CD REVIEW - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer = News from Costa Communications


Fantastic Four: Rise fo the Silver Surfer
Music by John Ottman
Sony Classical 88697-10888-2 (US)
19 Tracks 51:08 mins

Having scored the original FF feature, John Ottman returns for the sequel, which introduces the enigmatic Silver Surfer, who starts out a villain, but eventually is turned to the side of good. His theme opens the album and soars nobly before turning more powerful and darker in tone. This theme, along with that for Dr. Doom, who makes a perhaps surprise return, a menacing, choir-enhanced theme for the big villain of the piece, Galactacus, and of course the heroic Fantastic Four theme, all make appearances throughout the score; the latter at its best in the inspirational "Springing the Surfer."
A good deal of what's on offer here is of the low-key suspenseful and ominous variety, but there are bursts of brilliance here and there, and some good action moments in the likes of "Chasing the Surfer, "Four in One," and the lengthy final showdown "Silver Savior/Aftermath," where the former comes into climactic conflict with his master.
Some lighter fare intrudes on all the darkness and conflict, particularly in "Sibling Switch," which is quite comical.

From Costa Communications

AWARD-WINNING COMPOSER RUSS LANDAU
SCORES CBS HIT SERIES "SURVIVOR: CHINA"
SHARE THE EXPERIENCE: http://landaustravels.blogspot.com

(Los Angeles, CA) Award-winning reality TV composer Russ Landau is traveling through China in search of indigenous sounds to accompany the upcoming
season of the CBS hit series "Survivor: China." As he journeys deep into the heart of mainland China, Landau will act as a musical archaeologist, uncovering traditional Chinese music to incorporate into his original theme
and score for the show. The trip will include excursions to distinct cultural locations where Landau and his crew will interact with the locals, collect primitive Chinese music and explore the Chinese culture. In addition, he will also be performing two concerts with local musicians in
Beijing.
Fans can share the adventure as Landau is keeping a live blog. The blog will tell about his personal, first hand experience on his journey in search of ancient voices of China. Access his blog (http://landaus-travels.blogspot.com) to stay current with Landau through daily updates.

Landau is no novice to this type of instrumental investigation as he previously tackled the Australian Outback to create the soundtrack for Survivor's second season, "Survivor: The Australian Outback."

Landau's obvious talent and creativity has made him one of the most successful television composers today. In addition to Survivor, he has themed and scored many other primetime series including "Fear Factor" (1, 2, 3 and 4), "Survivor UK," "America's Most Talented Kid," "Dog Eat Dog," "The Restaurant" (1 & 2), "Average Joe," "Three Wishes," "The Assistant," and more.

His feature film credits include titles such as the Jennifer Love Hewitt romance "Telling You," the thriller "Nowhere Land," and "Lost." He also collaborated with Brooke Langton and Doug Deep on the song "The Rumble Of Normal" for the movie, "Playing Mona Lisa."

Along with his film and television work, the twice Emmy nominated Landau ha also been honored with 12 ASCAP Film & Television Awards and shares a Grammy for Best New Age Album with Paul Winter for "Prayer For The Wild Things."

Landau's China excursion will not only serve as a tool in creating the music to the much anticipated "Survivor: China." but the footage taken during the trip will also be made into a show that is both a travelogue and a musical expedition. The travel show will follow Landau and his crew every step of the way from arrival in China to departure back to Los Angeles. This exclusive documentation of the music gathering process will provide a unique perspective of ancient Chinese civilization as well as a never before seen or heard view of China's society.