Pixelize

SNAIL'S HOUSE REVIEW MARATHON: PART 18

Another summer break, another attempt at regaining motivation for reviewing!!! Pixelize is a weird EP for me, cause it came out around the time I started getting more into both mainstream and music nerd albums, not just vocaloid and kawaii future bass. As a result, it's the first Snail's House project I have zero nostalgia for. That doesn't mean it's bad at all though, just... different. It feels like a turning point in his sound as well, focusing on more high-fidelity production, especially now with a brand new studio built. Let's see what's stronger, artistic growth, or plain bias!

Ironically, the title track goes against everything I just said and feels SUPER reminiscent of a bygone era of EDM, names like Deadmau5 and Rustie pop into my mind with the super bubbly synths. The most standout part of the mix is the little whirring pockets of sound bouncing from left to right, it really gives a sense of speed, like you're launching into the upper atmosphere so fast you can somehow hear the doppler effect in action. Overall, decent. Subspace Drive (or as someone has incorrectly labeled subspace overdrive as of writing) catches my ear much quicker, especially as the first mainline Snail's House song with INTELLIGIBLE VOCALS. That's how you know we've come far! The melodic progression, and little bips and bops and drops are just uniquely Snail's House. And THEN they win me over with an interpolation of Pixel Dream!!! I AM NOT IMMUNE TO NOSTALGIA :)

Channeling You is the other standout song of this EP, giving a well-needed break with an incredibly soothing chiptune jam. Again, the little whirring thing is back! I still don't know what to call it, but it cements the space-y aesthetic of this project, much more than Alien Pop even. It's bold, triumphant, and forward-thinking like the space-age propaganda of old, a glimpse into what the future could look like, while also being packed with tons of mystery to keep you on your toes. The chorus here is such a rewarding payoff too, as well as the moments where the instrumental strips back and you're just left to float and contemplate. And then there's Telepathic Love, which... doesn't really fit. It's an Ordinary Songs leftover with hints of that same futuristic production, but it just feels like a strange conclusion. Again, not bad... just different... very simple and clicky. I imagine a little fleet of toy robots marching to this song. The vocals here are also a little off-putting... I can count on my fingers the amount of times a child singing has actually worked to improve a song, at most it's just a neutral addition. One of the okayest Snail's House songs, thoroughly enjoyable, especially with that cute violin solo, but you can get this fix just about anywhere else. AND THAT'S IT!!! The shortest Snail's House project to date. Even now, it's a bit of an enigma to me, like a beta test for the upcoming Pixelize II without dipping its toes in too deep. Take the songs you like from it and nothing more.