The Man Who Gave Evangelion Its Impact
Neon Genesis Evangelion carries a particular weight throughout its story, one that is pronounced like a warning that the world could end at any second. Hideaki Anno's inspired directing is a big reason for this, but it can't be understated how integral the music by Shiro Sagisu is in defining the franchise these many years later.
Fans of Evangelion may expect a particular kind of sound from the composer, one that he continues to deliver quite well to this day, but Sagisu's range is not something that gets enough inspection or praise. Since his start in anime during the mid-80s, Sagisu has explored poppy and metal jams with as adept a hand as his more moody, romantic, or tragic orchestral masterworks that have become associated with him.
The Woman Who Made Bebop A Jam
Many soundtracks are products of their time and the dominant styles used to convey broad emotions, but even by 90s standards, Eva's music is heavily characterized by a classical feel. Not simply because many of the series' biggest moments are accompanied by elaborate orchestral pieces, but because Eva wears its inspirations on its sleeve.
Consider the track «Angel Attack», with its loud and alarm-like horns and persistent piano tempo that signals the approach of some monster much the same way as the Jaws theme. It harkens back to the classic monster movies and Tokusatsu series that inspired Evangelion to begin with, such as Ultraman or Kamen Rider.
But Evangelion was known for its lighter moments as well — seldom as they came the longer the show went along — where Sagisu explored the cheerful distractions from the world's end. The ever-present orchestra is teamed with a mix of instrumental backing that feels like Sagisu experimenting with as many genres and
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