade-style drums that all come together for this dramatic and theatrical intro to the album that would no doubt make Toriyama proud!
On track two, we have a more ‘The villain is gone for now, let’s make sure the family is okay and eat some senzu beans’ type vibe with this track. We have some swaying chord progressions that are ever so delicate!
Accompanied by some mesmerising drum patterns and super subtle keys that loop around the track every 2-3 seconds, providing that little bit of extra texture to the track!
Track three, we have Vegeta was just possessed by Babadi and turned Majin for the first time! The world is scared, everything is thrown into chaos! We have those powerful chord progressions combined with that sharp flute sound, raw bass, and more hypnotic drums that really sell the intensity of the moment: WHERE ARE YOU, GOKU?!
Track four and the battle has just begun! Goku has arrived, shocked at what he’s seen but knows he has to handle this immediately for the sake of planet Earth. This track has those super high, sharp horns that have two different layers, one high pitch, one deep and low in the bottom layer! Combined with that thick bass and minimal drum beats, and you’ve got the perfect storm of chaos! A bare-back, striped sonic experience to let you know (as a human) that the world is FUCKED unless Goku can save us!!
Track five, it seems Vegeta came back to his senses, his power lust has died down thanks to Kakarot. But there’s a threat looming in the distance, they must go check it out. In this track, in what sounds like Dabura’s entrance music, we have a platter of string progressions in a variety of keys! Some bigger and some higher pitch! There’s also some jazz horns running through the background to provide an extra layer of mystery and chemistry with the drum pattern! Will everything be okay now that Goku and Vegeta are on the same team?
Track six says yes. The villains release with the two Saiyans coming to investigate, all hope is lost of winning. We have a triumphant array of horns that are combined with some victorious key progressions and solid, thudding drums and bass to remind the enemies who exactly they are fucking with! The Prince and Goku! An unstoppable duo!
Track seven, as the villains have crawled back into their holes in the ground, the Z Fighters take a much-needed rest for planning, training, and preparation for the next attack. We hear these beautifully orchestrated strings that feel absolutely angelic! Not to mention those delicate keys in the background and those extra violin strings! Put that with those drums, and this is what heaven must feel like (whether King Kai isn’t there at least).
Track 8 the finale. The much needed time has come to an end, the next threat is coming and FAST will the Z fighters be able to hold it off? They bring with them some diabolical combination of Horns and disgustingly heavy bass drums that kick you in the fucking stomach! Combined with those varies layered horns mentioned and you have a universe threat coming your way!
Will the earth be okay? Will THEMELLOS make a sequel to this? Is this the dopest beat tape you’ve ever heard? Find out below on the next episode of
DRAGONBALL Z!
https://themellos7.bandcamp.com/album/akiratoriyamatunes
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