Tenchi Muyo! Manatsu no Eve Original Soundtrack

TENCHI MUYO! MANATSU NO EVE
ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
Copyright © AIC / Pioneer LDC, 1998
PICA-1146 Japanese Release, PICD-1013A US Release
23 July 1997
¥ 3,000, US$16.98

—by Roderick "Agitator" Lee

1. Startica 3:26

2. Yuzuha's Theme 2:07

3. Mayuka's Theme 2:35

4. The Masaki's Dining Room 1:38

5. Washu's Conclusion 1:33

6. Christmas Dream (Midsummer's Eve variation) 2:20

7. Mystery 2:30

8. Mayuka's Theme (Melancholy version) 1:51

9. Sliding Through the Air 1:18

10. Anxiety and Worry 1:36

11. Jealousy 2:16

12. Tenchi on the Roof 2:12

13. Mayuka's Theme (Voluptuous version) 1:41

14. Mayuka's Theme (Running version) 1:52

15. Into the Dimension of Darkness 1:51

16. Fight! 1:46

17. Theme of the Dark Dimension 3:01

18. Complications 1:47

19. Yuzuha's Theme (Malicious version) 1:45

20. Mayuka's Theme (Mayuka's Death version) 1:32

21. Yuzuha's Collapse 1:46

22. Mayuka's Theme (Hope of the Rebirth version) 1:57

23. Manatsu no Eve [ED], Nagai Mariko 4:11

Midsummer's Eve

For many a fan, but particularly long-time fans, the tendency of a once-popular series to overstay its welcome is a far too familiar phenomenon. Take any fan-favorite series, be it EVANGELION, KIMAGURE ORANGE ROAD, or RANMA, and any number of its detractors were once avid fans who simply got sick of the series and the accompanying hype. This reviewer must confess that is the case with TENCHI MUYO! A smart, original OVA series in its debut, it has since spawned too many mutations and offspring. Admittedly, the first theatrical release, TENCHI MUYO IN LOVE, breathed some creative life in a franchise rapidly losing imagination, but this second film, MANATSU NO EVE (released in the English language market as TENCHI THE MOVIE 2: DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS) is really no more impressive than any other TV episode.
Despite these misgivings, the music does not fail to impress. The original OP to the original series is beautiful in its simplicity and the gorgeous visuals from that OP add to its verve. TENCHI MUYO IN LOVE then pushed the envelope by drawing upon the talent of Tangerine Dream keyboardist and composer Christopher Franke (who is now probably better known for his work on the BABYLON 5 score). TENCHI MUYO! MANATSU NO EVE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK (released by Pioneer Entertainment USA as TENCHI THE MOVIE 2: DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK), while returning to more traditional instrumentals, continues this musical tradition with 23 diverse tracks across a range of styles and themes.
The disc opens with "Startica," which is not your typical instrumental opener. Instead, what first greets listeners is a haunting chant, evoking images of a Middle Eastern or (East) Indian religious ritual, a great parallel to the mystery surrounding this unknown young woman who claims to be Tenchi's daughter. Follow this by two character themes, one for Yuzuha and one for Mayuka, the mystery daughter.
A scan of track titles reveals two different versions of "Yuzuha's Theme" and six "Mayuka's Theme" incarnations; together, that is over one-third of the disc. Certainly, this may summon fears of "Fly Me to the Moon" syndrome where one or two tracks ends up dominating the disc to the point of absurdity. (Readers who want more background can consult an earlier review of EVANGELION SOUNDTRACK III.) Fortunately, these versions are distinct enough to make a difference, while the CD arrangement helps by interspersing the tracks to reduce repetition.
The third track, the base, is a calm composition of bells and chimes often reminiscent of a xylophone. "Mayuka's Theme (Voluptuous version)" is ethereal and eerie, but even its growing energy fails to adequately project seduction. But, this is the exception. The following track, "Mayuka's Theme (Running version)" indeed sounds like a running theme, quick with hints of frenzy. The two-track combination of "Mystery" and "Mayuka's Theme (Melancholy version)" is an effective juxtaposition of similarly themed melodies. The muted tones and slightly distorted echoes of this melancholy version complement the foreboding and wonder of the previous track.
A similar but even greater effect occurs at the close of the disc as the final tracks paint a musical vista of sound that no doubt parallel the climax of the film. First, "Yuzuha's Theme (Malicious version)" is foreboding and dramatic with a melody that oddly shows no signs of the original. As the first track fades, it transitions into "Mayuka's Theme (Death of Mayuka version)," which is slow and quiet without being a dirge. The sense is that of a denouement immediately following a crescendo, and that is exactly what it is. Then, the pace picks up again with "Yuzuha's Collapse," a powerful display of horns alluding to the close and aftermath of a battle. Then, Mayuka's theme chimes in again, this one the "(Hope of the Rebirth version)," a majestic epilog conveying, what else?, hope and rebirth.
There are also highlights that do not revolve around Mayuka specifically. "Christmas Dream" is a celebratory and dignified tune with holiday bells in the background. "Fight!" is powerful, driving, and forceful—raw energy in a thunderous musical form. It resides between two equally strong tracks. "Into the Dimension of Darkness" is another atypical anime BGM. The most distinguishing characteristic here is not the music, but the litany of background voices, first dark and evil, then perplexing, all disturbing; particularly when the music fades into the background and the voices take center stage. Bracketing the other end is arguably the best track of the disc, "Theme of the Dark Dimension," a sweeping, symphonic synthesis of styles and subjects. About a third of the way into the piece, a brief repetition of Mayuka's theme cuts in before yielding to the more powerfully charged movements around it; the quiet chimes are like the eye in a storm of horns and other stronger instruments.
Essentially, this is an instrumental disc. But what instrumentals, representing a broad range of individual instruments, musical styles, and emotional themes. The single vocal track is the eponymous ED, "Manatsu no Eve" (Midsummer's Eve), a poppy, pleasant tune by classic vocalist Nagai Mariko (of YAWARA! fame). Otherwise, this is a treat to instrumental BGM enthusiasts and a giant red flag to vocals fans. Too bad the movie behind the music is not comparable.