Skyloft is such an iconic location in the Zelda series. Not only does it feature memorable locations like the Knight’s Academy, but it’s the home of charming (and memorably odd) characters like Peatrice who develops a perhaps unhealthy infatuation with Link and the owlish-looking but loving father, Gaepora. All in all, Skyloft feels almost like a realm from a fairy tale, floating in the clouds above a war torn world. In their kalimba cover of the “Skyloft Theme”, Anjellystrings is able to evoke a strong sense of innocence and youthfulness through the use of the soothing tones of the unique instrument they use.
I am not super familiar with the kalimba as an instrument. Even its appearance is a little peculiar. It looks almost like the Game Boy Micro of musical instruments, something you can pop out of your pocket for those who don’t particularly care for the wails of a harmonica, the shrill whistling of a recorder, or the discordant chirping of a kazoo. Upon listening to Anjellystrings playing the kalimba though, it instantly felt like the exact right instrument for Skyloft.
Skyloft is an innocent place. It sits like a peaceful garden above the lands being ravaged by Demise’s demon hoards. Whenever the gut-churning terrors that Link faces threatens to overwhelm him, he can always zoom back above the clouds and know that his own little Garden of Eden awaits. In Skyloft, the hero’s greatest threats are the fierce furry Remlits who stalk the town and the weaker enemies that prowl the caves.
There is little fear of danger in Skyloft. Sure, the island has its own band of knights, but we never see them fighting anyone. I love them and all, but they really seem more like a poor alternative to just putting up some guardrails around the perimeter of the island. All they do is retrieve people who fall off the island!
Even Link and Zelda’s relationship, which many fans mark as the purest example of the Zelink ship in the series, most resembles the cute first love of a teenage rom-com. You know, the one where the hero has to slay thousands of monsters to be reunited with his love. Now that’s a rom-com we can all add to our watchlist!
Through the use of the kalimba, Anjellystrings captures this innocence that Skyloft possesses. The notes are pretty, quick, and sharp. The low tones create a sense of peacefulness. The pureness of the notes reminded me of a music box. In doing so, it brought to mind my childhood. I reminisced about the times when I’d wind up my mom or sister’s music boxes to hear the tones of a Disney princess song. It connected me to the innocence I had as a kid, and in doing so, also connected me back to Skyloft, the Zelda series’ childhood.
Through the use of the kalimba, Anjellystrings is able to evoke a feeling of innocence that perfectly fits the peaceful atmosphere of Skyloft. As the tones of the kalimba ring out, the simplicity of their sound immediately brings a calming influence similar to that of a music box. In doing so, listeners can rest and recall their exploits in the floating town where their greatest worry was whether or not they’d seen a Remlit skulking around the tree or broken the heart of the infatuated shopkeeper.
