Tag Archives: SuperSweep

Interviews

Artist Interview: Shinji Hosoe and SuperSweep Team

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Are you familiar with legendary composer Shinji Hosoe and his studio, SuperSweep? Hosoe-san has worked on key franchises across his decades of experience, making a name for himself as a master of electronic music and shmup titles in the early days, and establishing the sounds for franchises such as Zero Escape, Ridge Racer, and Street Fighter EX. He’s a sought after arranger, having worked on arrange albums for Nintendo (Dr. Mario, Metroid Fusion), Mega Man, Ragnarok Online, Phantasy Star, and more. He also serves the game music community through SuperSweep Records, continuing to publish game music on CD format in Japan.

Read his full biography, credits list, and hear some sample music on his Scarlet Moon Artists page. Check below for an interview with Hosoe-san about his style, inspirations, and collaboration with Scarlet Moon.

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Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma Original Soundtrack (SRIN-1171)

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One of legendary composer Shinji Hosoe’s most famous works is the Zero Escape series. It began with Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (2009), was followed by Virtue’s Last Reward (2012), and continued with Zero Time Dilemma (2016) as the third game in the series. SuperSweep Records was able to release the three-disc soundtrack in 2022 and I was recently able to dive in.

The soundtrack is accessible with track titles and credits in English, with some very interesting track titles provided by Uchikoshi-san, the game’s writer. Expect dark and foreboding vibes with chopped up and distorted electronics across sleek ambient soundscapes, unsettling electronic ambiance, and a smaller compilation of emotional instrumentals and grungy rock tracks.

Some of my favorite moments include the ticking clock of the opening track, “Tick Down,” the glassy and otherworldly “Iterate Anxiousness,” and the unsettling “Profound Duvulgation.” There’s a descent into madness with “Tortuous Idolum,” groovy bass in “Erstwhile Placidity,” and a beautiful and twangy electric guitar work in “Ustulate Pathos” that was reminiscent of famous survivor horror soundtracks. “Cuddly Ferrum” comes as a sweet pop tune, “Ambidex Game” features cool guitar riffs and aggressively panned percussion, and “Stygian Subterranean” gets into deep dark ambiance. The icy “Sacrificial Demise” sports a a chilly vibe with icy bells and electronic lead while the aptly titled “Cardiac Gloom” features the sound of a heartbeat and “Scattered Scare” gets equally unsettling with lone guitar notes, searing string swells, and sparse percussion. The overdriven radio-like quality of “Ustulate Pathos -Record-” provides a brief reprieve as the soundtrack closes out with screeching synths in “Unliberated Library” and the resolute and serene closer “Interminable Dilemma.”

Given the variety and quality of production, it’s no surprise why the Zero Escape series and its music are so highly regarded. The Zero Time Dilemma soundtrack can be imported via CD Japan for under $25 USD.

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ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK (SRIN-1162)

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Ace Combat series fans probably found a lot to like with Ace Combat 7. Early in the pandemic, I played through Ace Combat 4, 5, 6, and Zero at the behest of our graphic designer, Connary Fagen. I fell in love with the storytelling, gameplay, and music. I knew I wanted to play through Ace Combat 7 and listened through this six-disc soundtrack release several times before finally doing so, and it is an incredible game and soundtrack.

SuperSweep Records serves up the rock-infused heavy-hitting orchestral soundtrack headed up by series veteran Keiki Kobayashi, alongside DLC and other promotional music to create an expansive and complete package. It comes housed in a study cardboard sleeve with three jewel cases containing booklet text with commentary from each composer in Japanese as well as track and artist breakdowns in English. The design work throughout is impeccable.

And the music? Ace Combat 7 gets a riveting new theme by Kobayashi that is weaved throughout the score in interesting and delightful ways. The album follows the sequence of cutscenes and gameplay with all the ups and downs and drama in tow. Some personal favorites include the twangy guitar and bongo-laden “Dual Wielder,” the driving string stabs, slap bass, and big brass in “Long Day,” my absolute favorite, “Magic Spear I,” with chugging bass, wailing electric guitar, big brass stabs, and rock percussion, the tragically beautiful “Battle for Farbanti,” and epic conclusion, “Lighthouse.” The VR missions are remakes of missions from Ace Combat 4 and the arranged music is incredible, with remixes of “Sitting Duck,” “Tango Line,” and “Blockade,” all of which are a real treat to hear.

The Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Original Soundtrack is still available to import from CD Japan and is an incredible collection of music.

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FIGHTING EX LAYER Soundtracks (SRIN-1160)

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Many are aware that Shinji Hosoe and the SuperSweep team worked on the Street Fighter EX series, but most probably don’t know just how many different soundtracks this includes. The new FIGHTING EX LAYER Soundtracks collection from SuperSweep Records compiles the arcade and console soundtracks for Fighting EX Layer, Street Fighter EX, Street Fighter EX2, Street Fighter EX Plus Alpha, Street Fighter EX2 Plus, Street Fighter EX3, and Fighting Layer in a single 7-CD collection with a bonus DVD that includes multi-track data for ten fan-favorite tracks. Contributing composers include SuperSweep’s current lineup of Shinji Hosoe, Ayako Saso, Takahiro Eguchi, and Fumihisa Tanaka along with SuperSweep and/or Bandai Namco alums Takayuki Aihara, Yasuhisa Watanabe, and Kazuhiro Kobayashi.

The original Fighting EX Layer soundtrack opens with an eclectic mix of jazz fusion, chugging metal, funk, and lots of rock with plenty of guitar solos characteristic of any fighting game. It sets the stage for what’s to come with the Street Fighter EX soundtracks, which start with the original EX arcade release. The arcade soundtrack has a dated sound compared to the console soundtrack, but most of the themes remain the same. Highlights include the Asian-flavored “Rising Dragoon,” the energetic laser-like “Strange sunset,” the sitar-laden “Arabesque,” and the industrial pumping “Cold Pipe.” “Precious Heart” is an upbeat jazz tune and “Future Objects” incorporates interesting electronic ticks and whirs, both being exclusive to the console version. Street Fighter EX2 also gets both the arcade and console versions presented, with the soaring “The Infinite Earth,” hard-hitting “Passage of Lotus,” and the explosive “Flash Train” all standing out. The console version’s icy “Digital Ignition” and dramatic pop tune, “Irene,” are also highlights. Street Fighter EX3 gets the wild west harmonica-laden “Move,” dace-inducing “Cute Mafia,” the classic rock “Temptation Gun,” the Latin-flavored “BIRI-BIRI Red Heat,” the fusion “Indra Bridge of TA-SO-GA-RE,” and the smooth “Character Edit” bringing the series full circle with the eclectic offerings of the original Fighting EX Layer soundtrack. The closing disc is dedicated to the original Fighting Layer with fast-paced arcade action heard through the explosive opening, lightning-fast character select theme, and blend of pumping rock and electronic sounds.

This is a real treat for fans of Street Fighter, fighting games, or SuperSweep in general. It’s great to hear the arcade and console versions side-by-side for the first time. The discs come housed in a cardboard cade and the booklet includes Japanese commentary from all the composers. The entire set can be imported via CD Japan.

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ESP RA.DE. Ψ Drive Waves 2019 (SRIN-1166)

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SuperSweep was tapped to provide a remixed BGM mode for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 shmup, ESP Ra.De. Ψ. Given Hosoe-san and SuperSweep’s history with this game genre, you can bet they knew just want to do. The album features two discs, the first of which are in the in-game remixes, and the second of which are extended mixes of ten of the tracks. There’s also a non-stop mix available as a bonus disc for anyone order from the SuperSweep store.

The soundtrack featured original music by Masahiro Kusunoki and Tetsuya Mizoguchi, but the entire SuperSweep team and several friends contribute remixes to the remixed BGM mode. The album opens with the dreamy “ESP Person” before the pumping and fittingly titled “”DESPERATE SCHOOL” and fast-paced “NIGHTMARE” come in. Each artist on the album takes a crack at “RAGING DEICIDE,” a synth-heavy anthem that is featured no less than six times, all by different arrangers. Takahiro Eguchi’s version is drum-heavy and glitchy, Ayako Saso’s applies less emphasis on synths and adds shredding electric guitar and octave-jumping bass, Fumihisa Tanaka’s version is more driving with epic pads and arpeggiated bass, and Atomic’s remix is searing with an increased tempo and layered synths. It’s interesting to hear so many different takes on the same theme. “ACT IN JUDGE” is more bubbly and upbeat while “WANGAN RAPID LINE 2nd” glides with some nice electric piano work. I love the Metroid-esque “FAIRIES FEAR” with guttural bass and sparse percussion, and the three-part sequence starting with the surprisingly chill “RAGE” with dreamy pads and measured drums, which morphs into “WING” with added epic choir, which again morphs into “MADNESS” with added distorted choir and screams and screeching in the background. The closing track, “SNOW ILLUSION,” brings soothing bells and closes out on a reflective note.

The album is available for import from CD Japan, and the bonus disc is available from purchasing direct from the SuperSweep shop in Japan only.

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RXN -RAIJIN- ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK (SRIN-1156)

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SuperSweep Records released the soundtrack to the Nintendo Switch anime-flavored shmup RXN -RAIJIN- back in 2018 featuring music mostly by Raito with a main theme by Yuzo Koshiro and remixes by the SuperSweep team. The album features hip and minimalistic electronic music for the most part with Koshiro’s catchy vocal rock track with big band jazz elements to kick things off. The score sports everything from shredding electric guitars and cool piano to funky bass and exotic didgeridoo. There’s lots of shmup-appropriate drum ‘n’ bass, but also rock and even an orchestral fanfare. The second disc includes extended mixes of most of the tracks as well as two remixes by SuperSweep. The packaging features a giant booklet full of credits and interviews in Japanese as well as artwork and a nice cardboard slipcase.

RXN -RAIJIN- is available from CD Japan if you’re interested.

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Blastrave Compilation -Burst Rave- (SRIN-1169)

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Like SuperSweep? Like rave music? SuperSweep’s Blastrave Compilation -Burst Rave- is an album of original electronic music by SuperSweep and friends. While it’s all original music, it’s not to unlike their electronic game soundtracks. It all begins with pumping trance in the title track, “BLASTRAVE,” before the catchy “Blast the 90’s” jumps in with dance-y piano, poppy synth work, and English pop vocals. Next up is the explosive “Tear It,” the dreamy electronic-rock mix “Over Power” with some incredible guitar solos, and the bubbly “Start Running” with Japanese pop vocals. “Enter the Rave” combines pounding drum ‘n’ bass with vocal pop segments, “Kick Harassment” goes hardcore, and “Blast Off” gets a glittery and adventure-infused sound. There’s the glitchy “Back to the 90s,” the exotic rhythmic excursion “Barking night” by Shinji Hosoe himself, the dreamy and warm “Summer Line #GadgetSwitch” by Nobuyoshi Sano, and a very unsettling hardcore track titled “Gemini” with weird distressing spoken segments, pumping bass, and screeching synths. The album closes with the catchy trance tune, “BLASTRAVE 2020,” by Ayako Saso. The second disc includes a non-stop megamix of the album.

It’s great to see SuperSweep publishing some of their original works, and inviting friends both known and lesser-known to the party. If you’re looking for a hip electronic music album, you can import Blastrave Compilation -Burst Rave- on CD Japan.

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Piramirise (SRIN-1163)

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SuperSweep Records is always full of surprises. These usually come in the form of long-lost videogame soundtracks released for the first time, but this time, it comes in the form of an original Japanese pop/rock album with SuperSweep artists on production duties recorded at MONACA STUDIO, home of the team behind the soundtrack of NieR. It’s quite a combination, although the album is strictly pop music.

Piramirise serves up a variety of styles, from the jubilant rock anthem, “JUMP!” and the hip foot-tapper, “For the Future,” to the sweet and bouncy “Dead or futarikiri” and the funky and uplifting “Flying High!” There’s the sweet “Maybe Maybee Maybe,” a beautiful acoustic guitar and piano ballad in “Kanji,” and the incredibly futuristic and cool “Secrets makes shapes of life.” EDM makes an appearance in “Ageha” and “Perfect Place,” whereas “Sainposuto” takes a turn for the dramatic, and “Emotion” closes things out with a sweeping string and brass arrangement.

There’s something here for everyone, and it’s a lot of fun to see SuperSweep artists take a crack at various pop styles. This is a rather unusual release from SuperSweep as it doesn’t feature any videogame music, but fans of the SuperSweep team may want to give it a spin. The album can be imported via CD Japan.

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R4 -THE 20TH ANNIV. SOUNDS- (SRNS-2004)

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Can you believe it’s been over 20 years since Ridge Racer 4 was released? The soundtrack holds up remarkably well, combining sleek electronic, funk, and RNB sounds, which is why it’s wonderful to have a fully remastered version released by SuperSweep Records to celebrate this momentous occasion. The highlight of the R4 -THE 20TH ANNIV. SOUNDS- album, however, is the first disc, which features 16 brand new remixes. An all-star cast tackle the arrangements, including Ridge Racer alums Hiroshi Okubo, Shinji Hosoe, Ayako Saso, Kohta Takahashi, Ryo Watanabe, Nobuyoshi Sano, Tetsukazu Nakanishi, Takayuki Aihara, Jinbae “ESTi” Park, and many more, making for a wonderful reunion of sorts. The remixes are quite remarkable, fleshing out the original songs with additional instrumentation and upgraded production, liberated in a way without having to worry about infringing on the in-game action. Those who purchases this album on the SuperSweep store will also earn a special disc of extended-play mixes crafted by Okubo and Hosoe. The set comes with a cardboard slipcase and is adorned with the lovely yellow stylings and aesthetic of the original, including commentary (in Japanese) by some of the sound team and a sticker sheet. This is a collection any Ridge Racer fan will want to get their hands on. It’s available to import via CD Japan.

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NJBP Concert Archives 1 ~ANCIENT FESTIVAL~ (SRVD-5001)

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As a huge fan of Yuzo Koshiro and his work on ActRaiser in particular, I couldn’t be more excited that his 1991 Synphonic Suite from ACTRAISER got a 2018 update with new arrangements and a new performance by the New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra (NJBP). The concert featured an original opening theme and Koshiro’s music from The Scheme, Streets of Rage, Streets of Rage 2, Etrian Odyssey, and of course, Actrasier. Most are presented as short medleys of a few songs from the game and are fantastic, but the highlight for me is the ActRaiser soundtrack performed in its entirety, re-establishing itself in my mind as Koshiro’s longstanding masterpiece. The CD presents the music as a tidy listening experience without the MC portions. It’s also a treat to watch the concert itself on Blu-ray, featuring an exuberant and enthusiastic concert master and a LOT of talking. There’s actually more talk by play time than music, so if you know Japanese, there’s likely a lot to glean from the MC/conductor and Koshiro’s on-stage discussions. Watching the ActRaiser suite brings a whole new appreciation for breadth and depth of the score and highlights the solo performances that are a part of the new arrangements. As usual, we have SuperSweep to thank for publishing the album which contains both the music CD and Blu-ray disc tucked inside a slipcase with snazzy artwork. As “Archives 1,” I hope there’s more to come from the NJBP in the future.

The NJBP Concert Archives 1 ~ANCIENT FESTIVAL~ album is an exclusive to the SuperSweep store, but it’s worth the trouble to try to get your hands on.