BIRDCAGE (Original Soundtrack)

Barry "Epoch" Topping returns with the long-awaited soundtrack to BIRDCAGE. The widely celebrated game is the debut release of POLYGON BIRD Games.

BIRDCAGE is a fast-paced, vertical scrolling shoot ‘em up that blends the explosive action of 90s arcade classics, with modern gameplay and storytelling. What is the value of a bullet, when you wield a sword?

While players have been praising BIRDCAGE for transferring retro aesthetics into modern times, the incomparable soundtrack is always pointed out for the same reasons. Entering Barry Topping, who gained recognition for the famous Paradise Killer game soundtrack and lately continued to spread those funky city pop vibes with his very own project The Needs. But for BIRDCAGE it was time to stray from his “trademark sound” and explore a different sonic space he had always been passionate for as well.

“I'd say the BIRDCAGE soundtrack is primarily inspired by my love of classic 90s video game soundtracks,” Topping explains. “Across the game, I'm combining elements of trance, techno, drum and bass with bigger orchestral and choral arrangements. I've used a lot of genuine 90s synthesizer hardware to capture the sound of the era, while also adding a lot of modern touches throughout; big guitars, even bigger percussion! Still, in amongst all this, the soundtrack has managed to find some laid-back moments too, recalling 00s ambient and even Visual Kei. I think people are really going to enjoy it, I think we've created something really special here.”

BIRDCAGE is an experience that’s absolutely satisfying in every aspect. Time to hop on the spaceship and put the needle to the record.

Highlights

• Single LP pressed on black vinyl with Starlight Sparkle
• 18 tracks of hyper-electronic, techno, rock and orchestra-infused sounds
• Music composed by Barry "Epoch" Topping (PARADISE KILLER, SENTRY, The Needs)
• Stunning original artwork by Giannis Milonogiannis
• Obi strip and A2 BIRDCAGE poster insert

About the MiniDisc Version

• MiniDisc version including the two bonus tracks, “HALCYON [TRAILER VER.]” and “DOGCRATE”
• 20 tracks of hyper-electronic, techno, rock and orchestra-infused sounds
• Music composed by Barry "Epoch" Topping (PARADISE KILLER, SENTRY, The Needs)
• Stunning original artwork by Giannis Milonogiannis
• Full-colour print on the disc and case
• MiniDisc mockups by Raphael Rau | Silverwing

"One of the best-looking, best-sounding games I've played this year" - Robin Bea, Inverse

"BIRDCAGE is f*cking fantastic" - Jeremy Jayne, /noclip

"This indie gem from two-person studio Polygon Bird looks and sounds like a forgotten PS1 or late-'90s arcade shmup" - Brendan Hesse, GameSpot

"BIRDCAGE transcends its bullet hell trappings and delivers some absolutely sublime gameplay" - Matt Murray, SoManyGames

"Everything about the game oozes its influences, using them as a launchpad to add to the pantheon" - Joel Loynds, GamesHub