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Copyright © 1998 Sunrise, TV Osaka
20 tracks, 50:24
| 1. |
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MESSAGE #9 |
3:55 |
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Vocal: Tane Tomoko |
| 2. |
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tie |
3:40 |
| 3. |
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oroshi [Katabatic Wind] |
2:57 |
| 4. |
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unknown |
2:28 |
| 5. |
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beginaction |
2:56 |
| 6. |
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Schrreal |
2:59 |
| 7. |
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SCRAMBLE |
2:02 |
| 8. |
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B.A.D.G.E. |
2:35 |
| 9. |
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Kryptic |
3:12 |
| 10. |
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kugai |
1:50 |
| 11. |
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HEAT |
1:09 |
| 12. |
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armaments |
2:12 |
| 13. |
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MIHARU |
2:08 |
| 14. |
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shikimi |
2:19 |
| 15. |
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F |
2:10 |
| 16. |
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guerrilla |
1:14 |
| 17. |
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battlefield |
1:03 |
| 18. |
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densho [Legend] |
3:36 |
| 19. |
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tsuki [Moon] |
2:11 |
| 20. |
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LOVE SONG |
3:48 |
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Vocal: Tane Tomoko |
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—by Michael Poirier
Perhaps more than any other anime soundtrack I have listened to, the GASARAKI
OST composed by Haishima Kuniaki most brilliantly captures the mood and central motif
of the show it accompanies. Through the powerful interplay of traditional Japanese and
contemporary instruments, the music to
GASARAKI
eloquently reflects the theme of ancient love and reincarnation in the heat of modern
warfare—the very thing that makes GASARAKI such an incredible
anime in the first place.
The tracks on this CD vary between marches and dirges,
mournful threnodies and evocative calls-to-arms. This is music for invading another
country with your giant robot while haunted by ancient spirits, and for protecting
your loved ones from other demons/robots. Some of the tracks are ghostly, spooky songs,
with undercurrents of moaning voices and howling wails. They reflect the mystery and
horror of the spiritual world around GASARAKI.
It was the opening theme of the show that first possessed me, long before I'd
even seen a singe episode of the series. "Message #9" is a haunting
yet energetic mixture of flutes and synthesizers, sung by Tane Tomoko in a breathy
English whisper. Enigmatic lyrics such as "The dream you had/ Before you were born/ The
dream that has died out..." symbolize the tension in the show between the spirits of the
past still at war, or falling in love once more, here in the future. The bridge of "Message
#9" features ominous Shinto chanting, with a warlike percussion
in the background, again masterfully mirroring the ancient mysticism and modern combat
that provides GASARKI with its central conflict.
The song called "Demon" further evokes with the combination of traditional
Japanese music and modern melodies. As a flute wails and drums beat, the deep and
moribund Shinto chant rises and falls. The voice moves against the rhythm, exerting its
own terrifying influence on the music, leading to a screeching and demonic conclusion.
The track entitled "unknown" on the other hand, opens with an ethereal chorus
that blends into the sound of one mellifluous voice keening as harps, pianos and one
flute delicately play in the background. This is a heavenly song, beautifully creating a
moment of peace amongst the other, more virulent tracks.
"Beginaction" begins with looming stringed instruments, then quickly develops into
a clash of horns and cymbals, recreating the fervent combat onscreen. Like many of the
tracks on this CD, the dramatic use of percussion reinforces the
martial theme central to GASARAKI. Many of these tracks are battle
songs, and even the ones not directly related to combat contain the undercurrent of
this violence in their percussion background.
Fittingly enough, "Kryptic" is one of the most ominous tracks on the disc,
featuring subdued strings and a baritone chorus of moaning voices. "armaments" is another
of my personal favorites, as a single trumpet intrudes over a swelling mix of strings and
other horns as drums beat in the background. Ultimately, this movement culminates with
the hint of distorted voices and a final, dramatic finish. The quietly caterwauling voice
of track 15 creates a powerful contrast to the plinking percussion
and muted strings in the background, further enhancing the ominous atmosphere that
suffuses GASARAKI. These spectral voices arise in haunting unison
again in "tsuki," leading to the final ballad of the closing song.
"Love Song" opens with Tane Tomoko's voice, alone and echoing in Japanese. As
strings and flutes gently play, her singing ranges from husky intimacy to high-pitched
lilting to a breathless moan. This is a patient and quiet song, closing the soundtrack
with powerful emotional sensitivity that is the final, elegant piece in
GASARAKI's masterful blend of war and mysticism.
Victor Entertainment, Inc.
VICL-60295
¥3045
Available now in Japan
Where to buy
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