Payday - The Game Soundtrack

Payday - The Game Soundtrack. Front. Click to zoom.
Payday - The Game Soundtrack
Front
Composed by Shawn Davis / Simon Viklund
Published by Overkill Soundtracks (distributed by Bandcamp)
Release type Game Soundtrack - Official Release
Format 1 Digital - 17 tracks
Release date October 18, 2012
Duration 00:58:33
Genres Electronica / Electronica: Breakbeat / Electronica: Drum'n'bass / Electronica: House / Electronica: Techno / Electronica: Trip-Hop / Hip-Hop: Instrumental / Rock
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Overview

Following the untimely closure of GRIN, a team of Swedish developers came together to form the independent studio Overkill Software. Their highly successful debut Payday: The Heist is definitely one of the best co-operative games I've ever played with its unique scenario and take on heist gameplay. Featuring four main characters up for any challenge, no matter how big, the game was even more engaging when you played with different players. The game's soundtrack was released on Bandcamp and Steam to commemorate the one year anniversary of the game's release. The soundtrack from Bionic Commando's Simon Viklund features a total of 23 tracks, all with a contemporary edge to them.

Body

The first track finalised during the development, "Stone Cold" sets the tense scene for the Green Bridge heist. The introduction uses ominous beats and a heartbeat-like pace to give a blockbuster-like feel to the mission. During its five minute playtime, it builds up by introducing hard breakbeats, transient orchestration, and other features. In the game, the track develops in an adaptive way, with each layer representing an increase in intensity. But reflecting the incredible level of attention Viklund has given to the soundtrack release, the track has been edited to yield a linear, cohesive stand-alone listen. In many ways, the stylings and development is reminiscent of Amon Tobin's score for Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, and that is no bad thing.

One of the best-mixed action tracks is "Code Silver" for the heist in Mercy Hospital. Not only are the riffs and melodies exciting here, but the balance between the hectic techno stylings and the progressive drum work is outstanding. It makes for a very fun smooth listen, demonstrating Viklund's expertise with these types of soundtrack. This track could even fit an underground European club with its hard techno stylings and fast-paced danceable beats. Another adrenaline-pumping track definitely worth mentioning is "See You at the Safe House", the soundtrack's most outstanding piece in my opinion. To describe it in one word: 'kickass'. The unpredictable drum rhythms and cool guitar riffs here — both apparently influenced by Marilyn Manson — really capture the atmosphere of the game. It's also of note that this track has been specially extended on the soundtrack release from its brief original loop.

The latter half of the soundtrack is filled with all kinds of tense tracks that set the mood for the heists. The main menu theme "Criminal Intent" perfectly establishes the gritty mood for the game. Opening with subtly paced electronics, it builds up to a fantastic second half featuring rocking guitar melodies and amazing drum lines. The strong melodies and unique rhythmic pace are definitely the highlight here and save it from being a generic rock action track. "Phoney Money" is perfect for introducing the Panic Room heist, with its groovy urban beats and meditative pace, leading into the faster-paced "The Take" when everything goes crazy. "Breach of Security" is another excellent example of adaptive development, transitioning from its slow suspenseful opening into a brisk latter half. It even makes use of alarming tunes to relate to the alarm going off in that level.

Six tracks on the album are featured in two versions, one with sound effects, one without them. It is likely that most will find the regular voiceovers and sound effects distracting on the stand-alone release, especially those who haven't played the game. The sfx-less versions are therefore the versions most consumers will want to hear, though they can only be unlocked by purchasing the full soundtrack. The versions with sound effects still have some merit, since they reflect the context of the music is used in. Going back to "Stone Cold", for instance, the police chatter works really well to capture the scenario — used during a mission to release a man from police custody on a bridge surrounded by police. "Busted" features a policeman reading a suspect his miranda rights, while "Gun Metal Grey" captures various elements of a bank robbery. "Breaking News", in contrast to the others, includes non-stop sound effects that potentially distract from the music.

Lastly, there are two original songs composed for the game. One is "I Will Give You My All", an irresistibly catchy track featuring classic electronic stylings and great vocals. It was written as diegetic music for the Gamer Group party in the Diamond Heist, but actually works well on a stand-alone basis too. That said, the main theme song "Payday for Us", written by Shawn Davis and his band, is more iconic and enjoyable. It's all about taking back what the government, politicians, and banks have taken from us through anarchy. Everything is nice about this song, from the guitar-focused beginning to the country-inspired use of drums and guitar. The lyrics are really well done, although many will find some lines tasteless. Several other bonuses are also included in the well-presented soundtrack release. Bandcamp consumers will receive a collection of Payday-themed answering machine messages, ring tones, and text message signals. Steam customers will receive some in-game masks bundled with the soundtrack.

Summary

From beginning till end, the soundtrack sounds cool, tense, and adrenaline-pumping. It's a refreshing change of pace and style from the majority of today's scores. Those that have a taste for rock and electronic stylings will certainly find this release worth their time. Be advised, though, that it is necessary to purchase the entire soundtrack to experience the sfx-free tracks. Available for a mere 5 USD at Bandcamp, complete with other bonuses, it is well worth it.



Album
9/10

Music in game
0/10

Game
0/10

Harris Iqbal

The base album consists of 17 tracks of which 16 appear in the game and one is *soundtrack exclusive*. Many tracks have been fleshed out with added melodies and other musical elements - the total running time is 58 minutes!

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Album was composed by Shawn Davis / Simon Viklund and was released on October 18, 2012. Soundtrack consists of 17 tracks tracks with duration over about 60 minutes. Album was released by Overkill Soundtracks (distributed by Bandcamp).

Sounds like Electronica, Hip-Hop, Rock - that's what we can say about this album. Notice, Bandcamp gives you opportunity to freely listen to this album. Absolutely legal. Without violations.

CD 1

1
Breaking News
Simon Viklund
02:04
2
Gun Metal Grey (theme from First World Bank)
Simon Viklund
04:18
3
Double Cross (theme from Heat Street)
Simon Viklund
03:35
4
Home Invasion (theme from Counterfeit)
Simon Viklund
03:36
5
Busted (heist failed)
Simon Viklund
03:07
6
Stone Cold (theme from Green Bridge)
Simon Viklund
05:00
7
Three Way Deal (theme from Undercover)
Simon Viklund
04:12
8
Phoney Money (theme from Panic Room part 1)
Simon Viklund
02:28
9
The Take (theme from Panic Room part 2)
Simon Viklund
03:47
10
See You at the Safe House (heist successful)
Simon Viklund
02:15
11
Code Silver (theme from No Mercy)
Simon Viklund
04:49
12
Crime Wave (theme from Slaughterhouse)
Simon Viklund
03:22
13
Breach of Security (theme from Diamond Heist)
Simon Viklund
04:09
14
Criminal Intent (theme from the main menu)
Simon Viklund
03:15
15
Preparations (theme from the load-out menu)
Simon Viklund
02:51
16
I Will Give You My All
Simon Viklund
02:56
17
Payday for You and Me
Shawn Davis
02:49
14 декабря, 17:51
Трек в трек-листе изменён SASDST
25.10.17

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