Atmosphere and Motivic Development in Hollow Knight's Soundtrack

Рет қаралды 289,392

5 жыл бұрын

The world of Hollow Knight feels unlike any other game world I've ever played, with a thick atmosphere that makes each area an utter joy to explore. This is in no small part due to the wonderful soundtrack to the game, composed by Christopher Larkin, and in this video I attempt to explain part of how the music aids in creating the game's atmosphere by dissecting the City of Tears, Soul Sanctum, and Soul Master themes.
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Пікірлер: 710

@ccm2540 5 жыл бұрын

Play this game if you haven't. It's the only game I've ever been upset that I didn't pay more for it.

@Wykesidefruitmachine 5 жыл бұрын

I've convinced 2 people to buy it, hopefully they will do the same.

@Aaronmac404 5 жыл бұрын

It's funny, there was a feeling that I had the entire time I initially played through the game and I couldn't quite figure out what it was; it wasn't negative, but it wasn't positive either. It was a really complex feeling. Your comment just made it abundantly clear; this was what I was feeling that entire time. Like I had ripped off the creators of the game for getting it for like 10-15 bucks on a Steam sale. Huh. Thanks friend!

@lysanderxx1664 5 жыл бұрын

Lol, I know the feeling. Totally worth at least $40

@shmarfle47 5 жыл бұрын

Truer words have never been said. I honestly wished I could pay $20-$30 for the main game and probably $5-$10 for each DLC Team Cherry gave us. They honestly deserve ALL OUR MONEY.

@spade6832 5 жыл бұрын

It's honestly worth 40$ to 50$ easy.

@Rusty._ 5 жыл бұрын

You make 12 minutes go by like 4. Exceptional video, mate.

@scapeist5019 5 жыл бұрын

Oh hey... Its you...

@glitcherkai5074 4 жыл бұрын

Wut u do here?

@LagAttacktoSlay 4 жыл бұрын

@@glitcherkai5074 What kind of question is this xD

@slambotv1334 3 жыл бұрын

Glitcher Kai it’s as if you don’t think he has a life outside of KZfaq... huh.

@racciastitan5534 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Rusty.

@adrikrotten880 5 жыл бұрын

1:26 Video doesn't do it justice, btw. Most hollow knight players I know will agree with me. That section of the game. You were trapped inside of the place. You don't know where you are. Then a little bit of music enters. It is nice and pretty. You realize that there is more to that place. Then you take the elevator down and the full score hits. The rush of emotion that hit those players was powerful. No joke, that part of the game is why so many people get such a strong connection with it.

@nikkimajean 5 жыл бұрын

Definitely agree! Even just him talking about it developing like that in the video gave me chills lol. It doesn't matter how many times I replay the game, that part is always just so amazing and really makes you feel somewhat humbled by the majesty of everything hitting you at once.

@Tetrium 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for putting that into words! Thinking back, I think it is precisely the moment where I knew I was getting into an amazing game, but I could never quite explain people why.

@darthfastball1150 5 жыл бұрын

I traveled through a decent amount of the map before when I stumbled in, deepnest, mantis village, etc. So finding an area so close and yet hidden (to me) made walking into the city even more breath-taking. Absolutely loved this game to death, bought it again for my switch :)

@thatkidyoshi 5 жыл бұрын

Facts

@Vonias 5 жыл бұрын

Entering the City of Tears for the first time is I think my favorite moment in all of my first Hollow Knight playthrough, and this game has quite a lot of fantastic moments so that is really saying something.

@jordanmolduch6866 5 жыл бұрын

8bmt: I could talk about it for a month Me: Please do 8bmt: SO I WIIIILLLLL Me: HE WIIIILLLLLL

@js_a_nighmare_fan5384 Ай бұрын

Love your enthusiasm bro. Keep it up

@HigginsObvious 5 жыл бұрын

ngl i giggled with joy a little when you said "So I will!!!" super looking forward to it :)

@terdragontra8900 5 жыл бұрын

legit, im ludicrously excited

@donratto9651 5 жыл бұрын

no lie i screamed

@2yoyoyo1Unplugged 5 жыл бұрын

The more HK content to consume, the happier i’ll be. This game has just... wow, it’s been such an experience. I love the community too.

@GabuEx 5 жыл бұрын

I was all set to be disappointed that we got a Hollow Knight analysis that ended without touching on Sealed Vessel, my favorite tune in the game by far... but then that came up and I was like "OMG YES". :D

@MeisterDonDon 5 жыл бұрын

I love the music in this game, so hyped for parts 2 and 3!!!

@TurtwigX 5 жыл бұрын

That "so I will" gave me the biggest goofy smile. I can't wait for the next two parts!

@iandamaral 5 жыл бұрын

ME TOO!!!!! I'M SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!!

@Silver49917 5 жыл бұрын

oh my god I have been wanting this for so long

@2yoyoyo1Unplugged 5 жыл бұрын

FUCK YES MORE HOLLOW KNIGHY I CANT WAIIIIT

@CobaltPizza 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah

@Vonias 5 жыл бұрын

Yes I'm hyped for more.

@javiermahana3475 5 жыл бұрын

Sees the videos in recomendations.... well... I guess all the things I'm doing must wait

@dash648 5 жыл бұрын

This was me at work today

@ChipsnCheez 5 жыл бұрын

A 3 part Hollow Knight music discussion? Yes please

@tehxperience 5 жыл бұрын

Chips & Cheese Very excited for parts 2&3

@retrogamerdad9621 3 жыл бұрын

Needs more parts, actually

@mattdoesstuff8987 5 жыл бұрын

Are we talking about... Oh yeah, we're talking about *_LEITMOTIFS_*

@xylophone897 5 жыл бұрын

*Sideways wants to know your location*

@natefroggy3626 5 жыл бұрын

top 10 times simpsons predicted the future

@LT1FirebirdSLP 5 жыл бұрын

8 Bit Music Theory... Hollow Knight... *DROPS EVERYTHING TO WATCH* "But wait there's more coming" *EXCITEMENT INTENSIFIES*

@timmyreobed5043 5 жыл бұрын

“The combat is challenging but fair” **cries in Watcher Knights**

@IronianKnight 4 жыл бұрын

*Pogo and dash for your life, child. Your life belongs to Skiilva and RNGesus now.*

@xthax9718 3 жыл бұрын

Me: *tries to heal* Watcher knights: wait, that’s illegal

@Ismael-kc3ry 2 жыл бұрын

You want an unfair fight? GPZ has some bs attacks

@thelinuxcolonel7292 2 жыл бұрын

Descending dark is your best friend

@jenovahhelson5941 6 ай бұрын

tank it (use quick/, grubsong, stalwart shell, crest, and thorns)

@Alex-rr5kb 5 жыл бұрын

That was so precious. Just- "So, I WIIIIIIIIIIIIIILL!"

@a52productions 5 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you made this! You managed to cover much more than I thought would be possible in a single video, and I'm so excited for the next few in the series!! It's interesting that you saw the Soul Sanctum's theme as solemn, sad, and regretful -- I always thought of it as more grand, self-important, and malicious, and thinking about it that way puts it in a whole new light.

@jacketofdiamonds 4 жыл бұрын

Huh. Now that I think about it, it's... sort of both, isn't it?

@hairmann9088 4 жыл бұрын

Thought I was both bc of the mistakes, fodder, and drained bugs (you can see in the background) but also the skilled soul knights, And the powerful soulmaster give it a "it was for the greater good " vibe

@lasagna3289 3 жыл бұрын

Trans rights!

@retrogamerdad9621 3 жыл бұрын

Some sorrowful tones and some righteous tones are pretty much inescapable with the organ.

@PiercingSight 5 жыл бұрын

Y'know... I need to play this game now.

@r2dabes 5 жыл бұрын

everyone does!

@2yoyoyo1Unplugged 5 жыл бұрын

Why aren’t you currently shirking all your responsibilities and doing just that, friend?

@CathDad4 5 жыл бұрын

One of the greatest metroidvania's ever created.

@ilovkittisncats 2 жыл бұрын

so, have you played it yet? :)

@legoman1690 5 жыл бұрын

YES MORE HOLLOW NIGHT. When you said "I could do this for a month", my eyes rolled into my head and I just chanted "pleasepleaseplease"

@glitcherkai5074 4 жыл бұрын

U doo spel mitak

@jahkra9259 4 жыл бұрын

"Dripping with atmosphere" I see what you did there

@metal0n0v 5 жыл бұрын

Could've clicked faster. 3 parts. wow. chances for mention of the resting grounds is really high then

@NZsaltz 5 жыл бұрын

*Couldn't've That is, unless you're saying that you could've clicked on this video much faster. In that case, I applaud you for acknowledging your personal shortcomings.

@AugustBurnsSam 5 жыл бұрын

I let out an audible 'WHOA' when i noticed the Soul Master's battle melody bares a striking resemblance to the vocal melody of the City Of Tears! I loved Hollow Knight to death, but wasn't super wowed by the soundtrack, but after watching this I already have a deeper appreciation for the soundtrack.

@fashnek 5 жыл бұрын

The soundtrack is chock full of motifs.

@RobinLSL 5 жыл бұрын

The soundtrack is very effective and atmospheric, but not quite catchy.

@LouisR56 5 жыл бұрын

I like your profile pic ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ne obliviscaris ftw

@2yoyoyo1Unplugged 5 жыл бұрын

Soundtrack’s epic, to be sure. And that’s using the word “epic” correctly.

@retrogamerdad9621 3 жыл бұрын

The OST just keeps giving

@HiImBees 5 жыл бұрын

I have never played this game, but GOD DAMN do I want to, now. The soundtrack hit me like a freight train of emotion.

@ivyrose7204 5 жыл бұрын

It's really worth playing!

@thelinuxcolonel7292 2 жыл бұрын

It's indescribable. Just . . . The most pure experience I've ever had with a video game. I can't recommend it enough

@ilovkittisncats 2 жыл бұрын

so, have you played it yet? :)

@AshenDust_ Жыл бұрын

We need an update

@3333amira 5 жыл бұрын

I also find it interesting how the soul sanctum theme repeats an ascending set of notes considering that while you're progressing through that area you are literally climbing up and when you get to the boss the music starts oscillating between ascending and descending since you've got no where left to climb, you've reached the top.

@Mohamedalielmomo 5 жыл бұрын

Hyyyyyyyype ! Best Indie Game ever made, damn I'm HYPED ! Thank you so much for this !

@rosejuliet4113 5 жыл бұрын

OMG Hollow Knight, Hurray!! My husband LOVES your channel and always shows me your videos. But as a big music theory fan myself, I said I'd take you seriously once you covered Hollow Knight. Hahaha he shared me the link within minutes of it being published. Here I am at work sneakily watching the video, with a huge grin. An even GIANT grin when you mentioned So I will! Alright I'm officially a fan of your videos now :) I love video game soundtracks. But this one I could discuss for hours. Please PLEASE cover the following areas of the game (no spoilers): -when you first enter and (more importantly) cutscene when you leave the Abyss. The music in that moment gave me goosebumps and tears in my eyes. -the resting grounds -the sealed vessel... wow... What amazing, mindblowing ambiance. It conveys all of the pain, desperation, urgency of that scene. I can't listen to it without getting emotional. Pure beauty. Pretty please? :)

@lysanderxx1664 5 жыл бұрын

I definitely agree that the music is one of this game's major selling points. Not only is it beautiful, the way it rises, crechendos, and even when it remains silent, it makes the game's atmosphere all the more appealing and memorable. I'm so glad you plan to make a few more videos about this game's music! I was thinking before you said that how interesting it would be to hear your thoughts on the Hollow Knight battle.

@jaccomusic12 5 жыл бұрын

One of my favorite games and favorite soundtrack of all time. Thank you for covering Hollow Knight

@willowpets 5 жыл бұрын

THAT TWIST ENDING THO Really the joy in your voice when you said “AND I WIIIIILLLL” was amazing and cute.

@hillerburton1654 5 жыл бұрын

I got SO happy when I saw that you made a video on Hollow Knight, so when I got to the end I completely lost it. Thank you so much for doing these!!!! ♥️

@newmono7341 5 жыл бұрын

We don't deserve Christopher Larkin Seriously though, Hollow Knight has the best game soundtrack IMO

@The_Jovian 5 жыл бұрын

I love it to death but I don't know if it could top Shadow of the Colossus for me

@broshi1752 5 жыл бұрын

I think I prefer Undertale’s because of its variety. But Hollow Knight’s is truly beautiful. Makes me all nostalgic even though it’s not that old and most my memories are of me getting wrecked by bosses...

@thatonepersonnoonecaresabo3163 5 жыл бұрын

Even though Hollow Knights soundtrack is REALLY good, I personally like the soundtrack of one game even more. That game would be LISA the Painful. The soundtrack of that game is atmospheric as well, but the music is composed in such a way that makes you wonder how it manages to work this well, because it really shouldn't work as well as it does. But comparing the soundtrack of both games is like comparing apples and oranges.

@SerpongeDash 5 жыл бұрын

Rainworld will take the cake for me in term of atmospheric soundtrack

@magolor8105 3 жыл бұрын

Do you guys know what an opinion is?

@ExpertDual 5 жыл бұрын

Returning to the Greenpath with the Crystal Power was one of the most memorable parts of the game for me

@crimsonhawk52 5 жыл бұрын

I really like the way that you highlighted the intervals (7 and 9) at 4:42. The 8 bit synth plus the whole 1357(9) chord arpeggiated/rolled was bright enough for my poor ears to actually place and recognize the intervals. Please do that more in the future!

@PeterBatemon 5 жыл бұрын

It's like the composer watched your video on how to write ambiance like David Wise!

@nikkimajean 5 жыл бұрын

I will watch literally as many videos about Hollow Knight's soundtrack as you put out lmao. I love this game so much and the soundtrack is a huge part of why.

@c2HitsButtons 2 жыл бұрын

I love revisiting this little trilogy because I love Hollow Knight and your clear appreciation for it... Keep up the great work mate

@willmclean4461 5 жыл бұрын

I want nothing more than an analysis of the stacking layers in the path of pain that would be incredible.

@oliviapg 5 жыл бұрын

11:32 made me so excited. Love this game so much and can't wait to see more videos about its soundtrack. City of Tears and Crystal Peak are my favorite tracks but they're all sooo good.

@cubone285 5 жыл бұрын

Hauntingly well done video, I could listen to you talk about Hollow Knight for hou- OH HE'S MAKING MORE YESSSSS

@ilovkittisncats 2 жыл бұрын

i wish i could experience this game for the first time again. nothing can compare to the feeling that hit me like a brick when i walked into the open part of city of tears, and really every time i listen to the soundtrack i tear up. same with greenpath and many other songs, im not even sure why, but i just cant describe the feeling it gives me. i only started playing in 2020, but i feel like i grew up with this game. it almost feels embarrassing to admit, but this is genuinely one of if not the best games ive ever played. its like i feel connected to it, even. hollow knight truly has my heart. :')

@kokopelli434 5 жыл бұрын

“AND I WIIIIIIIIIIILL!!!” I don’t think I’ve ever heard you yell before, you made me laugh

@PatatasForever 5 жыл бұрын

OH MY GOD I love Hollow Knight, and I screamed when I saw the notification on Twitter. I screamed again with the SO I WILL! Thanks for analyzing this amazing Soundtrack, I'm eager to see the next videos ^^

@Lukz243 5 жыл бұрын

and please do talk about Hollow Knight for a month, your excitement just made me feel happy because I want to (try to) geek out this soundtrack as well

@sammiety 5 жыл бұрын

can you imagine how godly it would be to hear a live orchestra play the music from hollow knight, christopher larkin reALLY outdid himself, the music is incredible

@JeanOfmArc 5 жыл бұрын

I haven't played Hollow Knight, but I'm sold on it now. These are brilliant soundtrack composing techniques. Thanks for digging in!

@jacquesmendiola-tagle3394 5 жыл бұрын

It's so incredible what can be done with music when it comes to storytelling and theme building. I hope to someday write compositions as beautiful as these and for that reason, I'm really glad that 8-bit takes such in-depth looks at pieces like these so that people like me can learn and take notes. Keep up the awesome work 8-bit Music Theory!

@brianfedele94 5 жыл бұрын

A famous Italian youtuber started the series a couple weeks ago. I fell in love with the OST and transcribed "dirthmouth". I Bought it yesterday and spent the night playing it and today you upload the video! that's absurd!!! :D

@Jonas-ue6eh 5 жыл бұрын

Loved the video. Hollow Knight has a great soundtrack. Thanks for covering

@user-et3xn2jm1u 5 жыл бұрын

My birthday was recently so I think I will consider this my birthday present. I love Hollow Knight. Thank you! It's perfect!

@tintedpalette653 5 жыл бұрын

When I was watching the video I was thinking, "Man, I could listen to this guy talk about this game forever," and I was so happy to hear you're doing more videos on it! :D

@TheMaleLilligant 5 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see more of this. I got Hollow Knight as a Christmas gift from a friend and fell it love with it. The gameplay, the setting and art direction, and most especially the muaic.

@vitaminB36476 5 жыл бұрын

*Sees a new 8-bit music theory video* Me: ooh that’s good *sees it’s about Hollow Knight* Me: ooh that’s VERY good *sees it analyzes City of Tears* Me: YAAAAASSSS

@adrikrotten880 5 жыл бұрын

*Finds out that he is doing a full month of Hollow Knight* Me: OHHHH H*******CK YEEEAAAAHHHH

@kyrae___ 5 жыл бұрын

SO EXCITED FOR THE SERIES I absolutely adore Hollow Knight and Christopher Larkin's work

@merkmywords 5 жыл бұрын

YES! I've been waiting for you to finally make a video on Hollow Knight, and then there's going to be two more? Honestly, go nuts. If you wanna keep talking about the score for more than two videos, I'd be down. Even if they're not consecutive, I love this game too much to not appreciate any gratuitous gushing over the OST. c:

@jwoodsonmusic 5 жыл бұрын

Great content as always!

@luxinveritate3365 5 жыл бұрын

As always a great video!

@AzzTroBoy69 5 жыл бұрын

Love your vods.

@BassBoostingBrony 5 жыл бұрын

great vid, cant wait for the continuation!

@quintindanzi2631 5 жыл бұрын

thank you for this and the future these

@michaelbarash3565 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video man! I'm looking forward to the next parts.

@Gunderslam 5 жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for this!! I cant wait for the next parts!

@emmbeesea 5 жыл бұрын

Open chords and colorful jazz chord tones help give a deeper and more sophisticated atmosphere while at the same time, keeps it free flowing. This is one of the many wonderful things I love about VGM.

@maluse227 5 жыл бұрын

ive waited so long for this video, im so happy! thank you for making this!

@josh.ryan. 5 жыл бұрын

So GREAT! I'm so happy this is getting covered. Love these videos and feel like I'm learning so much for my own compositions

@RyfsaurusGames 5 жыл бұрын

This made my day omg thank you

@nedfo72 5 жыл бұрын

Super stoked to see this. I think this is such a fantastic score, looking forward to the next videos!

@Epsilonyx 5 жыл бұрын

Oh man this was excellent - I'm so ready for parts 2 and 3!! Excited to hear your takes on the development of the main theme :D

@Mrevilfrogman 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing video been looking for a video like this since Hollow Knight came out! Thank you looking forward to the next vids!

@lhunterr4876 5 жыл бұрын

Yes! I was hoping you'd make a video on this game eventually! Can't wait for the other parts!

@2030games 5 жыл бұрын

GREAT video!! Hollow knight is one of my all-time favorites. The moment the oasis heal pool theme started playing, it instantly made me feel warm and safe... what an atmospheric soundtrack all around!

@patrickvinh8561 5 жыл бұрын

This was such an amazing analysis of the game's music! Thanks for making this!! :)

@Stallu 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for making this! I've been wanting episodes on Hollow Knight for so long and I can't wait for the next episodes! :D

@josiemigg 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome!! So glad you're continuing videos on Hollow Knight, both it and your analysis are amazing!

@Jockolantern 5 жыл бұрын

Yay! Was hoping by the end you would keep this analysis going. Cannot wait for more next month!

@reiner_13 5 жыл бұрын

Knew this video was coming sooner or later. Thank you so much

@arkaix 5 жыл бұрын

YEEEEAAAAAAAH I loved this video and I'll sure love the next ones

@alroh11 5 жыл бұрын

Great video mate!

@Ahkuji 5 жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for this video from you for a while. Glad its finally happening.

@jb1980ist 5 жыл бұрын

Very excited you're spending time on this wonderful soundtrack.

@marcoshreds 5 жыл бұрын

Man, I love this channel!! TY - I'll definitely be grabbing a T!

@TheMaskedPikmin 5 жыл бұрын

oh my god i'm so happy you're doing more of this game, I love watching your videos and it's even better when it's a game I love

@federicojimenez2065 5 жыл бұрын

You make such great content. You should be proud

@Flargenyargen 5 жыл бұрын

This soundtrack is a masterpiece and I'm happy you're giving it some focus! Very well put together!

@dannyb.953 4 жыл бұрын

I just listened to all your Hollow Knight videos and I could have done with 10 more. They were fascinating!

@ivyrose7204 5 жыл бұрын

Omg thank you. Just subscribed and turned on the bell! I'm hyped to see what just makes the hollow knight soundtrack so effective in more detail!

@JNeepshow 5 жыл бұрын

gosh im so pumped on you doing this video. i knew it was coming eventually rofl

@ChungRts 5 жыл бұрын

OH WOW! Your videos have been getting SO good! This was SO well done man! Congrats!

@a-abelase9887 5 жыл бұрын

I'm subscribing and getting notifications because I want to see part 3 as soon as it drops out!

@Eekabagel 5 жыл бұрын

Always fantastic, you are my hero.

@Juanouo 5 жыл бұрын

Was waiting for this video for over a year, and with the "SO I WIIIILL" it was one of the very few times I smiled to my screen. Thanks for the content and keep it going !

@lexiferenczy9695 5 жыл бұрын

THANKS! This soundtrack absolutely deserves any attention it can get! Looking forward to part 2 and 3!

@kaidowind2370 5 жыл бұрын

Loved this!! Can’t wait to see the next instalments.

@Killitydoom 5 жыл бұрын

Far and away my favorite channel on KZfaq. Thank you so much for bringing your insight and talent to all of us, man!

@ShaneParkClover 5 жыл бұрын

I'm so happy you're doing a series on Hollow Knight! Loved your analysis!

@EricLTrombone 5 жыл бұрын

I always love when I see videos like these on games I've not really heard much about - definitely adding Hollow Knight to my "please play this soon" list! Excited to see what else you discuss about this soundtrack!

@andrein8302 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing. Just amazing. The way this guy underlines all the concepts that Larkin uses in his music scoring is so fascinating and in the same time so entertaining. Can't wait for the next videos!

@spencerbowler7287 5 жыл бұрын

I can’t express how much I love this game and it’s music... I am SO excited for the next videos!

@buschcory 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent video my friend. I absolutely adored this game, one of my top picks of all time. And as with all great games, the soundtrack is phenomenal! Thanks for your very interesting dive into it 8bit, I cant wait to watch the next couple! Keep it up!