Overview

Earlier this summer, it was revealed that Square Enix's 3DS RPG Bravely Default would be composed by an outsourced composer. Rather than opt for someone who traditionally composes for games, the company hired Revo — the main creative force behind the acclaimed fantasy band Sound Horizon. Prior to the release of the original soundtrack in October, Revo's new outfit Linked Horizon released a new single and a full album inspired by the worldview of the game. The single comes in three varieties, a Bravely Default edition, a regular edition, and a limited edition. The same three songs are featured on each edition, though the regular edition features a bonus track and the limited edition includes a different bonus track and a DVD.

Body

The album opens up with "His Name Is... (Vocalized Version)," an arranged version of one of the Bravely Default tunes. It instantly creates a very mysterious atmosphere with heavy footsteps in the grass, accompanied by crystalline and ethereal piano, before moving into a heavy rock theme that would fit right into a Falcom opening song. Speed metal riffs and percussion dominate the accompaniment while the lead melody is primarily sung by Revo. What I find intriguing about the vocal style is how the chorus and verses both share very different sounds. While the verses have an almost jazz influence, the chorus is more romantic sounding, despite the tempo. It's an interesting blend. Of course, there are many other elements worth mentioning, such as a powerful violin solo, some flashy keyboard work, and a darker section that features some distorted vocal work. Overall, it's a fantastic way to open the album and really draws the listener in with its energy. The second song featured on all albums is a delicate piano piece titled "The Day When the Wind Blew (Piano Solo Version)." To my understanding, this is also a tune from the original soundtrack arranged for a single instrument. Arranged by Akira Senju, it has a very heartwarming melody and really manages to tug on the emotional strings.

The third theme that features itself on all three editions is "A Ballad Leading to Hope (Long Version)." This tune opens up with beautiful acoustic guitar and woodwind work that really gives off a rustic feel and is reminiscent of Gust in terms of sound. However, as the track progresses, a more magical atmosphere is introduced thanks to the orchestral elements that are incorporated. After briefly incorporating a portion of the main theme, it moves into a moving vocal performance by Joelle. Primarily accompanied by piano, the vocal melody should be familiar to anyone who has followed the game since its announcement, as it is the first music released in the trailer as well as on the Square Enix Music Sampler Vol. 6, "The Land of Light and Darkness." While that version is very adventurous and heroic, this version is melancholy and enchanting. The light pop mix really works well with Joelle's voice and she really carries the melody quite well. As the theme progresses, a beautiful violin solo is incorporated as well as a duet between Revo and Joelle. As the theme reaches its end, a more energetic rock focus is incorporated into the mix featuring some flashy guitar solos and more powerful vocal work. Given this track is considered a long version of an existing tune, it makes me wonder if this could be the main vocal theme for the game, as it is also featured on the full album coming out in September.

Frustratingly, the regular and limited editions each feature an exclusive track. The regular edition track, titled "Visitor [Long Version]," sounds like a dungeon theme upon listening. Opening up with a militaristic percussion, acoustic guitar, and some slightly jazzy piano tones, it offers a bit of a mysterious atmosphere. I really like how the energy builds in this tune, despite its simplicity, before moving onto some really smooth improvised jazz sounds, from the deep bass to the intoxicating piano to the funk guitar solo. Overall, it works really well at creating something that is both captivating, while capturing the dark atmosphere. Even the sound effects that may be what one might hear in a crowded lounge bar really work in its favor. The limited edition track, however, is the one that people will probably want to hear the most and it's also the edition that I recommend the most. Titled "At the End of the Battle [Long Version]," it's an extended and arranged version of one of the boss themes for the game. Featuring a heavy rock focus, it creates an excellent rhythm that really manages to capture the listener's attention as well as provide that tense energy needed for a boss theme. Consisting primarily of electric guitar, piano, and keyboards, with some orchestral accompaniment, it's a whirlwind of sound. It's full of flashy keyboard solos, played by Motoi Sakuraba, and gritty electric guitar solos, played by Marty Friedman of MEGADETH, and has a very progressive rock sound overall.

Summary

In the end, I think that the Luxendarc's Small Diaries single is definitely worth a purchase. Not only do you get a variety of styles, you also get a small glimpse into the direction of the Bravely Default soundtrack. If you can only choose one, I'd definitely recommend the limited edition over the others; despite its much less appealing cover art, it features a bonus DVD and you'll get a glimpse into an original soundtrack tune, slightly extended and arranged. The regular edition nevertheless features a nice exclusive bonus as well. I do not recommend purchasing the Bravely Default edition, unless you are more interested in the cover art, as it does not feature any instrumental versions of actual original soundtrack work.