The Protagonist - "A Classroom Above The Skies" (7/10)

Review Date: (03/11/2024)

Another classroom themed album from Sonic4. I was there with him when it just came out. I even remember that he made a DDLC inspired visual novel for the visuals. It had nothing to do with the album and it didn't make much sense. Though, I'm here to talk about the album. Not the visuals.

The music is mostly slowed down jazz band songs from the 1920s to 1930s. "Midnight, the stars, and you" starts off the album and a different version of "Heartaches" is the second track. Once again, this album is inspired by The Caretaker, but I haven't noticed any similarities between this and "A Stairway To The Stars".

The album has a melancholic vibe to it. It's calm and sometimes romantic. Could it be that Sonic4 made this in a time when he felt lonely, perhaps? Effects wise, it's nothing crazy. There aren't many remarkable tracks because they mostly sound the same. They're just reverberated haunted ballroom styled songs.

Most of the songs could be considered as a reference to The Caretaker. "I'll be remembering dear", "All the burning memories", "How happy we'll be", "Moonlight serenade", "Reckless night on board", "Flowers and birds", "A date with Sayori", "It's all forgotten now", and "When shadows fall" are some examples of this.

I must say that the production quality has drastically improved when compared to All The Memories From The Underground Classroom. I also don't know Sonic4's true intentions while making this album, so I can't comment on what is trying to be showcased here. Is it more memories or is it a compilation of dark jazz? Perhaps it is both. By the way, I really love the last three tracks of this album. It was an emotional way to conclude the journey.

if you're feeling a little sad and if you're into old music, I recommend you this album. It's something to put on in the background as you stare out of your window while looking back at your life choices or beloved memories.