CD REVIEW - THE INVASION


The Invasion
Music by John Ottman
Varese Sarabande VSD 6837 (EU)
17 Tracks 49:03 mins

For this latest variation on Invasion of the Body Snatchers, starring Nicole Kidman, who famously got hurt whilst shooting a car chase, and new James Bond Daniel Craig, John Ottman has written a largely eerie, suspenseful and mysterious score, realised for the most part by orchestra, though at times making some unusual, otherwordly sounds, but enhanced by Ottman's synths. At times the music is so muted as to be almost inaudible, but now and again action ensues, and it's good and interesting action writing, sometimes quite powerful and percussive.
The album gets off to a good start, after a suspenseful intro, with the composer introducing a pulsing theme in "Dance of the cells," which is reprised in variations sparsely thereafter. The tense action of "Escape with Ollie" follows. More tense action writing, which ultimately becomes quite exciting, can be found in "Carol's Wild Ride," and also "Final Escape" brings the album to a
satisfying close.
This is a mature work from Ottman and I can well imagine it working well on film. It's not the easiest of listens away from it, but it has many interesting moments to keep one listening.