CD REVIEW - SHADOWS


Shadows
Music by Ryan Shore
MovieScore Media MMS09004
21 Tracks 48:17 mins

First a warning, for those of you who enjoyed the lighter fare of Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer (also released on the MovieScore Media label, you will find a very different Ryan Shore here.
Milcho Manchevski's new film Shadows is described as a "mysterious drama with thriller elements and, as such, Shore has provided a serious orchestral score, providing room for solos by woodwinds, strings and vocalist Janita.
The main theme presents an ethnic woodwind solo, backed by subtle strings, with Janita making her first contribution in the largely urgent "Appearance." Much of the remainder of the album is either on the mournful or tense and mysterious side, with Shore's use of strings at times reminding of the late great Bernard Herrmann. "Propelling," however provides a sunnier feel, after early dramatics, and the strings also sing out at the end of the initially sad "Police Phonecall." Janita provides an effective vocal refrain at the end of "Menka Hangs," and continues the good work in the following "Revelation," which gains in urgency as it continues, and also provides a light touch to "Journey."
The penultimate and lengthiest track on the album, "Burial" provides something of a conversation between Janita and cello, before blossoming gloriously with full orchestra and Janita's vocal; the main theme returning to close the score in "Lazar and Dad."
For more info and samples, visit www.moviescoremedia.com/shadows.html, then
check for the CD at your regular soundtrack dealer, or download from Film Music Downloads or iTunes.