Review 19: Deae Lunae - Makkon

Okay guys, after half a year of what I assume to be procrastination, Makkon has at last released the completed rendition of one of his first pony songs, "Luna Deos." The original blew me away with its beautiful strings and harmonious melodies. The bass in the background only furthered my appreciation, as did the simply marvelous timing and shudder-inducing build ups. As I commented in my review, I was astounded to hear that this was only a work in progress, and that he hoped to somehow make it better! Now, to me, this seemed impossible... Until I heard a short snippet of what he had planned a couple of months ago.

My expectations fully raised, I signed in today to discover that "Deae Lunae," the remastering of "Luna Deos," was uploaded at last. However, does it truly hold up to the original? Does it stand up to the fine name Makkon has crafted himself over the past Year of Pony? Can he hope to impress me? The hardest pony to impress in all of Equestria?!

...

Find out after the break.

This track opens much subtler, much quieter, than the original. This all changes later on, of course, but we'll take this slow. As said, the song is much quieter than the original, but it is so much smoother, and it gives the opportunity for a more gradual build up to greater effect. There is minimal amount of stress or reverberation in each chord, causing the tune to simply glide over the airwaves. The slow pitch of the opening 40 seconds, leading ever so softly into a build up... And then the liquid rise in that build to the first brilliant drop in the music. Delightful. That ascending bass and sharp violin compliment each other perfectly. Celestia, I love strings!

And we come to the drop 1:28 into the track. The bass kicks up after a much more gentle halt in the rhythm when compared top the first. The bass is, of course, much more refined in this rendition, and doesn't have the terrible, wobbly quality of the original. In addition, one can hear the faint fluctuation of a much lower viola. Fantastically paced, and adding a further sense of adventure to the piece. So very nearly drowned out by the bass, however... Could have been more apparent, if I were to speak against it, but it does well on it own. The beat and clap of the drum apply further solidity to the sound, grounding the listener to the torrent of music.

Every moment, from a light tap of a bell to signal the end of a phase, to the light electronic reverb playing through the background in the third and fourth act, has the sense of real effort. Ooh... And when we hit that fourth act at 3:04... That light clash of the gong leading into another, more earthy verse line... *Shudder* Divine. And it all leads to beautifully harmonious violins, rolling in with the mighty drums. The awesome beats and the lolling strings, coming together in such a simply beautiful way. And those strings beginning at 3:43 make my heart flutter. The tumbling down of the percussion and the rise of the violin herald the third drop of the piece. Lasting several times longer than earlier, and making me wonder if it will continue. One more run through of the chorus and we reach the abrupt and suitable end.


I have waited quite long for this track, Mr Makkon, and you did not disappoint! Each chord was placed with the precision of a master. Did it beat the original? Oh, many times over. However, I do not believe it resonated within me quite as much... Oh, I vastly prefer it, to be sure, but of course, I ultimately knew what was coming. Need to throw us something new, here, Mak. Do not let this make you think it doesn't affect me, because it surely does! I feel this song as much as I hear it, and I assure you all I do not take any form of medication. I simply adore well-put-together pieces of music, and this is one of them!

Makkon, you're my Number One Pony Composer, and I'd like to say thanks for this marvelous track. Look, everypony! I actually posted a review!