You might've read my review for Entertainment System's first full length album, 'The Computer Always Cheats', which consists of nothing but rock covers of video game theme songs. Did I bash it? Sure, it was a bad album. I said in that review: "It sounds like a good idea on paper, right? I mean, not many bands have ventured to experiment with nintendo rock or chiptunes from video games. Well, it's a bit more complicated than that." Well, after listening to 'TV Game Metal', a compilation by nintendocore band Powerglove... Well, I was half right.
Sure, it's the same exact idea again (as is most nintendocore) as Entertainment System; it's rock covers of video game theme songs and TV show theme songs. I honestly wasn't expecting much from such a band -- I mean, what is there to expect? I haven't really heard most of these songs before on a TV show etc., so that would increase the novelity of it, right? Sure. And that's just what it made it. Another power metal record.
I know I've said this all before, but having not heard any of this on original chiptunes etc., it just makes this album generic -- listen to this, and you'll just end up getting the same melodies with double-bass drumming, twin guitars, the occasional vocals, sometimes blast-beats, and of course, the breakdown -- it's always the same. If you're looking for some innovation, you aren't going to find very much on this collection. Does this make these songs bad? No, just boring. This boredom occurs on track 5, "Omnishred", when the same few melodies are played over and over again. In fact, the only good thing about track 8 is that it's better than the Green Day version. Also, track 3 is quite static as you trudge through the Mega Man soundtrack; just like track 10, which was done by every other band in the genre anyway.
All of this said, I don't think it's necessarily SUPPOSED to be enjoyed, more so for the sole purpose of nostalgia; it isn't meant to thrill the auditor. If said auditor is looking for original musical qualities, it'll be a waste of time.
All this bashing finished, there are a few good things about this compilation:- one being that Powerglove has the capacity to make mundane video game tracks or theme songs into less repetitive versions by placing other melodies into them. This occurs on track 4, "Gotta Catch 'em All" (the Pokémon theme song) -- while the original is less than 2 minutes, they managed to stretch it out and place other, enjoyable melodies in it, and make it a decent cover song with original vocals. Track 9 reminds me of a Nightwish instrumental, very orchestrated and still highly enjoyable and heavy.
So, while I don't necessarily enjoy this album, it is relatively creative and original, bearing both nostalgic melodies and original harmonies, with breakdowns and blast-beats smattered about the LP. While listening, like it or hate it, realize that this album isn't exactly MEANT to be enjoyed, but to hear the same songs in a different musical format. Personally, I'd rather just play my NES. 2/5
