Chiptunes were one of the first post-internet genres, initially appearing as retro re-interpretations of pop music into minimalist bleeps and bloops, played on vintage video game hardware. The genre further diversified, splintered, exploded, etc. into Vaporwave (slowed down elevator music), New Age Pop (more of a revival, really) Future Funk (sped-up J-Pop) and now, Dream VGM, which is music that could have been in a classic of the Clinton era. Music has always been a part of video games, but it is only recently that the sounds are being decoupled from the visuals and considered on their own merits. Equip's CURSEBREAKER X is not music inspired by one particular game, but from the general feel and aesthetic of the late 80’s to mid-90’s console games. “Cemetery Moonglow” is sequenced bass, layers of catchy synth, and wonky digital sax. “Nocturne Catacombs” is moody and minimal, twinkling synth flourishes and a treasure chest of digital percussion. “Shadow Dancer” starts with layers of digital piano and gated drums beset by glitchy distortion and yawning synth leads. The LP jacket features artwork by Keith Rankin (Giant Claw, owner of Orange Milk Records), and the LP is pressed on pink vinyl with blue splatter. 

• pink and blue splatter colored vinyl pressing
• limited edition
• music label: 100% Electronica 2019

reviewed by RANDO OF BLOOD 08/2019