David Lister- The Pacific NW Answer to Symphonic Gaming music

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Based out of Seattle, Washington, David Lister has been composing symphonic and electronic music for over 20 years. He particularly enjoys writing long-form music for film, dance, theater, and video games. In recent years, he’s composed music for Concert Band, Art Projects and experimented with Electronic music

A couple of years ago, I had jury duty. I found that one of the “perks” of this obligation is meeting new and interesting people. This is how I met local composer David Lister and discovered his delightful music. My favourite of his works is the game soundtrack “Wanda (A Beautiful Apocalypse)” which I have very much enjoyed listening to since that time.

I’m not a gamer so I haven’t played the game, but listening to this sweeping, cinematic score makes me wish it was a movie – I’d definitely watch it if it were! The opening track, “City of Light,” invites the listener into a world of magic and wonder. One can imagine flying in a ship to a sparkling city full of wonders, then delving deeper into this magical realm in “Journey to the Bronze City.”

“The Portal Puzzle” promises intrigue with its pizzicato strings, while “Hide and Seek” adds a soft element of mystery with harp and piano, and “Journey to the Red City” has an almost exotic element to it. The music turns a bit more dark and foreboding when “The Bots Meet” and in “The Chamber” and “The Radar Puzzle,” then lightens up again in “the Stone Puzzle.” The entire soundtrack runs the gamut of emotions with a strong, well-defined musical theme throughout and a whimsical feel reminiscent of soundtracks by Alan Silvestri or Danny Elfman. It is certainly as enchanting as the work of any well-known film composer. And it is hard to believe that this entire soundtrack was done electronically and not performed by a live orchestra! I know from my own experience that making a composition sound the way you hear it in your head with a computer program is no mean feat, but Lister accomplishes this nicely with great attention to detail in this recording.

An “Apocalypse” would indeed be beautiful with this score by David Lister behind it, and I recommend that you check out the Bandcamp link as this album is enjoyable whether or not you play the game.