Final Fantasy VII is back in a big way, thanks to the recently announced, and long-awaited, remake. So it seems only fitting that I just now discover Midgar, a 2018 EP by Glasgow producer Lo Pan that combines the game’s inimitable soundtrack with modern electronic and synthwave flourishes.
The best example of this is Lo Pan’s take on “Prelude,” the game’s iconic theme that was originally composed by Nobuo Uematsu. Lo Pan takes Uematsu’s ethereal arpeggios and stirring melodies and sets them to a driving beat. The result is not unlike the anthemic music you might hear on an album by The Midnight. All that’s missing is a scorching guitar or sax solo.
As with anything Final Fantasy VII-related, your appreciation of Lo Pan’s Midgar will likely depend (in part, anyway) on how nostalgic you feel towards the original game. That being said, a track like “Prelude” has enough attitude and atmosphere to be enjoyable in its own right, even if you don’t know your Cloud Strife from your Zack Fair.