Amsterdam-based duo Nintenbros craft lushly memorable interpretations of anime soundtrack favorites across their album Anime, Vol.1 (Lofi & Chill). They draw particular inspiration from Joe Hisaishi, known for crafting the music in Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and other Ghibli classics. Piano and guitar interplay charms throughout, opting for a soothing tonal precision that’s fit for late-night contemplation. Additional ambient effects — like the sound of rain — further the sense of cinematic entrancement, doing justice to these legendary anime scores.
My personal favorite from Spirited Away is “One Summer Day,” an absolutely gorgeous melodic display. Nintenbros’ version infuses gentle raindrops amidst the elegant piano and plucky guitar tones, adding a further relaxing quality to a masterpiece that conveys both hope and melancholy. Moving to the gripping Princess Mononoke soundtrack, “The Legend of Ashitaka” sends chills with its reflective guitars and glistening piano, sounding weightless in its serene structural unveiling.
Anime, Vol.1 (Lofi & Chill) is a thoroughly blissful listening experience, consistently spine-tingling in its calming incorporations of guitar and piano. Hisaishi’s originals already stand as some of the most beautifully melodic songs out there, and Nintenbros shine a new light on these classics with a caressing, tactful captivation.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
