Thanks to Jessica Stan for submitting this one for review.
Joe Hisaishi is a name synonymous with some truly remarkable soundtracks. From the sweeping themes of Princess Mononoke (1997) to the whimsical motifs of Howl's Moving Castle (2004), he has a remarkable ability to create music that feels grand and when required playful. With his 2013 soundtrack for Fruits of Faith, although probably more commonly known on the Internet as Miracle Apples, Hisaishi brings his signature melodic sensibilities to a smaller, more understated project. While this score may not reach the heights of his iconic work, it still offers a pleasant standalone listening experience.
From the start the soundtrack opens strong with the fantastic title track "Miracle Apple." Clocking in at just over two minutes, this piece strikes a nice balance of being soothing and whimsical. In fact, this is the best theme off the CD.
Interestingly, throughout the soundtrack there are clear echoes of Hisaishi's work on Porco Rosso (1992). Tracks like "The Beginning of Destiny" and "Tokyo Sky" are heavy in terms of string instruments that convey a rustic feeling. Listening to them, one can't help but picture the Adriatic Sea and Porco Rosso… in fact, these tracks feel like they could have been outtakes from the animated film. Variations on this motif recur across the score, including the more triumphant "Daily Challenges," which puts horn instruments front and center. While this consistency helps unify the soundtrack, it also becomes a minor weakness: the score leans heavily on a single motif, leaving listeners occasionally craving more variety.
That said, Hisaishi does venture beyond this motif. "Proof of Humanity" offers a more epic sound, though its second half meanders slightly. Even the tracks that feel less central to the score, such as "Hellish Reality" and "Exit from Darkness," don't miss the mark. "Hellish Reality" is somewhat passive, while "Exit from Darkness" starts aimlessly but builds to a satisfying crescendo in its final 30 seconds. Similarly, "The End of Hardship" may initially feel directionless but ultimately closes with a memorable flourish.
In the context of his career, Fruits of Faith is far from one of Hisaishi's better scores. That said, with some of the best soundtracks of all time amongst his resume, that's a high bar to clear anyway. Overall, Fruits of Faith is a pleasant, if modest, addition to Hisaishi's discography. It's a charming score that's well worth a listen and makes for a pleasant standalone experience. |
