Brian Gibson (Lightning Bolt) Unveils New Single “Mist” from Critically Acclaimed VR Game Thrasher Soundtrack
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Brian Gibson, renowned as the bassist for the legendary duo Lightning Bolt, has shared a new single titled “Mist” from the soundtrack of his critically acclaimed VR game Thrasher. This latest release showcases Gibson’s expansive artistry and stands out as one of the most surprising moments in his career. Departing from the “rhythmic-violence” of his earlier work, “Mist” delves into a celestial, minimalist soundscape with shimmering arpeggios, brain-dance percussion, and zero-gravity atmospherics.
Gibson’s foray into game design began with his work at Harmonix on iconic titles like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Thrasher, co-created with Mike Mandel through their partnership Puddle, marks Gibson’s triumphant return to VR. Described as a “mind-melting arcade action odyssey and visceral audiovisual experience,” the game follows an evolving space centipede on a journey from primordial depths to celestial heights, culminating in a cosmic showdown.
The Thrasher soundtrack highlights Gibson’s unique vision, trading the intense “rhythmic violence” of his 2016 hit game Thumper for more expansive and sublime atmospheres. The album is punctuated by cascading, serpentine arpeggios embodied by otherworldly creatures, capturing the game’s immersive experience through music. Tracks like “Magenta Machine” expand and contract like a living, breathing biosphere, while “Metal Maze” and “Mica” recall the trance-inflected movements of Lightning Bolt’s Hypermagic Mountain.
The creation process for Thrasher’s soundtrack involved intricate sequences of arpeggiated synths and undulating textural loops, mimicking the game’s segmented art style and emotional core. Gibson’s approach to game music is deeply influenced by his roots in Providence’s burgeoning arts scene, specifically the storied home and warehouse space Fort Thunder. He reflects on how the underground comic aesthetic of Fort Thunder shaped the motifs in Thumper and further explores these themes in Thrasher.
Gibson’s collaboration with Mandel has resulted in a VR game that is both visually and sonically captivating. The soundtrack of Thrasher is driven by adventurous curiosity and inventive musicianship, enhancing the game’s thrilling boss fights and fantastical vistas. With its profound, all-encompassing atmosphere, Thrasher synthesizes feeling and motion into an electrifying experience, showcasing Brian Gibson’s uniquely inventive and expansive music.
“Mist” and the rest of the Thrasher soundtrack invite listeners to explore a new realm of Gibson’s artistry, appealing to fans of deep dance music, cosmic jungle, and the avant-garde works of artists like Laurie Spiegel and Caterina Barbieri. As Gibson continues to push the boundaries of his creative expression, Thrasher stands as a testament to his ability to blend music and interactive art into a seamless and immersive experience.
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