Computer code is something I do not understand. Programming, Algorithms, syntax, hacking… Hell, even technology itself! I know just about enough to run a few programs, emulate old 16bit era games and occasionally stream on Twitch! Master Boot Record therefore is on a totally different level to me BUT what I do understand (or at least like to think I do) is music. Built around the core ideas of computing and composition, MBR is an attempt to dehumanise the process of making music as much as possible whilst at the same time marrying the principles of software into sound. From MIDI, Synth and Chiptune to digital renderings of real instruments, MBR has managed to create music using the type of logic systems and structuring found in the digital world, marrying technological complexity and composition to a high degree. For those who are cryptologically inclined, MBR has coded in puzzles to his music which will lead you to exclusive bonus material, see his website for more info as I’ll be honest, all that is waaaaay out of my league!
With two of his previous releases already being covered here, I am the next in line to take a listen and give a run down on this latest creation. So, let’s power up the computer and see what we are running with.
We all know how electronic based music can have a massive impact on what is the staple core sound of a band. Adding the keyboards and synths allows for new melodic levels to be reached through overarching atmospheric sequences or leads to rival any stringed instrument. Drums can be programmed to be near inhumanly possible to play or to allow for smaller groups to perform or create music without the need to find a drummer who isn’t tied up in several bands already or become a trademark of the band’s sound, so it is no surprise that the keys/synth and drum elements are present in MBR. What is a surprise is the total lack of any other ‘organic’ instrumentation. All the sounds are synthetic; clever manipulation of various wave samples and MIDI rendering of instrument sounds give a pretty damn fine guitar and bass sound, missing only that slight crackling of distortion which a genuine amplifier would give or the noticeable sounds of the percussive impact a plectrum has when hitting the strings or the subtle sounds of fingers moving between frets.
With a big inspiration from chiptune and the classic console based gaming era, there is a big air of nostalgia on this release. The tracks could easily be imagined as the soundtrack to any number of games from the pre-PS2 gaming era. You have moments in the music where you can imagine yourself walking through the grim, crime laden streets in Streets of Rage, or hitting 200mph on a bike in the legendary Super Hang On. You have flurries of notes snaking across the track like in a jRPG such as Final Fantasy or Chrono Trigger. You have moments which could be likened to a sci-fi space shooter like R-Type. For me, this is one of the major selling points, combining my love of gaming and music to create a wonderful experience which can take you on a fantastic journey.
Aside from the gaming vibes, there is a big metal vibe too. Symphonic power metal, neoclassical shred friendly sequences and electro inspired industrial. It is almost like combining the work of Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Romeo, Derek Sherinian, Jordan Rudess and Nobou Uematsu and creating something which is incredibly familiar but totally new and unique.
It’s not hard to listen to this release and actually imagine where the ‘real’ instruments would fit; you have stunning solos which have rapid flurries of notes which could easily be imagined as tapping techniques or sweep picking. You have thundering riffs which churn away like a turbulent thrash current, huge low frequency rumblings reminiscent of the pounding of the low string of a bass guitar. The emulation of these instruments is performed so well that after numerous listens your brain actually deceives you into hearing the guitars as guitars, not synthetic analogues and it is here where the album shines so well.
“Personal Computer” by Master Boot Record is one of the future directions music is going to take. The emulation of instruments for those who cannot play them (but can compose) is a natural step forwards and the advancement of technology means this is more accessible to everyone. I have no doubt all the tracks on this album could be performed effortlessly by people using real instruments and I feel that they would have the same effect. The tracks would still be as exhilarating or heavy whether they were delivered on a guitar or a computer.
This is an album you need to hear.
(9.5/10 Fraggle)
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