Arrangement of the Week: Sunken Ship

For this week’s arrangement, we turn to a piece of game music that has had a fair number of interpretations. The track “Dire, Dire Docks” from Super Mario 64 was originally composed by Koji Kondo and has been a favorite of many remixers, arrangers, and game music lovers since its creation.

Today’s Arrangement of the Week is a rock cover of “Dire, Dire Docks” by Leandro Abreu titled “Sunken Ship.” This piece was originally written for Dwelling of Duels: Water Month back in May of last year. It would later find a home on OC ReMix.

The opening of the arrangement actually gives the impression that this may be a more electronic synth remix, with an electric piano and atmospheric effects starting the track off. But soon a clean electric guitar comes in with the familiar “Dire, Dire Docks” melody. An electric bass soon joins in with percussion, which helps give the track just a bit more energy.

What I like about this particular arrangement is how light and relaxing it remains. The guitar and bass mixed with the electric piano, synth effects, and string pads creates an energetic but calming tone. It also matches the mood of the original track quite well. Even when the guitar takes a solo around 2’20” the piece is still upbeat and pleasant, never sounding overly aggressive or overdriven. Overall, a wonderful interpretation of a beloved Nintendo piece.

Have any favorite covers, remixes, or arrangements of “Dire Dire Docks” that you’d like share? Let us know in the comments below. You can check out Leandro Abreu’s “Sunken Ship” on OC ReMix.