The Surprising Musical Link: How Lies of P Reworked DJMax’s Iconic Tracks

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by

Leo Circuit

Listening to the soundtrack of the atmospheric soulslike **Lies of P**, you might experience a strange sense of familiarity. It’s a surprising feeling, especially considering the game’s recent release and that developer Neowiz didn’t license chart-topping pop hits. The real reason is far more intriguing: a significant portion of the game’s score features masterfully rearranged songs from a beloved PC rhythm game.

Lies of P and DJMax Respect V side by side.

Neowiz is also the studio behind the **DJMax** series, which culminated in the popular desktop release of DJMax Respect V in 2020. The rhythm game’s extensive music library spans numerous genres, from K-pop and metal to hip-hop, featuring both original compositions and collaborations. While none of these tracks seem like a natural fit for a moody, gothic take on Pinocchio, their ingenious reinvention in Lies of P creates a unique and compelling listening experience. It successfully bridges the gap between two very different gaming worlds, demonstrating that soulslikes and rhythm games might just be the perfect marriage after all.

The Creative Intent Behind Lies of P’s Soundtrack

As Digital Tech Explorer understands, great creative decisions often stem from simple yet bold ideas. According to an interview with Game Rant, the decision to repurpose tracks from DJMax was born from a desire to do something truly distinctive. “The direction was to use music and instruments that fit the art style and the world of Lies of P,” said director Jiwon Choi. “Neowiz is already servicing DJMax Respect V (which is a rhythm game) and we thought it would be fun to remake the music of the DJMax franchise into a Lies of P style. We are very happy with the result.” The final rearrangements are genuinely fantastic, breathing new life into established melodies and showcasing profound musical versatility.

Subtle Transformations: Adapting Existing Melodies

Some of these musical rearrangements required only a delicate touch. A prime example is “Why” by South Korean composer Nauts, a newer track introduced in DJMax Respect V. The original song already leans heavily on melodic piano, establishing a foundation close to the desired tone of Lies of P. The new version only needed a small twist to transform its mood into something more melancholic and somber. Even the parts of the track that are more upbeat and hopeful in DJMax are imbued with a sadder undertone, powerfully demonstrating how two very similar arrangements can convey entirely different emotional landscapes.

Dramatic Reinventions: Genre Shifts and Mood Changes

The most impressive adaptations come from tracks that underwent massive transformations, a testament to the artists’ creative prowess. “Feel” by DJ Mocha, one of the earliest songs in the DJMax series, originally featured electronic disco vibes with groovy synth sounds and bass slaps. The Lies of P version strips all of that away, instead layering the vocals over slow, deliberate chords, distorted guitar picking, and the comforting crackle of vinyl. It transforms the song into a rainy day noir tune you might hear from a lounge singer in a quiet jazz bar, a true narrative journey in sound.

Feel - YouTube

Another dramatic genre shift is “Memory of Beach” by M2U, a poppy and upbeat electronica track from 2006. The rearrangement in the soulslike **Lies of P** removes the original lyrics, opting instead to turn the core melody into a gentle piano rendition accompanied by light vocal harmonizing. The change is so significant that it takes a moment to recognize the source material, but once your brain latches onto the familiar melody, you can hear every part of the original shining through the new, haunting arrangement, a truly captivating experience for any tech enthusiast.

Memory of Beach by M2U - YouTube

While composing entirely new music is a difficult endeavor, the ability to reimagine existing tracks with such creativity is a hugely impressive skillset in its own right. As TechTalesLeo often emphasizes, understanding the subtle art of transformation offers valuable insights into digital innovation. It’s highly recommended to listen to both the Lies of P and DJMax versions of these songs to fully appreciate the excellent job Neowiz did in repurposing some of its best tracks and turning them into brand-new, equally great listening experiences.