The Martian - Harry Gregson-Williams |
10/3/15 |
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What You Will Hear: A healthy mix of epic choir, full orchestra, and electronics.
Standout Tracks: Making Water, Science The S*** Out Of This, Messages From Hermes, Sprouting Potatoes, Crossing Mars, Reap & Sow, See You In A Few, “I Got Him!” Will You Be Humming Along? Not really, but the last track does have a pretty heroic 5 note motif. The score this makes me want to dust off: K-Pax – Edward Shearmur Will I come back to it? Yes. Uplifting and peaceful; these are not words I expected to apply to this score. I was prepared for a heavy handed electronic assault. What I got was a much quieter intensity and confidence. The orchestra’s horns and strings are given some fantastically epic moments, and the electronics are expertly used as a part of the greater ensemble sound. Even in the more Vangelis-like moments, there isn’t one moment that is over bearing. The overall mix wonderfully mirrors the main protagonist’s precarious (that’s putting it lightly) situation. The juxtaposition of (almost) certain doom and the amazing ability to maintain life is heard throughout the score. But, instead of a tug of war, both sides of this story work in tandem. The score is always inspiring, but never loses sight of the total catastrophe that could be right around the corner. These two warring factors end up creating some truly beautiful musical moments. Don’t get me wrong; there are some “CSI-ish” procedural background tracks that can be skipped. But, based on the reviews, this doesn’t sound like your average sci-fi romp. It is quite fitting that most of the score stands out in the same way. Much like a great romantic score makes me want to come home with roses, or an action score makes me want to kick down a door…. Gregson-Williams makes me feel like sciencing the s*** out of something right now. |