Okay, it's been a really bad week, and I'm sorry. I had a research paper, plus I was not only sick but stressed out as well, and I just had no time or energy to do this. BUT NOW I'M BACK BABY, AND LET'S LISTEN TO SOME GYM THEMES.
Again, there are like no gym leader pictures I like...
So here's our long-awaited fifth gym challenge, Driftveil City, run by Clay, the weird cowboy thing! ...I can't tell whether or not I like this. My initial gut reaction is that I really don't...it's a little too gravelly, which I guess is fitting for a Ground-Type gym, but I don't really dig it...ha, get it? (is shot) Also, I think the semi-guitarish sound that takes over the melody at :20 does not fit into the feel at all. I was talking to a friend, and he said that the whole song sounds like a Goron from Legend of Zelda. I see what he means: it's mostly the drums where I get that idea. The complicated part of this song is at :33--I LOVE THAT XYLOPHONE. The rest of the song is just...eh...but the xylophone is so fun!! It actually makes me think of dinosaurs, which doesn't really make sense. I dunno, maybe it's because I'm a xylophone player myself, but I love it. And honestly, the song does have a good beat. So I'm still torn.
Here's Mistralton City's gym and its high-flying leader, Skyla! I personally really like this theme, and I think I know why. It screams Ruby and Sapphire to me. In lots of Ruby and Sapphire's music, there were many added trills and grace notes--basically, when the music fluctuates for just a little bit. There were also lots of slides with notes. This song slides and trills every single phrase. That also adds to the light and airy quality of the music, perfect for Flying-Types, but I think the true reason I love it is the nostalgia factor from Ruby and Sapphire...even if I'm the only one that sees it.
TIME FOR THE LAST GYM BATTLE oh wait no it's not -_- But this music certainly makes you feel like it is! Opelucid City's gym theme certainly builds up for Drayden, the Dragon-Type leader. It reminds me of a castle--beautiful, but also looming and threatening. And this threatening music coupled with riding a frickin DRAGON STATUE to the top of the gym is just...wow. True final battle stuff. Not much more I can say on this...Maybe it's a little repetitive? But still good nonetheless.
Okay, so here's the LAST last gym battle: Humilau City's gym, run by Marlon! This is a very nice, relaxing piece, which gets across a very Caribbean feel. Love the sound of the steel marimbas--at least, I'm pretty sure that's what they are--and the flute carries the melody very nicely. It's incredibly relaxing, just like the gym itself. I really love the arrangement and think it works really, really well. Just one problem...THIS IS IN NO WAY FINAL GYM MATERIAL. IT'S SO HAPPY. WHY. If this and number seven were switched I'd be perfectly happy. Bah.
But, well, that's it for my belated Black and White 2 special! I'll see you next Thursday, I PROMISE! Ciao~!
-umchan649
