It’s been ages, hasn’t it? For those of us in the OverClocked ReMix (OCR) community, the question of when virt, aka Jake Kaufman, would grace us with another mix has been lingering for far too long. Years, in fact. Think back to the days of Geocities – that’s the kind of timeframe we’re talking about. A lot has changed since then, and thankfully, for the better.
The passage of time has a funny way of mellowing things out. As we’ve all gotten older and navigated the complexities of life, perspectives shift, and priorities realign. Work, responsibilities, and simply growing up tend to push aside old dramas. Speaking personally, and perhaps for others, a bit of life experience – let’s just say in the form of fine beverages and good company – can certainly smooth out any lingering rough edges. Crucially, a huge shoutout needs to go to Brendan Becker, the mastermind behind MrMAGFest and Inverse Phase. His outreach and efforts to bring OCR back into the MAGFest fold have fostered an environment of camaraderie and good vibes year after year, where past grievances simply melt away.
Honestly, I even debated whether to preface this mix at all. The music could easily stand alone, presented as just another fantastic track. However, Jake Kaufman’s evolution as a game composer truly warrants special recognition. While he’s consistently produced incredible music for years, the sheer scale of projects like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Contra 4 on the Nintendo DS, reaching far wider audiences than perhaps Shantae did initially, underscores his deserved ascent. Witnessing his talent shine on increasingly prominent platforms, including collaborations with industry giants on Red Faction: Guerrilla, is genuinely inspiring. From his astonishing musical range to his almost mythical speed-composing abilities, Jake’s raw musical talent, combined with his genuine passion for and deep understanding of Video Game Music (VGM), is undeniable.
Perhaps I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to articulate all of this, in the right context. Hopefully, anyone still harboring outdated impressions or clinging to the notion of lingering conflicts can finally put those ideas to rest. Times have changed, and for the better.
Now, let’s get to the mix itself. Wes aptly described it, saying:
“It has been quite a while since we’ve seen virt with any relation to OCR, but after MAGFest 5, it was only natural to invite him for involvement with the DKC 2 album project. He was excited to hop on board and swiftly took one of the most attractive sources available. The original expectation was that virt was going to do metal, but he had other plans in turning this into “cheesy trance,” to borrow from virt’s own description of his track. It’s cheesy trance that works though, which is the important part: virt makes it work and work well in building up the song to a climax, only to bring it down quickly and leave us thirsting for more.”
My initial listen was admittedly colored by preconceived notions. Without reading Wes’s description beforehand, I had different expectations. Once I recalibrated, I began to appreciate the track, but still wasn’t fully in sync with it. However, on the second listen, it clicked. The execution, the masterful build-up – it’s all brilliantly done. When the track hits its stride, it becomes so gloriously over-the-top, anthemic, and melodic, you can’t help but grin. It’s funny how expectations can shape our initial perceptions. It’s like watching Gladiator for the first time. Expecting “Spartacus 2.0,” I initially struggled to reconcile my expectations with what the film actually was. But upon a second viewing, I was completely captivated.
I strongly suspect most listeners will embrace this track from the very first note. It boasts a fantastic source, impeccable execution, and, most importantly, a phenomenal build and release. If it’s “cheesy trance,” it’s a top-shelf, exquisitely refined Brie, crafted by one of the finest musical artisans around – who also happens to be a virtuoso baker, a gourmet chef, and a seasoned sommelier, metaphorically speaking. This track’s inclusion in Serious Monkey Business elevates the entire album, and the prospect of future contributions from virt to OCR is something to genuinely look forward to.
