Composer Grant Kirkhope (Banjo-Kazooie, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark) is an auteur of aural whimsy, bringing his soundtracks a profound sense of playfulness that quickly inspire smiles in anyone within earshot. Viva Piñata, though, isn’t just fun – it’s a theatrical opus that, at times, can feel like a stage production of The Nutcracker. Listen to a few tracks, then imagine these piñata creatures on their tiptoes in leotards – a silly thought, but makes perfect sense. The music is orchestral, fluttery and sometimes big, but also feels very “tangible,” which is why artist Ashton Dame applied cut-paper techniques to the cover (using actual scissors and glue; they’re piñatas, after all!).