🔗Video Game LoFi: Kirby | Besso0 & GlitchxCity | Curaga Records
We are once again in the cosy arms of another in the Curaga Records LoFi series, this time centred around the music of the Kirby games, specifically; Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022), Kirby’s Adventure (1993), Dedede’s Drum Dash Deluxe (2014), Kirby’s return to Dreamland (2011), Kirby Air Ride (2003), Kirby’s Epic Yarn (2010), Kirby Super Star (1996), and Kirby’s Dream Collection (2012), together - representing almost thirty years’ worth of music from the world of the lovable pink puffball across various systems, from SNES to Switch.
As you’d expect, pink is very much the order of the day when it comes to this release. The usual Curaga records LoFi holographic cover is a shimmering pink, with various items and locations from the world of Kirby being presented from an isometric viewpoint. Curaga have nailed the shade on these covers now, and they have a tone to them that reflects the mellow beats contained on that sweet, sweet vinyl. Speaking of the vinyl, it is a cloudy blend of pinks and whites, with five tracks on each side:
1. Welcome Back, Kirby ~ Green Greens (from "Kirby and the Forgotten Land") (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
2:22
2. Vegetable Valley (from "Kirby's Adventure") (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
2:16
3. King Dedede (from "Dedede’s Drum Dash Deluxe") (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
2:28
4. Cookie Country (from "Kirby's Return to Dream Land") (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0, GlitchxCity & Save Point
2:55
5. Fountain of Dreams (from "Kirby Air Ride") (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
2:28
6. Butter Building (from "Kirby's Epic Yarn") (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
2:52
7. City Trial (from "Kirby Air Ride") (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
2:46
8. Grape Garden (from "Kirby's Adventure") (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
2:42
9. Havoc aboard the Halberd (from "Kirby Super Star") (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
2:29
10. Dream a New Dream for Tomorrow (Kirby's Dream Collection) (Lo-Fi Edit)
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
2:53
As you can see from the above, the album runs to 26 minutes, with each track being under 3 minutes each, meaning that this is a woozy, breezy, and brisk record with a focus on shorter bursts of dreamy, jazzy hip-hop beats as opposed to some of the other approaches in the Curaga LoFi series that lend themselves more towards more experimental, free-roaming versions of songs. As with the more recent releases from Curaga, Video Game LoFi: Kirby also includes a four-page booklet that adds context to the mindset and decisions of the main producers (Besso0 & GlitchxCity) that discuss their approaches to the chosen tracks, as well as the personal highlights and challenges that they came across whilst creating the album. Personally, I find these ‘interview’ styled nuggets of information vital, as it not only gives us a connection to the folks at the helm of the release, but is crucial in giving depth to the album and connecting the audience to the artist, always a highlight for me.
In terms of the production, Save Point has woven their usual magic here, with a perfect record pressing being back up by mastering that strikes the balance between heft and warmth, with deep bass and hypnotic beats being backed up by lulling piano and synth. There’s certainly a focus on calming dreaminess, with the production subtly shifting on each track to give identity and make the right melodies ‘pop’. Again, the pastel-colour scheme and stillness of the artwork reflecting the music itself.
Album highlights for me were King Dedede, with it’s raft of astonishing melodies and changes – always gifting the ear with something new as each passage passes. This is then followed by Cookie Country which is the epitome of innocence, followed by Fountain of Dreams, which is – quite simply – seductive and sexy. Honestly, it’s like the bass is pouring cocktails for the piano and trumpet, as they dance in a smoky penthouse suite, awesome stuff. Those three back-to-back on the album are seriously big hitters! Also a shout out to City Trial which has a smidgen of Halloween about it, the perfect music as we head into the spooky season!
Curaga Records have once again delivered in their signature style, and the ease of listening here is perfect for washing over you as you work, play, or just chill. The presentation also represents the Kirby character really well, and would look great alongside other paraphernalia for fans of the pink puffball, all in all – Video Game LoFi: Kirby is another Curaga record that hasn’t left my turntable for days!
From the Curaga Records website:
Video Game LoFi: Kirby
Besso0 & GlitchxCity
10 tracks • 26 minutes • July 05, 2024
Producers Besso0 and GlitchxCity team up and put a fresh spin on 10 tracks from the Kirby series into nostalgic lo-fi hip-hop bops — perfect for study sessions, powering through the workday, or just chilling out with our favorite pink puff.
Video Game LoFi: Kirby includes music from Nintendo’s Kirby's Adventure, Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe, Kirby Super Star, and more, covering fan favorites from Green Greens (from “Kirby and the Forgotten Land”) to Butter Building (from "Kirby's Epic Yarn") and a feature from Save Point on Cookie Country (from “Kirby's Return to Dreamland”), just to name a few. With styles ranging from warm nostalgic lo-fi hip-hop to bass-heavy and piano-centric chillhop, and more, Besso0 and GlitchxCity’s style blends seamlessly with the series' most iconic tunes.
Featured composers include Jun Ishikawa and Hirokazu Ando.
Credits:
Besso0: Producer
GlitchxCity: Producer
Save Point: Mastering Engineer, 3D Art
ArtByGalen: 3D Art
Isa Alcántara: Layout and Design
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