IceXuick - Aztec Challenge

Track info

Arranged by:

IceXuick Specialist

Member profile:

Martijn Hoppenbrouwer (icexuick)

Original SID:

Listen at DeepSID

Original composed by:

Paul Norman

Also check out:

22 other remixes of Aztec Challenge

19 other remixes of subtune 1

Duration:

5:46

Released:

27/03/2003

All-Time charts position:

3079

Score:

70%

Listen

Vote

Forgot my password

Vote distribution

Learn more about the voting system

Shouts

layson shouts:

Dang you song!!! Get out of my head!!!!

montymole shouts:

Hit the atmosphere of the original. One of my favourite sid's. Thank for this stuff.

omoroca shouts:

Very nice! Only the "Aztec Challenge" robot voice comes too often.

GhostEcho shouts:

Beldin: "Unless of course the listener is into such stuff."... That would be me :)!

Mrcookie shouts:

Yeah, we really should try to get rid of some of the "aztec challenge"s.

Review by Tas

27/03/2003

Technique

Artistic skill

Nostalgia factor

Overall rating

We are normally used to hearing Aztec Challenge done orchestrally, however this time around it's more upbeat. The concept isn't a bad one either as it does seem to work rather well. The overall feel to this tune is 80's Electro even down to the metal micky styled vocal which repeatedly informs the listener thats it's Aztec Challenge. A nice addition, but massively over used.

Though this remix is a good effort, it doesn't really pull you in, and sometimes the instruments just seem to not quite pull this together like they could. The score at times feels empty and thin which i think is part of the problem. it's a good effort tho, and a nice attempt in bringing a new flavour to Aztec Challenge.

Review by craigg

27/03/2003

Technique

Artistic skill

Nostalgia factor

Overall rating

Despite sometimes sounding like an Amiga MOD, and some bum notes sitting within the bassline, IceXuick provides a different spin to Aztec Challenge. The frantic nature of the instrumentation and arrangement bring to mind the original's feel. To my mind, this is more appropriate, if perhaps less accomplished, than the orchestral Aztec Challenge arrangements that many remixers seem to favour. The result is a track has plenty of energy and atmosphere, although I could have done without the metallic voice constantly repeating 'Aztec Challenge' over and over again. In conclusion, a decent effort, if flawed, but something that Paul Norman fans will most likely enjoy.

Review by beldin

27/03/2003

Technique

Artistic skill

Nostalgia factor

Overall rating

With a total playtime of 5:46 (!) and a distorted voice saying Aztec Challenge again and again, this remix is very repetitive and close too the border of getting annoying. Unless of course the listener is into such stuff. What else to add about this remix? It contains lots of drums which change the rhythm of the original version quite heavily, although the well-known bass-line is there and recognizable. It doesn't capture you like the original does. The flute-like lead sound would fit better into a more calm (and maybe orchestral, again) arrangement.

Review by eliot

30/03/2003

Technique

Artistic skill

Nostalgia factor

Overall rating

The original tune has a gloomy touch that completly went away. It's not always a good idea to transform a tune in something happy-electronic-80ies. For me this tune does not work, next time choose a tune that fits with your style.

Review by LaLa

05/04/2003

Technique

Artistic skill

Nostalgia factor

Overall rating

The mood created by this remix is dark, gothic 80's electro. Here and there it also contains hints of Kraftwerk and - strangely enough - exotic passages that try to tie it to the C64 game (but for me those sound more Arabic than Mid- American). The Aztec Challenge speech sample is a bit overused. The remix is somewhat lengthy, it lost my attention towards the end, possibly because of the relative lack of variation in the tonal frequencies.

Review by calebb

13/04/2003

Technique

Artistic skill

Nostalgia factor

Overall rating

Awesome!!!

The 'Aztec' voice is cool, but a bit overdone. I like the use of the bass notes - it sounds very full on a decent set of speakers. I can close my eyes & visualize the spears coming in either side or the piranha trying to attack me.

The 'breaks' where the bass line drops out & the pan flute & synth take over is VERY well done!

There are a few sections that sound like they're clipped (!!!). I didn't run them through a spec. analyzer to check, so it could be poor quality samples in those areas.

Overall, great remix!
calebb --at@at-- swirvemail… dot… com