¡Pelear Conmigo!: Etymologizing Rhythms in Video Game Combat Music

Son clave timeline rhythms are ubiquitous in video game music. The use of the tresillo and double tresillo rhythms in video game combat music are extensively documented. However, the milonga rhythm is also used in video game combat music. The milonga rhythm in particular has an historic relationship with political dissent and social combativeness. As a result, cultured listeners can subconsciously associate these rhythms with Hispanic machismo culture, aurally depicting the musical passage as combative. This project ultimately proposes a new hermeneutic lens through which to contextualize the use of these rhythms.