A 2-CD set that is packaged with a swing-out insert rather than a more bulky double-space case, Parasite Eve II presents well from a purely visual standpoint. Very little in the way of liner notes are included, but Naoshi Mizuta takes credit for composing, arranging and producing the 66 songs here. Some of you may remember that Yoko Shimomura was behind music for the original Parasite Eve, and also worked on Legend of Mana for Squaresoft. The change between Yoko and Naoshi is probably best described as going from acoustic to electronic. If we typically think of programmed music as being consistent, we also have to admit that variety of texture and depth of timbre in Electronica can make for a 'sonic wallpaper' effect that may suit a videogame, but not equate to enjoyable listening. Virtually all the new material is programmed, but Tsuyoshi Sekito comes in with guitar at times to provide a break from pure Electronica. The Ambient pieces showcase a talent for short form textures, but also highlight some recycling of beats and samples that betrays Mizuta's inexperience. In fact, I found some of the best listening here to be the re-mixed versions of ?Weird Man? and ?Hiding Place? that show up as the very last songs on the second disc. Development and inventiveness in these two unfortunately only intensify my desire to hear as much long-form as incidental on an OST collection like this. Sure, we all like to have our favorite mood-pieces included, but much of Parasite Eve II was just theme and variation on two or three ambient textures. To hear every variation spread over ten tracks isn't half as interesting as hearing a long-form piece that lets us ride along in the thematic development Mizuta is obviously capable of.
Specific themes that you may remember from the game are the low drones, ring-modulated effects and grandiose harmonies or martial elements. Part of the difference between other survival horror games and Parasite Eve II was the basis in hard science we saw. More than just an experiment gone awry or another toxic spill in Raccoon City, Hideaki Sena's novel parasite EVE really postulated the effect on society of a complete revolution from within of a fundamental organic component, the mitochondria. What if, said Sena, the mighty mitochondria decided to secede from the bodies they support and power, turning some living creatures into pillars of flame and mutating others into hulking horrors that will terrorize humanity until their plan of world domination is complete. Eve, the matriarch of this new race, is at once a frightening creature and an elegant queen. Her position as a ruling conqueror and semi-deity serves as the pivot for much of the game's drama, so the mood of Parasite Eve II is both horrific and regal. Mizuta does a nice job of capturing the contrast between thumping Techno and slowly bubbling Ambient moods, but leaves too many of the short segments undeveloped. As we see in the longer pieces, or especially the re-mix tracks, Mizuta doesn't lack the talent for building on a good idea, but the short tracks feel like a scribble in a musical notebook. I came to the end of most tracks wishing more time had been taken to build on a good thing, but another perspective would be that the OST taken as a whole shows Mizuta dealing consistently with themes that build and grow according to the game's action, or the demand of any one scene. Staggered beats and mixed-meter help to breathe some life into recurring samples or thematic elements, but less discerning ears may find the Ambient tracks (which make up at least a third of the OST) to be too subtle. In fact, a great choice of structure and design would have been to include one full CD of Ambient pieces, leaving more active Techno and Electronica on its own.
Compilation junkies will find plenty of bountiful treasures here for making mixes, and solid composition elements abound on at least 80% of the material. Putting this on for some lounging is not going to crowd out conversation, and makes for good reflecting and relaxation. Sure, the vibe is definitely creepy at times, but sustained electronic textures tend to do that anyway. Parasite Eve II would definitely carry a 'sexy' tag as one of its key components as a game, and the OST doesn't fail to satisfy on that front. Deep harmonies and beats will carry even the most seasoned ear into some interesting places, and I hope to see Mizuta take this material into a record of long-form or re-mix tracks. Give this one a try, especially if you liked the vibe of Parasite Eve II the game. And remember to treat your mitochondria with some respect...
