Seikai no Monshou (Crest of the Stars)

13 tracks; 55:19

1. Opening Theme 2:52

2. Aabu Shinkou (Abh Invasion) 4:29

3. Shonen Jinto (The Young Boy Jinto) 4:53

4. Genzai ~ Aabu no Teema (Original Sin ~ Theme of the Abh) 2:17

5. Deai "Rafiiru to Yobu ga yoi" (Encounter "You Shall Call Me Lafiel") 4:00

6. Rafiiru Ai no Teema (Lafiel - Love Theme) 3:23

7. Batsubyou (Daisere)! (Raise Anchor (Daisele!)) 3:05

8. Ai no Musume ~ "Yurikago" (Daughter of Love ~ "Infancy") 4:11

Vocals: BUR-BUR

9. Junsatsukan Gouzurosu Bakusan (Space Patrol Ship Gosroth Destroyed) 6:24

10. "Tracy Hide" 4:47

Vocal: Wondermints

11. Zenkan Sankai! Wakuran no Shukujo Spooru (All Ships Scatter! Lady of Chaos Spoor) 4:00

12. Hoshitachi no Kenzoku (Kin of the Stars) 5:42

13. Ending Theme: Ushinawareta Aozora (The Lost Blue Sky) 5:16

Vocal: Time-Slip Rendezvous

—by Charles McCarter

SEIKAI NO MONSHOU (CREST OF THE STARS) is an animation based on a series of very famous Japanese science-fiction novels by Morioka Hiroyuki. A sort of science-fiction space opera similar in scope to LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES, this show possesses a soundtrack that befits a show of this genre.
The first track, the opening theme, starts things out on a grand scale, with a gong and a brass fanfare. As the melody progresses, it turns to a soaring strings melody, complete with rolling tympani for drama. In short, it is very much like some older science fiction themes.
In fact, all of the instrumental tracks on this disc have a strong orchestral quality to them. And if you close your eyes, it feels like you're listening to the score from STAR WARS in places. The overall quality of the instrumental tracks is very high, and those who enjoy this type of music will certainly be pleased with this portion of the disc.
And it's nice that they have chosen to compose new music for this series. For, while LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES makes use of some of the best classical music, it's nice to hear a piece for the first time and associate it with the show first, rather than thinking, "oh, it's this piece that they're using here..."
The tracks display a wide range of emotional dynamics. The lighter side is presented in "Shonen Jinto" ("Young Boy Jinto"), which is a light-hearted piece done with minimal arrangement and a very soft melody. Although I have to confess that when the flute part began, I was starting to think that maybe it was more of "Shojo Jinto" ("Young Girl Jinto") than "Shonen."
Another minimal track is "Genzai ~ Abu to Teema." This begins with a single instrument, a flute, playing a slow, lamenting melody and continues to play plaintively throughout the course of the track. The solo instrument echoes the loneliness inherent in this composition.
"Batsubyou (Daisere)!," the track played when the Patrol Ship Gosroth departs, is slow and stately. So much so in fact that I had flashback to "Pomp and Circumstance." It has that feel, that slow drive, and that stately, ceremonial quality that a piece marking such an occasion should have. It's not the most original or creative piece on the disc, but it works nicely.
Even the tracks used to score battle scenes start of slow and understated. Perhaps the best is track eleven. While it doesn't give the feeling of a high-intensity battle in the beginning, what it emphasizes instead is something more unique—the tension and drama that takes place before the first shots are fired. Of course, once the battle gets underway, the track's tempo picks up.
The vocals, however, may be a different story. The first, "Yurikago" ("Infancy") is tied to the instrumental it shares track eight with. The song is a slow ballad, sung with only piano accompaniment. It's a sad, pretty song that takes on more of an identity as it gets closer to the end.
Track 10, "Tracy Hide," is a song in English by the wondermints. It sort of sounds like the Beach Boys with a slightly more electronic sound. I honestly can't say that it ties in to the show at all. But then again, sometimes that's what you get when you have "songs inspired by the animation," as the CD proclaims. It's not a bad song, it's just out of place.
The last song is the ending theme, a sad romantic, tender song. It adds a more human dimension to the show and also reflects the relationship between Jinto and Lafiel. But still, this is another song that doesn't seem to quite fit as well as it could. Those who know and like the show, however, will enjoy finally hearing the full-length version of this song.
Overall, this song is a mix of really nice orchestral tracks, and a grab bag of vocals. If you're not already a fan of CREST OF THE STARS, then this probably won't make you more interested, but it is a nicely done soundtrack with some very fine instrumental music.

VAP
VPCG-84670
¥3000
Available Now in Japan
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