CD REVIEWS - FLOOD + THE KINGDOM
The Flood
Music by Debbie Wiseman
Silva Screen SILCD1247 (UK)
18 Tracks 65:06 mins
Latest warning about the effects of global warming is The Flood, which paints a scenario of a flooded London, something that may not be too far off happening, according to some experts.
The score is provided by the ever-reliable Debbie Wiseman, who has provided a tense and relentless accompaniment to the rising floodwaters, with some poignancy thrown in, courtesy of a theme that makes use of Hayley Westenra's haunting vocals. Westenra is becoming a regular collaborator, along with the excellent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who also perform on this soundtrack, enhanced by some electronics.
Westenra's vocals make telling comment on the city's inhabitants' struggles to survive, whilst the score largely drives onward, courtesy of a theme which I would describe as influenced by Alan Silvestri's Judge Dredd theme, crossed with Michael J. Lewis' "Destruction of the Cathedral" from The Medusa Touch. Exciting stuff!
The accompanying booklet features interviews an extensive intervierw with the composer on her score for The Flood, as well as vocalist Hayley Westenra's take on her involvement.
The Kingdom
Music by Danny Elfman
Varese Sarabande VSD-6842 (EU)
13 Tracks 39:43 mins
A number of films are now making an appearance regarding events in and stemming from the middle-east troubles. This actioner sees Jamie Fox, Jennifer Garner et al journeying to Saudia Arabia to investigate a bombing. They are accompanied on their travels by composer Danny Elfman, who provides an atypical score, with some tense, driving, rhythmic action music, combining electronics, a wide variety of percussion and orchestra. Standout cues in this respect are the opening "The Kingdom - Titles," and "The Chase." Interestingly, and possibly not coincidentally, Elfman comes close at times to mimicking Michael Giacchino's approach to the action music in Garner's former show Alias.
Amongst all this fine tense action scoring, there is a electric guitars-driven theme, which speaks of camaraderie and which is given the full treatment in the closing "Finale."
A score which possibly won't appeal to the majority of Elfman's fans, but one which I found engaging and effective.
The Flood
Music by Debbie Wiseman
Silva Screen SILCD1247 (UK)
18 Tracks 65:06 mins
Latest warning about the effects of global warming is The Flood, which paints a scenario of a flooded London, something that may not be too far off happening, according to some experts.
The score is provided by the ever-reliable Debbie Wiseman, who has provided a tense and relentless accompaniment to the rising floodwaters, with some poignancy thrown in, courtesy of a theme that makes use of Hayley Westenra's haunting vocals. Westenra is becoming a regular collaborator, along with the excellent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who also perform on this soundtrack, enhanced by some electronics.
Westenra's vocals make telling comment on the city's inhabitants' struggles to survive, whilst the score largely drives onward, courtesy of a theme which I would describe as influenced by Alan Silvestri's Judge Dredd theme, crossed with Michael J. Lewis' "Destruction of the Cathedral" from The Medusa Touch. Exciting stuff!
The accompanying booklet features interviews an extensive intervierw with the composer on her score for The Flood, as well as vocalist Hayley Westenra's take on her involvement.
The Kingdom
Music by Danny Elfman
Varese Sarabande VSD-6842 (EU)
13 Tracks 39:43 mins
A number of films are now making an appearance regarding events in and stemming from the middle-east troubles. This actioner sees Jamie Fox, Jennifer Garner et al journeying to Saudia Arabia to investigate a bombing. They are accompanied on their travels by composer Danny Elfman, who provides an atypical score, with some tense, driving, rhythmic action music, combining electronics, a wide variety of percussion and orchestra. Standout cues in this respect are the opening "The Kingdom - Titles," and "The Chase." Interestingly, and possibly not coincidentally, Elfman comes close at times to mimicking Michael Giacchino's approach to the action music in Garner's former show Alias.
Amongst all this fine tense action scoring, there is a electric guitars-driven theme, which speaks of camaraderie and which is given the full treatment in the closing "Finale."
A score which possibly won't appeal to the majority of Elfman's fans, but one which I found engaging and effective.
posted by jeffhall | 10:36 AM
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