If I may interrupt your latest Zelda run, can I suggest music that works as well–if not better–with whatever you’re playing? In fact, so much of Starbound Stories reminds me of the best songs I’ve ever heard from that media. It’s quite intentional, as DragonForce vocalist Marc Hudson’s side project began while trying to write instrumental video game music. However, to label Starbound Stories as purely Songs To Play Games To would completely undersell not only the stellar musical output on display here, but also Hudson’s fantastic rolodex of friends. I’m most struck by how visual the music is, as well as the general sense of uplifting spirit. Both were clear aims for Hudson, and album standout “The Siren” feels like a game theme song, even if it’s the farthest from his DragonForce roots.
“I tried to make sure that the expectations of Dragonforce fans would be met to some degree,” he explains. “But not at the expense of being able to include totally new ideas as well. The end result being that you can distinctly hear the influences, but it doesn’t fit in the same box. A lot of the other inspiration came from Japanese rock, pop, video game, and anime music, which I think has created the most significant difference between this album and a Dragonforce album. I’m glad that you’ve picked up on “The Siren,” though! This song is the magnum opus of the album, even though it’s not particularly metal!”
Starbound Stories is available from Napalm Records. Follow Marc Hudson on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for future updates.
Photo courtesy of Oliver Lloyd Design.
