SimAnimals Videogame Soundtrack Review
Lightweight, Charming Composition from Game Scoring Veteran
Feb 3, 2009 David Abraham Dueck
Winifred Phillips is no stranger to game scoring: she is responsible for the music heard in such high-profile games as Shrek the Third, The Da Vinci Code, Speed Racer, and (most impressively) God of War, which garnered several awards for outstanding videogame music composition.
The SimAnimals Soundtrack
Her latest score, SimAnimals, is worlds away from the hyperactive electronics in Speed Racer and the ethereal, ethnic power of God of War, but it is nonetheless an enjoyable (if somewhat lightweight) album.
The score opens with a very jaunty, sunny air, introducing what could be called the score’s main theme, an ascending, five-note motif, which receives ample exploration and development over the course of the score’s duration. The theme is performed in varying tempi and instrumentation to reflect different moods in the game’s different environments.
Instrumentation and Atmospheres
The integration of synthesized elements with acoustic ones is tastefully executed and not distracting: warm woodwinds and lyrical violin solos float effortlessly above soothing beds of synthesized strings, and sound effects (such as birds chirping and water flowing) contribute the totally optimistic nature of the music.
Plucked strings and light percussion establish an effectively dreamy, fantasy atmosphere as well. The cues “Free Play” and “Orchard Playground” in particular have such an affable blend of electronics, piano and light percussion that it is impossible not to be cheered and soothed by them.
Moments of Tension
There are some darker moments, but they are few and not very intense. “World In Need” begins with an urgent brass cluster and low synth strings, but soon gives way to a slightly staggered performance of the optimistic main theme. “Dry Gulch” is a sparse, arid piece featuring muted trumpet.
“Hard Times” is a quirky, strangely catchy piece which begins with grunting brass and despondent violin, but morphs into an almost nightmarish jazz-styled piece. “Danger Woods” is the most unsettling piece in the score, with whining strings, fluttering woodwinds, tolling bells and groaning brass clusters, but the piece is brief and the score returns quickly to the irrepressibly cheery spirit which pervades the album.
Summary
The cues are composed so as to be played on a loop during gameplay, but the development of the themes and melodic devices are not in any way hindered. The cues, though short, are well structured and have definite beginnings, middles and conclusions. The music, while it lasts, is totally enjoyable, and the album is just short enough that the score does not outlast its welcome.
The music for SimAnimals, as stated, is not a deep or very multi-dimensional work: nor should it be approached as such. It accompanies a videogame with an entirely innocent premise, and the music reflects this. While not too simple in construction, it is very lightweight in execution, and makes for a delightful, relaxing background listen. The prospect of playing any game while listening to this album is a pleasant one indeed. Recommended.
The SimAnimals score can be found for sale via digital download here.
SimAnimals Album Cover
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Winifred Phillips, Composer
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