AIM 2023 Judge Review
I enjoy compositions that make you appreciate little moments in life, and I think this aptly named track does that wonderfully. The simpler composition and sound design definitely give strong RPG vibes. If it stayed in the same key, it would probably slot nicely into a village or grassy area. Even the art inspiration feels like a preview for an RPG - the instruments chosen for this entry feel like they complement the colours and hues super well.
The simplicity of the composition works well for the title and helps to maintain that sense of comfort throughout. It feels like everything is built around the piano and I love how the strings and winds intertwine with it, shifting in and out with their own parts. Those moments of harmonization and counterpoint did a great job in maintaining that comfort and coziness that I get from looking at the art inspiration. Towards the end, it does seem as though there is a little too much playing in unison with the higher strings against the piano going on from 2:03 onward and it made the conclusion come across a little less emotionally effective compared to the various harmonies and counterpoint melodies that these instruments shared with the piano. I like the harmonies in the bass - the unison rhythms do feel a bit choral - I just kind of missed that from the upper non-piano instruments.
Overall, I'm always glad to hear these nice, calming entries that make you feel like everything's going to be okay. I love that this entry was able to achieve that with a gentle piano, along with strings and winds for a pleasant timbral palette.