Vol.2 of the Ishin soundtrack is where the Bakumatsu setting really earns its keep musically. The color-coded battle themes are such a smart move. "Indigo Sound," "Black Sound," "Vermilion Sound" each carry distinct fighting styles through instrumentation alone.
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"War of the Strings" pits shamisen against electric guitar and lets them rip. TAKUMI 2014 keeps the series tradition of having an absolute heater boss theme with modern production on traditional bones. "Another Life - Total Review" opens with this peaceful farming-sim warmth that contrasts everything around it.
"Deadly Tengu Gang!" is ridiculous and completely earnest about it. The comedy tracks like "Bakumatsu Comedy" actually land too, which is rare. If Ishin Vol.1 set the stage, Vol.2 is where the soundtrack fully commits.