I`m always liked such a simple but atmospheric music. As I`m a composer too I found this mod very inspiring. It have a nice samples/instruments set. Some parts maybe sounding spontaneous, anyway the full work is very pleasing to listen. And again, it`s from the early 90s - golden era of the electronic music, the most inspiring period for me.
Technique, Arrangement, Composition (7/10)
I know maestro J.Kyd as a true master of the mod/FM music and real electronic/cinematic/orchestra soundtracks (MDK2, Hitman, Assassins Creed series, etc.). First works I heard in my childhood were the fantastic OSTs for the great old games Sub-Terrania (1993), Adventures of Batman and Robin (1995) for the Sega MD. It shown just an incredible music skill in making of the ambient/hard-techno/rave electronic music. This track (1990-91) is a contemporary pop ballad/lo-fi chillout/modern jazz and for the genre its sounds way more simple. Such music just don`t need a super skills, but you need a nice feel of the atmosphere of the image you want to show to the listeners and good skills for the improvising playing (jazzy roots).
Development (6/10)
There is not a lot of the sounds/instruments, but me like them all, esp. clean and powerful snares and a bit noisy harmonic pad chords (really sweet authentic retro sound). I don`t know why the pad wasn`t placed into the center maybe the technique limitations (as I remember the Amiga couldn`t able to produce the sound in the center). I think that with a pad in the center the track would be sounding more natural. All instruments on my ears are sounding in balance and comfortable. Maybe only the emptiness in the center is a bit disturbing.
Creativity (7/10)
As I said it`s not a complex but very simple track. Simple prolonged jazzy, sax-like melody for the regular pop ballad/lo-fi chillout brings some of the romantic pieces in the dark "night" mix. Me really like it! Good idea indeed. Some parts of it reminded me the melodies from the Sub-Terrania game OST, almost the same FM-sound, I think.
Enjoyment (8/10)
Sure, this dreamy, romantic, jazzy chillout will be in my collection of favorites on my PC too. It`s very inspiring work with its atmosphere of the empty (or with a few other people) night city without the car traffic, maybe some of the autumn rain on the background ...
city lights - jesper_kyd_-_city_lights.mod
Review Score: 7/10
Overall Impression (8/10)
I`m always liked such a simple but atmospheric music. As I`m a composer too I found this mod very inspiring. It have a nice samples/instruments set. Some parts maybe sounding spontaneous, anyway the full work is very pleasing to listen. And again, it`s from the early 90s - golden era of the electronic music, the most inspiring period for me.