Archive for the ‘Album Reviews’ Category

Pixel Syndrome Digs into ‘ひきこもり・Hikikomori’ by Pterodactyl Squad

Posted by Pixel Syndrome

In Japan, where the term of ‘Hikikomori’ originated, it refers to either adults or teens who withdraw from society, and whose only purpose is to be alone by their own volition and live as post-modern hermits who are nevertheless still connected to their virtual lives. In this post COVID world, a chill chiptune compilation centered around isolation is just one of the ways in which our scene, which has been called “the most pandemic proof”, shows its resilience and its way to thrive within this new normal.

This brand new compilation, released on the month of April by Pterodactyl Squad, aptly named “ひきこもり・Hikikomori” has a total of 32 tracks. They are diverse sounding and super fun to listen to within the confines of your home, maybe even dance frantically to, all while basking in this brand new collective hikikomori pact we’ve established in the western civilization.

And I’m super happy to be here to review some of these amazing tracks, so let’s get started!

Album artwork by Bryony Hopkins.

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A Square Meal: ‘B (Albert comes over to me)’ by tobokegao

Posted by Pixel Guy

During my short time listening to chiptune, I’ve found a handful of iconic artists. However, today I’d like to call attention to an artist who is of particular importance to my personal chiptune journey. Responsible for one of the most iconic albums of the past decade, an avid enthusiast of chipmusic and accessories, tireless supporter of chipmusicians from all around the globe, advocate for chipmusic education, and notable Meme Master tobokegao has released a new album! Without any further ado, let’s take a look at ‘B (Albert comes over to me)’!

Art by tobokegao.
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ChipWIN Volume 9: Judge Interest Form

Posted by President Hoodie

Only a handful or so of months in and 2020 has already been one helluva year. And that’s putting it very mildly if we’re being truly honest (much love to you and yours throughout this continued global crisis ♥). In light of this, it should come as no surprise that the annual ChipWIN Volume compilation competition is running behind. The most important bit to notice there, however, is that it is still running! Up first to mention is an important alteration to the Volume Judge Panel selection. Namely, this year we’re publishing an Interest Form to help guide the overall judge curation process. Learn more about it, and apply if you’re so inclined, below:

Judge Interest Form –> https://tinyurl.com/v9judgeinterestform <– Judge Interest Form

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A Square Meal: ‘Formula Maintained’ by Robyn A1200

Posted by Pixel Guy

One of the greatest qualities that a musician can have is simply the ability to produce a cohesive, memorable piece. In our particular field, being able to express oneself through ‘simple’ sounds without losing a single scrap of eloquence is not only admirable but also an irrefutable sign of capability. However, since the concept of quality is not quite universal, and complexity and capability are not always in a linear relationship, there’s not an exact way to measure the first. Each person has their own formula, which is fantastic, but I think that there are some cases in which we all can agree on the value of a work. Today, I want to share one of those albums. In her latest work, Robyn A1200 offers us a huge variety of styles, mixing chiptune, house, VGM, and synthpop to the delight of her listeners. The result is astonishing, to say the least. So let’s take a look at ‘Formula Maintained’ by Robyn A1200.

Artwork by sen-pi
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Pixel Syndrome Digs Into ‘The Unrealist’ by Stig

Posted by Pixel Syndrome

Hi there! Welcome to this new space in which I, Pixel Syndrome, will be reviewing and digging into the albums and music creations of different chiptune artists! In this occasion, I will be listening to ‘The Unrealist’ by Stig, which is a collection of several tracks that were written for chiptune compilation albums, most notably Chiptunes 4 Autism and our very own Chiptunes = WIN yearly compilations! However, and amazingly, it still holds out on its own as a cohesive unit.

"The Unrealist" record cover.

‘The Unrealist’ record cover.

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