Kevin Penkin, the type of composer to name one of his songs, “Music”, as if deliberately making it hard to find online. I’d like to talk about this artist today and specifically write about Florence, my favorite orchestral album.
What is Florence?
Florence is a video game about a young woman named Florence Yeoh. The game covers the monotony of Adult Life until meeting Krish, a cellist as they begin to date. Although short, Florence is very sweet and concise, using puzzles that progress with the characters and their relationship. This creates a very fresh and creative level of interactivity.
Interestingly, Florence crafts every scene without dialogue. It employs a graphic novel style of art, using drawings and music to incite emotion. I’d recommend playing the game or watching a playthrough to experience it. I was impressed, and by the incredible reviews, I believe you would be too.
The game has a very emotional and literal plot and mood. I say this to set the stage for what themes emerge from Kevin Penkin’s album. Therefore I will be focusing primarily on the music of this game, and the music of Penkin
Florence (Soundtrack)
Florence is sectioned into 6 acts and 20 chapters. The soundtrack has 20 corresponding songs, matching the theme and mood of each chapter. In full, it’s emotional and beautiful in a full orchestral score. Since discovering the album in the summer of last year, it has become my favorite video game soundtrack of all time. Depicting realistic but varying themes and moods, not one of the songs are excessively hype. You wouldn’t be playing these next to hard-rock unless chaotic contrast is your style of playlist. However, even if you haven’t played the game, it creates a sense of nostalgia for something you haven’t seen before. For that I love Florence.
Kevin employs heavy use of piano and cello. The piano represents Florence, and the cello clearly represents Krish. These two instruments are also used to reflect the character’s relationships progression, working together as they continually get closer. This speaks volumes to Penkins musical ability to flesh out the media it accompanies.
It takes a life of its own outside of the game, yet bursts with more vitality in the game. It simply brings out emotions so easily and fluidly, I had to share it in a blog.
I hope I’ve convinced you to give Florence, the album, a spin. I also hope you check out the game if you can. My favorite song would simply be the opening theme, though every piece is beautiful. Florence is an incredible musical journey I hope you check out.
Kevin Penkin
As I stated earlier, Kevin Penkin is the composer behind this incredible score. In a similar vein to my perspective of Florence, all of his other works are phenomenal. They fit their media accompaniment well and flesh out the worlds they describe. Penkin is also responsible for composing the soundtracks for Tower of God, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and plenty of other anime and games. His music never disappoints.
The director of Florence (video game) is Ken Wong, the creator of Monument Valley.
Links
Image One (Florence and Krish)
Image Two (Florence Flying)
Image Three (Kevin Penkin)
