“Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle” Soundtrack – Review

Album Title:	Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle Original Soundtrack
Anime Title:	Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle
Artist:	Akito Matsuda
Catalog Number:	LACA-15552
Release Type:	Soundtrack
Release Date:	March 23, 2016
Purchase at:	CDJapan

Tracklist
[spoiler]

Track Title	Artist	Time
01. Haya Asa Fuukei	Akito Matsuda	1:56
02. Gakuen Fuukei	Akito Matsuda	1:56
03. Ai Show Koshou	Akito Matsuda	1:48
04. Shu Hime Douyou	Akito Matsuda	1:28
05.Shu Hime Kensou	Akito Matsuda	1:55
06. Reijou Toujou	Akito Matsuda	1:35
07. Kizoku Shuugou	Akito Matsuda	1:44
08. Shikan Gakuen	Akito Matsuda	2:11
09. Sanpo Kaishi	Akito Matsuda	1:44
10. Oukoku Ki Ryuu	Akito Matsuda	1:42
11. Youen Iroke	Akito Matsuda	1:51
12. Zatsuyou Ouji	Akito Matsuda	1:49
13. Kyousei Kyouen	Akito Matsuda	1:38
14. Ashimoto Houraku	Akito Matsuda	1:38
15. Tameiki Ichi Ko	Akito Matsuda	1:27
16. Takabisha Hime	Akito Matsuda	1:37
17. Osananajimi	Akito Matsuda	1:30
18. Eiyuu Kourin	Akito Matsuda	0:09
19. Taiketsu Shisei	Akito Matsuda	1:37
20. Kyouki Hatsuga	Akito Matsuda	1:53
21. Kodai Iseki	Akito Matsuda	2:56
22. Inbou Taidou	Akito Matsuda	1:44
23. Densetsu Ki Ryuu	Akito Matsuda	2:01
24. Kinchou Seppaku	Akito Matsuda	1:44
25. Kyouteki Toujou	Akito Matsuda	1:51
26. Kyouteki Kourin	Akito Matsuda	2:02
27. Hi Ryuu No Kishi (piano)	Jun Sasaki	1:57
28. Raimutsuri (guitar)	Jun Sasaki	1:52
29. Fushi Ryuu Houkou	Akito Matsuda	2:02
30. Yozora Miage	Akito Matsuda	2:03
31. Kodoku Kokuu	Akito Matsuda	1:24
32. Kioku Kaiki	Akito Matsuda	1:48
33. Yawara Usu Koigokoro	Akito Matsuda	2:04
34. Yuuhi Senaka	Akito Matsuda	2:05
35. Kikkippatsu	Akito Matsuda	2:06
36. Isshinittai	Akito Matsuda	2:00
37. Kyodai Kyouteki	Akito Matsuda	2:05
38. Bahamut	Akito Matsuda	2:24
39. Zettai Zetsumei	Akito Matsuda	2:10
40. Sai Jaku Muhai	Akito Matsuda	2:26
41. Hi Ryuu No Kishi (TV size)	TRUE	1:34
42. Raimutsuri (TV size)	nano.RIPE	1:32

[/spoiler]
Review: How many times have we yearned for the good old days? The present has degraded – in art, in morals, you name it. I, too, am guilty of such complaints.

Five years ago, I eagerly pushed the works of Sahashi Toshihiko and Hirano Yoshihisa in people’s faces. Even now, I eagerly await their works, ignoring the barrage of new artists, most of whom have made nary a blip on my radar. At the same time, I quietly bemoan the lack of good anime soundtracks these days.

And to prove to myself that standards today just aren’t as high, I decided to listen to an absolutely uninspiring-looking soundtrack. ‘Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle’ was the perfect candidate. A cover that screams fanservice, a plot synopsis that reads like a joke, and a composer whose name doesn’t ring a bell. Just what I was looking for!

But my expectations of lazy writing and cheap execution were shattered. The very first track was anything but shabby. “Haya Asa Fuukei” starts out cheerfully before it evolves into a delightfully gentle and soothing piece. The clarinet and flute weaved beautifully amongst the strings, painting a picture of an idyllic and peaceful setting.

Haya Asa Fuukei

[audio:Haya Asa Fuukei.mp3]

Alright, the first track was good. But I was certain the rest of the soundtrack would degenerate into variations of its themes in increasingly lazy ways. Again, Matsuda upended those expectations by impressing me with his diverse compositions. “Kizoku Shuugou”, for instance, tries to emulate Bach’s concertos in its structure and instrumentation. Certainly not what I was expecting.

Kizoku Shuugou

[audio:Kizoku Shuugou.mp3]

There are also a number of whimsical tracks like “Zatsuyou Ouji” and “Ashimoto Houraku” that were a joy to listen to. I approve of the latter’s instrumental choices: the violin melodies dance around rapidly before being joined by others including the xylophone, flute and oboe, all punctuated by the bassoon to generate a wide range of textures.

Ashimoto Houraku

[audio:Ashimoto Houraku.mp3]

Matsuda also nails the darker pieces. For instance, the cello solo in “Inbou Taidou” evokes a deep sense of foreboding through its deep and reverberating notes. The accidentals in the melody further this aura with its distorted and warped sounds.

Other tracks like “Kyodai Kyouteki” present a clear sense of danger. The track opens forcefully. It then switches to high-speed repetition to build up the sense of foreboding. This is also one of the few times in this soundtrack that a sound as harsh and powerful as the electric guitar is used, and its bold tone aptly demonstrates the formidability of the foe.

Kyodai Kyouteki

[audio:Kyodai Kyouteki.mp3]

“Kyouteki Kourin”, on the other hand, rivals the works of Hirano and Sahashi by painting a dramatic scene of battle. The timpani punctuates the powerful opening and the melody gets passed from the cellos to the violins where it takes flight. The speed and urgency displayed in this piece adds to the tension, but its execution is polished and graceful.

Kyouteki Kourin

[audio:Kyouteki Kourin.mp3]

One of the most powerful tracks, “Sai Jaku Muhai”, is a great demonstration of the soundtrack’s deliberate and measured execution. The piece opens quietly, but also hints of the struggle that is to come. At 0:23, this build-up breaks into the harsher tones of conflict. However, the glissando at 0:34 and the violin melody around 0:46 beautifully depict the struggle against that darkness. The addition of the brass to the violins from 1:13 adds to its strength and the harp at 1:36 and 1:50 sounds out the triumph over darkness.

Sai Jaku Muhai

[audio:Sai Jaku Muhai.mp3]

Whatever the value of the anime, it appears that no effort was spared when it came to the soundtrack. If there’s one complaint, Matsuda’s music tends to go by the book. It is still good, but lacks the staying power by not being unique. Whether it is the exaggerated snob-fest in Ouran, the endless wit in Nichijou or the explosive energy in Fairy Tail soundtrack, each of those soundtracks stood out by charting new territory. Matsuda displays elements of all these works, but doesn’t push the boundaries.

Was I wrong to think that soundtracks these days are substandard, or was I merely lucky in picking something by Matsuda? I guess the only way to find out is to keep giving these new works a chance at the very least.

Rating: Good