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0 It’s been just over a month since Cadence and friends were sucked into the modern world in a blaze of musical glory and I’m still not quite over it. Rift of the NecroDancer brought the best of Crypt of the NecroDancer and a Guitar Hero-like mechanic today and mixed it all up with a first-class roster of composers, because—in the words of Raul Julia’s M. Bison—of course! Danny Baranowsky assembled the best of best of musical talent, both Crypt mainstays and newcomers, and got them to work their magic on the soundtrack. And let’s just say, you’ll be hard-pressed to get it out of your head!
A soundtrack like this makes choosing highlights a mammoth task, but if you’re playing this game, a challenge is par for the course. So, here are five of my favourite tracks I’ve been listening to on repeat long after gaining all those sweet S+ rankings.
Okay, almost all S+…
…on Medium.
Amalgamaniac – Alex Moukala
‘80s sci-fi vibes and powerful gothic undertones come together in this pulsing banger by Alex Moukala. Sweeping synths and electro beats straight out of an ‘80s rave are underpinned by foreboding strings and organ-like riffs, not to mention gorgeous choral sections. These sweeps and crescendos summon forth your best dance moves before building to an epic fist-pumping climax that will make you feel every bit the conquering hero. Oh, and did I mention this track also includes the much beloved, hilariously sublime and definitely not autotuned operatic tones of the Shopkeeper?! What’s not to love?
ALEX MOUKALA: SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM | X | BLUESKY | YOUTUBE
Glass Cages (ft. Sarah Hubbard) – Josie Brechner
One of the more technically complex tracks in the game, Josie Brechner not only adjusted the way Rift was developed but also served up top-tier toe-tapping with this eclectic smash. The hook is unbelievably catchy and a lively, jazzy energy runs throughout using different instruments and sounds. But beneath the pizazz is a hint of melancholy that’s always present; faint but undoubtedly there. Sarah Hubbard is also electric on the violin, perfectly melding with the melody with bittersweet swells. Ending on sirens fading into the distance, Glass Cages combines sass with a sprinkling of sorrow – like Marilyn Monroe’s sadness behind her iconic smile.
JOSIE BRECHNER: SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM | X | BLUESKY | YOUTUBE
SARAH HUBBARD: INSTAGRAM | X | BLUESKY | YOUTUBE
Hallow Queen – Danny Baranowsky
Spookiness, electronica and rock abound in this haunting hell-raising track by the leading man himself Danny Baranowsky. This track evokes images of things that go bump in the night and go off on the dancefloor. Old-timey horror strings and ghostly sounds accompany a bouncy bop that segues into a slower head-banging refrain. With every listen, you hear more sounds at the edge of your hearing, like apparitions gathering just behind you. The faint echoes of voices before the fiery build-up to the final section sent shivers down my spine! When Halloween comes around again, get this on your party playlist!
DANNY BARANOWSKY: SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM | X | BLUESKY | YOUTUBE
King’s Ruse – Danny Baranowsky
Another Baranowsky beauty. A familiar boss duo from Crypt has a brand new look and a theme to die for. Dour they may be dubbed, but their tune certainly is not! A swinging bluesy beat with smooth bass and a Hammond organ keep things chilled to start – the pawns make the first moves. Then, rather than predictable sax, electric guitars burst in and turn up the heat, conjuring images of an illicit speakeasy where the liquor and music flow like water. Like King and Queen Blues have upped their chess game, so has Baranowsky brought a new flair to a recognisable sound.
Matriarch – Jules Conroy
I had to save the best for last. Jules Conroy (aka FamilyJules) returns to NecroDancer serving up a masterclass of metal. An opening of piano and eerie music box notes gives way to a blast of blistering guitars and rolling drums that get you thoroughly pumped. The main hook makes the heart swell and your rock hands touch the sky as the lead guitar pierces through the rhythm. Smatterings of strings lend it a symphonic edge, and the middle section leading into the final refrain will set your blood on fire, it’s so good! My favourite Rift of the NecroDancer track, hands down – even if my hands stay firmly up.
JULES CONROY: SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM | X | BLUESKY | YOUTUBE
HONOURABLE MENTION:
What’s In The Box? – Danny Baranowsky
A bombastic boss theme that exudes equal parts Regency-era masquerade ball and gothic rock concert opener.
ENCORE!
Naturally, this is but a fraction of what Rift of the NecroDancer has in store. With over 35 rift tracks from these composers and more, your playlist is about to get a whole lot longer.
Did you find a favourite in these five? Is there another Rift track you can’t get out of your head? Let us know in the comments below and check out the full soundtrack on Spotify, Steam and YouTube.
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