Back on wax! If you missed the first pressing of Streets Of Rage 2, consider this a second chance. Data Discs has given the influential soundtrack a limited repress on clear vinyl, and it sounds better than ever with a fresh remaster. Considered by many as one of the greatest soundtrack achievements of the 16-bit era, Streets Of Rage 2 found legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro at the top of his game, teaming up with Motohiro Kawashima to flex that FM synth muscle like nobody's business. The tracks boast an impressive range from techno, rave, and breaks, to jazzy, chill out moments that still sound fresh and relevant to this day. This deluxe pressing features audio that has been carefully remastered using multiple sources (including the original NEC PC-88 files supplied by Koshiro himself) and packaged in original artwork sourced from the SEGA archives in Japan, plus two lithographic prints and traditional obi strip. Recommended.

• 180g frosted clear colored double vinyl pressing
• fully remastered in collaboration with and approved by composer Yuzo Koshiro
• includes four bonus tracks of demos, alternate versions and unused compositions
• 2 x lithographic prints featuring archival artwork
• obi strip
• music label: Data Discs 2020

reviewed by Otakun 08/2017