A Psychotic Little Christmas, Day 2: Buried in the Snow

The second track in our holiday playlist comes from Final Fantasy VII, certainly a game that needs no introduction. What MAY need introducing are some of Mr. Uematsu's works in the game, many of which are overlooked and just not as recognized as One Winged Angel; in this case, Buried in the Snow.

Much as the title indicates, Cloud Strife and the gang, in an attempt to flee from Shinra troops, hop onto a snowboard and hurl themselves into the cold unknown. Where you actually end up is dependent on how well you did, but one thing is for certain; you're lost. Given only a map and no clue as to your location on it, it's your job to figure out where you are and where you're going.

For the most part, it's a very minimalistic piece of music, but such is where Uematsu shows the mastery of his craft. The slow and constant melody, one note at a time, is like a metaphor for the situation Cloud and the party are in; gotta get out of the cold, gotta get away from Shinra. Beaten and battered by the elements, the melody shows that the gang is hanging on by a thread, but refuses to give up. Winter bells and little bass touches here and there round out the track, but the focus is definitely centered around the melody.

Tracks like this really showcase how music can set and even take the form of the tone expressed through gameplay, even through a simple minimalistic melody. It's open to interpretation and can tell a story all on its own. It's what music is all about, and I find that impressive.