To me, without using the in-game context, Snow in Summer tells the story of a solitary journey, struggle, and then a respite from the journey and struggle by finally slipping peacefully into that eternal sleep, death. One of my absolute favourite tracks in gaming, or just musically in general.
I found the song by coincidence and it made me try the game. Before I knew the context I imagined a lone soldier in his final battle after having to lose most people he fought with. Surprisingly close to what the Shadowlord went through, given that I had no idea yet.
Want to know why it's called Snow in Summer? Because the sequence of the game where this plays is in the height of summer, and the destroyed city is blanketed in white as stuff resembling snow drifts down. But it's not snow. It's salt. The salt used to be people. You're witnessing a world in which the majority of the human population has been turned to salt or into a red-eyed murderous maniac. This sets the tone for the story.
This reminds me of my experience 10 years ago when I was still in middle school and a volcano near my city exploded and rain of ash fell and cover the whole city. It was summer but it looks just like winter, visibility is poor you can barely see things 5 meters in front of you and everything is covered in white substances but although the ashes do cover the sky and make it less hot than the usual summer temperature,it doesn't feel cold at all which is quite chilling (no pun intended) as it is in contrast to what we used to feel when we look at you know, the whole city covered in a white substance that falls slowly from the sky which is usually a sign of winter or heavy snowfall
This song might just be the ultimate theme setter. It really throws you in at the deep end. In the intro, after NieR's cry for help, when the song kicks back in, I get shivers without fail. Personally I've only played the remake and much prefer the clean, full orchestra version in that game. The instrumentation and spacing in the sound is perfection. Another song that really, really profited from the remaster is Shadowlord - Sacrifice. Really enjoyed your takes on singing techniques.
You're so right about setting the theme. Shadowlord and Emil are coming next though I think the only one I can grab is the Gestalt rendition! Thanks yes, I'm trying to use more of my singing experience in the videos. I appreciate the feedback as always.
@@MarcoMeatball Yeah, I've also found no way to get my hands on the Remade soundtrack besides buying a physical copy. I don't even think it's on Spotify, even though Automata is. Maybe it'll be released in Square's initiative to make their OST's more accessible on YT, but who knows.
There is a small Channel Called Gestalt Papa I think, who uploaded a handful of the Replicant Ver.1.22 Soundtracks, around 43 Tracks I believe. It's probably still around.
Having heard both versions of the soundtracks, I feel torn between the two. There are tracks in which I prefer the originals over the remake, such as Temple of Drifting Sands (no Emi Evans in the remake version means automaric win for the original), or Song of the Ancients - Fate. Then you have tracks like Snow in Summer, i which I definently lean more towards the remake. As a commenter I saw put it, the remake version sounded so terrifying given you play as young Brother Nier, and you are placed in a situation where you never had a chance to win. And then there's the fact that the instrumental version is played again while on your way to the Shadowlord. That additional violin part makes all the difference.
I just love the title of snow in summer, already tells us something is wrong, and even the beginning of the song seems cold with just the choir. Then it gets more instruments as you realise that you have to survive in this apocalyptic world where snow falls on summer
I'm glad that you listened to the original first before the new vers one. I personally prefer the original songs a little bit more because the original emphasize the drum more better than the new one, imo. Thank you for the video 😊
One of my favorite OST from Nier, I love it so much I listen to it soooo many times and it gives me chill every time. Glad to see you are covering all of my favorite NieR OST Anyway this reminds me of my experience 10 years ago when I was still in middle school and a volcano near my city exploded and rain of ash fell and cover the whole city. It was in the middle of summer but it looks just like we are in the middle of winter, visibility is poor you can barely see things 5 meters in front of you and everything is covered in white substances and although the ashes do cover the sky and make it less hot than the usual summer weather, it doesn't feel cold at all which is quite chilling (pun intended) as it is in contrast to what we used to feel when we look at you know, the whole city covered in a white substance that falls slowly from the sky which is usually a sign of winter or heavy snowfall
when I first heard this song, it was outside of its original context, used for a tabletop RPG game, as the tone-setter for the very world between dreams and reality; and ever since, even knowing it soriginal, intended context from playing NieR replicant myself, it still chills my bones to the very core; that this theme, this...Music, not only evokes that separation between reality and dreams for me; but also the very fear of what lay beyond those very dreams; will it be respite, pain, an ordeal or just, the very silence the night itself holds, as strange in population, as it would be, should it snow in Summer
Excited for more Nier pieces on the channel, your insights are really interesting to listen to! Personally I'm a big fan of the emotional soundtracks so I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Voice of no return, Ashes of dream, ... Really enjoying the videos you're putting out right now. Keep it up!
Honestly, one of the tracks in NieR Replicant’s OST to give me a sense of existential dread (while in Automata that’d be “Mourning”) and overall it makes me wish to return to those simple bygone days when everything seems more peaceful and innocent. The nice thing about this type of music is that not only can it make one feel hopelessness, but knowing what one has lost and reflecting on what once was gives us enough hope to strive for that inner Salvation we seek.
Copied City from NieR Automata is a beautiful song to listen to. It is so simple but quite unsettling. Also, from Drakengard 1, level XIII closing....is terrifying feeling. Snow in Summer is so tragic as the snow is salt from white chlorination that came from what happens in Drakengard level XIII closing.
I love your videos! I'm glad you're bringing out so much content (especially with the NieR Series) and Snow In Summer is a banger. I really would love if you reacted to "Gods Bound By Rules" from NieR Replicant/Gestalt. This piece is something different to me. Keep up the great work and have an amazing day/night!!
Thanks for your kind words! I'm trying to pump a few out a week while I build the channel up and have been so excited for the response. Snow in Summer really is amazing. I will listen to Gods Bound by Rules, I think it's on my list. :) There are a few on there. Plus allllllllllll the other music I want to talk about :D
Dang, now when I listened to the remake of nier with the Weiss Edition. It got so emotional and more melancholic than the original that it felt you really were in that situation. I know I haven't played the remake nor the original but I would want to play this soon. The music and the game is phenomenal based on what I saw on other clips.
Hola Marco, love your analysis, helps me understand music i love more. You would be a great music teacher. Buena suerte con tu canal. Eres persona bella.
hahaha muchas gracias! yo estudio musica para diez años y un poquito por music teaching pero no me gusta :D Estoy feliz hacendo esto trabajo pero y soy muy feliz que te gusta!!!!!
I am so glad this was the version of the song you decided to analyze. The remastered version has been changed just enough that it focuses more on being grand and epic, while keeping that eerie feeling. But the original sticks to almost entirely vocals and drums, which you explained so well, hightens the feeling of urgency and stress that you get from the dissonant vocals. It's the biggest reason that most people prefer the original ost to the remastered. Even if the remaster is really good on its own, it just doesn't have the same impact as the original
I remember listening to both NieR games soundtracks one day during the start of the pandemic. When this track started playing... and through it... I was so messed up. It's a beautiful, emotion evoking piece, from a beautiful, thought provoking game.
This piece is really beautiful to me I love just how isolating it feels like walking alone in a blizzard. Another song I feel is similar to this is destati from kingdom hearts, which I recommend you give a listen its one of my favorite songs in gaming.
you should listen to “birth of a wish” i think it is by far my favorite ost besides this one (you just covered in this vid) and “song of the ancient” there are different versions to them, it wouldn’t hurt to make your videos longer would it..?
My videos have become 15 minutes or more now. You’re right. I didn’t think anyone would give a shit so I made it short!!!!!!!! I was JUST thinking about this with Song of the ancients and shadow lord
Discovered your channel last week and am loving your content! Super insightful and informative, feel like I'm learning lot and therefore gaining an even greater appreciation for the tracks from watching your videos. NieR has some of the greatest music ever made. You should check out the track "14.3 Billion Years" from the Outer Wilds soundtrack, one of the greatest game OSTs of all time.
ooooo that sounds nice. I'll listen, might be cool since I haven't played it too much. Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback - it helps me want to keep going. Thank you!
Man, this is one of those songs that tells you EXACTLY what kind of experience you're in for with this game (with the original Gestalt version, both from a game design point and a story point xD. Less so with the Replicant remaster on the game design front!). I personally prefer the Replicant version of this song because it added so many elements to the original song - a lot of times I like the original songs just a taaaaad more (not by much) because I am if nothing else an absolute sucker for sick percussion drops, but there's something about the Replicant version that just sends shivers up my spine in the last few minutes of the song. It just...drives home the absolute *despair* that the protagonist must be feeling, in a dead world, trying to protect his little sister, with the children's choir just wailing while the orchestra just gets *devastatingly* relentless and loud...SO good.
so it turns out: Snow in summer and grandma are very similar, one is 105 bpm and the other 95. If you bpm match the two songs, and play them together, it sounds unreasonably good, almost like they were composed in parallel, as two halves of one piece of music i've made that combination and posted it here, in this case matched to grandma's faster 105 bpm: czcams.com/video/AJ72NsgZJbI/video.html
Oh god, that OST (FE Echoes: SoV) has a lot of good ones to analyze. I love that game, at least Nier is being covered! Appreciate these discussions he has.
Tienes pensamientos extendidos para la version de nier replicant 1.22 de snow in summer another edit? PS: I have only seen 2 of your videos because today I discovered your channel and it is very interesting, greetings from a Colombian :D
(well, YT just deleted my comment bc I placed a link from dailymotion hehe, anyway) I realised that "Making of a Cyborg" from Ghost in the Shell 1995 has very like the same mood as Snow in Summer, and it's curious because in both cases they are the first song that plays. This is the original version (the first comment explains how it's based on bulgarian folklore music): czcams.com/video/iTPNaUsjksM/video.html That's great but I believe the live version really hits different (I found a better quality version on dailymotion but YT doesn't want me to place that here): czcams.com/video/WjOuEruzoh0/video.html
Hey awesome videos! Would love to see you react to another Nier ost called "The Tower" from Nier Automata. It's a track I can never forget! Anyway you earned a sub for sure:)
Listening to this while Nier says Somebody help us! really hits in the heart. Pretty stunning and I had a great time playing this game so beautiful
So beautiful. I need to finish it. It got caught on my backlog
"Loss of innocence" is the best way to describe NieR as a whole, it's welcomes u too the harshest reality.
To me, without using the in-game context, Snow in Summer tells the story of a solitary journey, struggle, and then a respite from the journey and struggle by finally slipping peacefully into that eternal sleep, death.
One of my absolute favourite tracks in gaming, or just musically in general.
It is so good, isn't it. Thanks for sharing that :)
It's such a haunting track, and one that always comes back to me when I think about this series.
Sadly I can't separate it from the in-game context to know how I'd interpret it otherwise.
Well... in terms of the Shadowlord... That's what actually happened...
I found the song by coincidence and it made me try the game. Before I knew the context I imagined a lone soldier in his final battle after having to lose most people he fought with. Surprisingly close to what the Shadowlord went through, given that I had no idea yet.
Want to know why it's called Snow in Summer?
Because the sequence of the game where this plays is in the height of summer, and the destroyed city is blanketed in white as stuff resembling snow drifts down.
But it's not snow. It's salt. The salt used to be people.
You're witnessing a world in which the majority of the human population has been turned to salt or into a red-eyed murderous maniac.
This sets the tone for the story.
The queen begins to sing... Light and shadow, goodness and evil...
Silence the mother's song.
@@unknown_akuma I hear... a... song
This reminds me of my experience 10 years ago when I was still in middle school and a volcano near my city exploded and rain of ash fell and cover the whole city. It was summer but it looks just like winter, visibility is poor you can barely see things 5 meters in front of you and everything is covered in white substances but although the ashes do cover the sky and make it less hot than the usual summer temperature,it doesn't feel cold at all which is quite chilling (no pun intended) as it is in contrast to what we used to feel when we look at you know, the whole city covered in a white substance that falls slowly from the sky which is usually a sign of winter or heavy snowfall
I thought they were Maso particles
@@azawani08 yeah, I understood it to be the QUEEN salt
This song might just be the ultimate theme setter. It really throws you in at the deep end. In the intro, after NieR's cry for help, when the song kicks back in, I get shivers without fail. Personally I've only played the remake and much prefer the clean, full orchestra version in that game. The instrumentation and spacing in the sound is perfection.
Another song that really, really profited from the remaster is Shadowlord - Sacrifice.
Really enjoyed your takes on singing techniques.
You're so right about setting the theme. Shadowlord and Emil are coming next though I think the only one I can grab is the Gestalt rendition! Thanks yes, I'm trying to use more of my singing experience in the videos. I appreciate the feedback as always.
@@MarcoMeatball Yeah, I've also found no way to get my hands on the Remade soundtrack besides buying a physical copy. I don't even think it's on Spotify, even though Automata is. Maybe it'll be released in Square's initiative to make their OST's more accessible on YT, but who knows.
There is a small Channel Called Gestalt Papa I think, who uploaded a handful of the Replicant Ver.1.22 Soundtracks, around 43 Tracks I believe. It's probably still around.
Having heard both versions of the soundtracks, I feel torn between the two. There are tracks in which I prefer the originals over the remake, such as Temple of Drifting Sands (no Emi Evans in the remake version means automaric win for the original), or Song of the Ancients - Fate. Then you have tracks like Snow in Summer, i which I definently lean more towards the remake. As a commenter I saw put it, the remake version sounded so terrifying given you play as young Brother Nier, and you are placed in a situation where you never had a chance to win. And then there's the fact that the instrumental version is played again while on your way to the Shadowlord. That additional violin part makes all the difference.
I just love the title of snow in summer, already tells us something is wrong, and even the beginning of the song seems cold with just the choir. Then it gets more instruments as you realise that you have to survive in this apocalyptic world where snow falls on summer
Its get worse: It's not snow.
I'm glad that you listened to the original first before the new vers one. I personally prefer the original songs a little bit more because the original emphasize the drum more better than the new one, imo.
Thank you for the video 😊
I love how you analyze these soundtracks, you show me different ways of perceiving music it's just amazing
Thank you Isaac! I really appreciate this feedback :)
One of my favorite OST from Nier, I love it so much I listen to it soooo many times and it gives me chill every time. Glad to see you are covering all of my favorite NieR OST
Anyway this reminds me of my experience 10 years ago when I was still in middle school and a volcano near my city exploded and rain of ash fell and cover the whole city. It was in the middle of summer but it looks just like we are in the middle of winter, visibility is poor you can barely see things 5 meters in front of you and everything is covered in white substances and although the ashes do cover the sky and make it less hot than the usual summer weather, it doesn't feel cold at all which is quite chilling (pun intended) as it is in contrast to what we used to feel when we look at you know, the whole city covered in a white substance that falls slowly from the sky which is usually a sign of winter or heavy snowfall
😳
when I first heard this song, it was outside of its original context, used for a tabletop RPG game, as the tone-setter for the very world between dreams and reality; and ever since, even knowing it soriginal, intended context from playing NieR replicant myself, it still chills my bones to the very core; that this theme, this...Music, not only evokes that separation between reality and dreams for me; but also the very fear of what lay beyond those very dreams; will it be respite, pain, an ordeal or just, the very silence the night itself holds, as strange in population, as it would be, should it snow in Summer
Excited for more Nier pieces on the channel, your insights are really interesting to listen to! Personally I'm a big fan of the emotional soundtracks so I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Voice of no return, Ashes of dream, ...
Really enjoying the videos you're putting out right now. Keep it up!
I appreciate this wonderful feedback, thank you! I'm checking everything out :)
Honestly, one of the tracks in NieR Replicant’s OST to give me a sense of existential dread (while in Automata that’d be “Mourning”) and overall it makes me wish to return to those simple bygone days when everything seems more peaceful and innocent. The nice thing about this type of music is that not only can it make one feel hopelessness, but knowing what one has lost and reflecting on what once was gives us enough hope to strive for that inner Salvation we seek.
you should try fleeting words, the music, the boss fight, this game is truly a masterpiece and it sure knows where to punch you (right in the feels)
Copied City from NieR Automata is a beautiful song to listen to. It is so simple but quite unsettling. Also, from Drakengard 1, level XIII closing....is terrifying feeling. Snow in Summer is so tragic as the snow is salt from white chlorination that came from what happens in Drakengard level XIII closing.
I love your videos! I'm glad you're bringing out so much content (especially with the NieR Series) and Snow In Summer is a banger. I really would love if you reacted to "Gods Bound By Rules" from NieR Replicant/Gestalt. This piece is something different to me. Keep up the great work and have an amazing day/night!!
Thanks for your kind words! I'm trying to pump a few out a week while I build the channel up and have been so excited for the response. Snow in Summer really is amazing. I will listen to Gods Bound by Rules, I think it's on my list. :) There are a few on there. Plus allllllllllll the other music I want to talk about :D
Dang, now when I listened to the remake of nier with the Weiss Edition. It got so emotional and more melancholic than the original that it felt you really were in that situation. I know I haven't played the remake nor the original but I would want to play this soon. The music and the game is phenomenal based on what I saw on other clips.
Hola Marco, love your analysis, helps me understand music i love more. You would be a great music teacher. Buena suerte con tu canal. Eres persona bella.
hahaha muchas gracias! yo estudio musica para diez años y un poquito por music teaching pero no me gusta :D Estoy feliz hacendo esto trabajo pero y soy muy feliz que te gusta!!!!!
I am so glad this was the version of the song you decided to analyze. The remastered version has been changed just enough that it focuses more on being grand and epic, while keeping that eerie feeling. But the original sticks to almost entirely vocals and drums, which you explained so well, hightens the feeling of urgency and stress that you get from the dissonant vocals. It's the biggest reason that most people prefer the original ost to the remastered. Even if the remaster is really good on its own, it just doesn't have the same impact as the original
I remember listening to both NieR games soundtracks one day during the start of the pandemic.
When this track started playing... and through it... I was so messed up.
It's a beautiful, emotion evoking piece, from a beautiful, thought provoking game.
I highly recommend giving "The Final Song" a listen. It's the last boss theme of Drakengard 3, the predecessor to Nier:Gestalt.
This piece is really beautiful to me I love just how isolating it feels like walking alone in a blizzard. Another song I feel is similar to this is destati from kingdom hearts, which I recommend you give a listen its one of my favorite songs in gaming.
you should listen to “birth of a wish” i think it is by far my favorite ost besides this one (you just covered in this vid) and “song of the ancient”
there are different versions to them, it wouldn’t hurt to make your videos longer would it..?
My videos have become 15 minutes or more now. You’re right. I didn’t think anyone would give a shit so I made it short!!!!!!!! I was JUST thinking about this with Song of the ancients and shadow lord
By any chance have you heard the version used in the remake? it's very very impressive and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
I haven't heard it! I will check it out asap. :) Clearly I'm missing out.
I recommend Bipolar Nightmare from Nier automata, it's amazing
Discovered your channel last week and am loving your content! Super insightful and informative, feel like I'm learning lot and therefore gaining an even greater appreciation for the tracks from watching your videos. NieR has some of the greatest music ever made.
You should check out the track "14.3 Billion Years" from the Outer Wilds soundtrack, one of the greatest game OSTs of all time.
ooooo that sounds nice. I'll listen, might be cool since I haven't played it too much. Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback - it helps me want to keep going. Thank you!
This is the first ost played in the nier series and goddamn did it tell me the entire story within like 5 mins.
The perfect opening section ost imo
Such an amazing piece, the 1.22 version is even more epic. It's harder to find though, I ended up buying it on iTunes 🙈
Man, this is one of those songs that tells you EXACTLY what kind of experience you're in for with this game (with the original Gestalt version, both from a game design point and a story point xD. Less so with the Replicant remaster on the game design front!). I personally prefer the Replicant version of this song because it added so many elements to the original song - a lot of times I like the original songs just a taaaaad more (not by much) because I am if nothing else an absolute sucker for sick percussion drops, but there's something about the Replicant version that just sends shivers up my spine in the last few minutes of the song. It just...drives home the absolute *despair* that the protagonist must be feeling, in a dead world, trying to protect his little sister, with the children's choir just wailing while the orchestra just gets *devastatingly* relentless and loud...SO good.
Glad you listened to the originals instead of the replicant remake
7:18 ඞ
so it turns out: Snow in summer and grandma are very similar, one is 105 bpm and the other 95.
If you bpm match the two songs, and play them together, it sounds unreasonably good,
almost like they were composed in parallel, as two halves of one piece of music
i've made that combination and posted it here, in this case matched to grandma's faster 105 bpm: czcams.com/video/AJ72NsgZJbI/video.html
I'd love to see you review 'Lord of a Dead Empire' from Fire emblem, or Nier's 'Dependent Weakling' (also childrens choir)
Oh god, that OST (FE Echoes: SoV) has a lot of good ones to analyze. I love that game, at least Nier is being covered! Appreciate these discussions he has.
Do Grandma as well! It is similar to Snow in Summer, but it has its own distinct meaning/messaging.
From NieR:R/G I recommend Temple of Drifting Sands and The Ultimate Weapon.
ultimate weapon is amazing!
You already hear fleting world (family)?
Its a new song, becomes with the new mision in replicant 1.22
I haven't! Will listen!
Is it just me, or does the added instrumentations sounds very similar to Popola's Song of the Ancient?
I've made a Discord server if you'd like to talk with other folks about game music or make requests!
discord.gg/wvzEZTBkf7
the opening song of the game, the title Snow in Summer ? then you know how fucked up this game and how it's gonna fuck you up too
Tienes pensamientos extendidos para la version de nier replicant 1.22 de snow in summer another edit?
PS: I have only seen 2 of your videos because today I discovered your channel and it is very interesting, greetings from a Colombian :D
Hola Josè necesito eschucharla però pienso que quiero jugar replicant un otra vez para comprender la cancion mas. Muchas gracias! Hola Colombia!
Hey recently discovered your channel and its really great. It would be awesome if you could react to fleeting words family from Replicant 1.22
Sure thing - I don’t have access to the replicant soundtrack sadly. I’ll try to find it somewhere online :)
"Best songs of the NieR OSTs" You mean "songs of the NieR OSTs" cuz they're all insane.
Definitely true
Please do Song of the Ancients (Fate)
I hope you react to other Nier song "Weight of the world" jp and eng version both amazing.
Around 6 mins, it sounds like they are crying for help as their volume slowly increases.
Do Emil karma, sacrifice and despair
(well, YT just deleted my comment bc I placed a link from dailymotion hehe, anyway) I realised that "Making of a Cyborg" from Ghost in the Shell 1995 has very like the same mood as Snow in Summer, and it's curious because in both cases they are the first song that plays. This is the original version (the first comment explains how it's based on bulgarian folklore music): czcams.com/video/iTPNaUsjksM/video.html
That's great but I believe the live version really hits different (I found a better quality version on dailymotion but YT doesn't want me to place that here): czcams.com/video/WjOuEruzoh0/video.html
Hey awesome videos! Would love to see you react to another Nier ost called "The Tower" from Nier Automata. It's a track I can never forget! Anyway you earned a sub for sure:)
Just out of curiosity, have you played the game or seen a youtube "movie" of the game?
I played the first play through. But not beyond that. I just redownloaded it to keep going
there is a slightly diferent version of this music i think it's for battle purposes and i think it's better than this one
I didn´t knew, that this was sung by children. o.O
I wasn´t even sure, if this was sung by humans.
It is 😂
We need help,WE NEED HELP
Please Anyone Help HELP US