By Mark Hadley, Andrew Huo and Toby “Radiation” Fox
“Sunny”, to describe it in one word. The song is featured in the comic, but the middle third of the album version is reworked to replace some of the chiptune instrumentation with an orchestral version.
By Mark Hadley
The plucked strings that counter the main melody after the first verse are a nice touch. It’s my favorite variation on the Aggrieve root.
By Mark Hadley. Original (Homestuck Anthem) by Clark “Plazmataz” Powell
Absolutely superb. As I’ve mentioned previously, this is my favorite single track in the Homestuck catalog (to date, in any case).
An ethereal, mellow xylophone provides the main melody, backed by a reserved string section. A subtle harp counter-melody adds just the right amount of complexity: it’s a simple track, and is all the better for it. The second half of the song is more powerful, but this is accomplished austerely by adding deeper strings and doubling up on the main melody. The song evokes feelings of discovery, of new beginnings, of simple, childlike wonder.
In the flash animation (which kicks off Act 5 Act 2), certainly these themes make sense. As the viewers, we’re seeing John’s life in fast motion: his relationship with Dad, the first time he meets Jade, all kinds of poignant moments. Moments in a protagonist’s life, one whom we care about as a character.
Within the story, ironically, Karkat’s mind is racing in completely the opposite direction. His initial curiosity begins turning to anger, then to hate. In his own words, “IT IS A HATE SO PURE AND HOT IT WOULD CONSUME YOUR SAD UNDERDEVELOPED HUMAN THINK PAN TO EVEN CONTEMPLATE.” Watching Karkat get madder and madder forms a hilarious contrast to the viewer’s experience. It’s like seeing Sonny Corleone get shot… while Dream Weaver plays in the background. Well, that’s how Karkat would describe it, anyways.
By Mark Hadley. Original ‘Black’ by Toby “Radiation” Fox
There’s two versions of this song in the catalog, and I’m a big fan of both of them for completely different reasons. Restrained, skittish piano set against deep, gloomy strings. The otherworldly synth whomping that starts in the second half is great.
By Toby “Radiation” Fox. Partial remix of “Unbreakable Union” by Kalibration, “Courser” by Alexander Rosetti and Seth “Beatfox” Peelle, “Carefree Action” by Mark J. Hadley, and “Homestuck Anthem” by Clark “Plazmataz” Powell
Source: Homestuck
It wanders from calm traditional introduction to frenzied tribal rhythm, and hits every point in between. My favorite part of the song, by far, is the piano interlude in the middle. It’s ominous and terribly foreboding: the most reserved part of the song serves as an accompaniment to the biggest reveal in the webcomic, up to that point.
By Mark Hadley. Original ‘Squiddles!’ by Alexander Rosetti. Original 'Dissension’ by David Ko
There’s been a few good songs on the Dissension theme, but this one’s my favorite. It has a personality of its own. It dances around the main melody with its own unique voice. Just when you think it’s about to move into familiar territory, it sidesteps towards something new and different.
And then, you’ve got to give credit to a track that uses the Squiddles theme as a source, yet results in a song that would fit into a dramatic moment in an action movie.
By Malcolm Brown. Originals “Chorale for Jaspers” by Michael Guy Bowman, and “Aggrieve” by Mark Hadley
It’s a shame this wasn’t featured more extensively in the webcomic: only a few short segments are featured here. It’s as ‘strife’ a song as they come. Favorite part? The section with the eerie choir and the electric guitar lead that starts around the two minute mark.
By Erik ‘Jit’ Scheele. Original “Harlequin” by Mark Hadley
This music library must have the greatest collection of ‘scary as hell carnival music’ tracks in the world. Gamzee approves. As strange as it sounds, this is probably my favorite version of the ‘Harlequin’ motif. Crazy honk horns (and what seems to be some kind of a dinosaur) in the background are a bonus.
Arranged by Michael Guy Bowman. Original ‘Ocean Stars’ written by Mark Hadley
Great, easy listening. Starts off low key and builds slowly to a pretty cool groove. I’d have to call it a haunting refrain if it weren’t so damn cheerful and bouncy.