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Bionic Commando Rearmed: The Bionic Jam - Chris Kline :: Review by Chris
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Album Title: | Bionic Commando Rearmed - The Soundtrack |
| Record Label: | Sumthing Digital | |
| Catalog No.: | Promotional | |
| Release Date: | July 7, 2008 | |
| Purchase: | Buy at Sumthing Digital |
Review
To commemorate the remake of Bionic Commando, Chris Kline (aka Vertexguy) was hired to arrange the main theme in a rock and roll style. The result, "The Bionic Jam", showcased his impressive skills on the electric guitar and impressed audiences at several events. Having already released two albums for Bionic Commando Rearmed, Sumthing Digital also made this track available to download for a dollar. How does it fare?
The first section of the theme features a fairly straightforward rendition of the Bionic Commando Rearmed main theme, based on the first area theme of the original. Supported by rhythm guitar and drum kit, Kline performs the theme confidently, bringing out the strength of the melody and adding a new level of flair. The rhythm guitar becomes a little repetitive after the while, but that's forgivable, since the point is to showcase the lead.
From 1:40, Chris Kline's solo becomes much more elaborate. The final minute is simply excellent featuring extravagant runs, use of sequences, dabs of distortion, and dives into ever higher registers. Most listeners will be surprised at just how challenging the solo becomes before it eventually ends on a high note. It's regrettable relatively little continues to happen in the accompaniment, but there is enough in the lead to keep listeners entertaining.
Seeing Kline perform this is incredible. He doesn't bother to show off on stage in favour of looking composed at all times. However, he still manages to amaze by performing increasing elaborate solos as if he had a bionic arm. His attitude is great and a refreshing change from the showman pretending to perform at Video Games Live. You can check this track out on YouTube and, if you find it worth revisiting (trust me, you probably will), it's well worth paying a dollar for at Sumthing Digital to own a legitimate MP3 for your collection.
