Back catalogue: Soundtracks

Review: Robin Carolan's latest score for Robert Eggers' Nosferatu is a darkly atmospheric work that fuses gothic elements with a broad range of instruments and sounds. Following their successful collaboration on The Northman, Carolan once again teams up with Eggers to craft a haunting, meticulously composed score that complements the eerie 19th-century setting. British musician Daniel Pioro leads the orchestration, which features 60 string players, a full choir, horns, woodwinds, a harpist and two percussionists. Despite this grandeur, one of the trickiest pieces to perfect was the opening music box which really shows Carolan and Eggers' meticulous attention to detail. Carolan sought to avoid modern influences in the score while embracing contemporary instruments, a balance enhanced by Letty Stott's use of ancient horns and pipes. Carolan's inspirations were diverse, from Bartok and Coil to films like The Innocents and Eyes Wide Shut. He also drew from the Ukrainian film The Eve of Ivan Kupalo to shape the otherworldly tone of the score. Rather than focusing on horror cliches, Carolan emphasised the melancholic and tragic aspects of the story, adding a layer of warped romanticism. The result is an evocative soundtrack that, while perfectly aligned with the film, also stands as a powerful work of art on its own.

Review: Is John Carpenter the best soundtrack composer of all time? The jury will always be out on that one, but chances are if you're reading this you'd prefer to tuck into the score to Assault On Precinct 13 than the pomp and pageantry of, say, John Williams or Hans Zimmer. Not that we don't have a huge amount of time for both those maestros, too. Lost Themes IV: Noir isn't really a soundtrack, of course, and goes some way to positioning Carpenter as a true musical genius well beyond any connection with the silver screen. Like listening to midnight blue descend over the endless sprawl of an unnamed city in soft focus, the album is packed with after dark overtures steeped in the kind of atmosphere you can cut with a knife.

Review: Don't believe the hype - we certainly don't. Halloween Ends, 2022's trilogy-concluding horror flick that brought the story of evil Michael Myers to a bone chilling climax, is almost definitely not going to be the last time we hear the terrifying piano riff John Carpenter came up with for his original 1978 slasher classic, Halloween. Nor will it likely be the final outing for the mask-wearing, knife-wielding menace of Haddonfield, Illinois; fictional town the franchise centres on.

Let's face it, the most recent outing in the saga only represented the conclusion of the last three films, but since the first time there have been 13 movies, many comic books, one video game and tons of merchandise. All that aside, you can believe the hype surrounding the latest score, which sees synth and atmosphere master Carpenter, alongside son and regular collaborator Davies, invoke the eerie unease that first catapulted Halloween into the pantheons of all-time greatest scare fests. Don't sleep after listening, then; who knows what's out there.

Review: A decade ago, legendary horror movie composer/director John Carpenter joined forces with son Cody and godson Daniel Davies to make Lost Themes, a collection of new musical compositions to "soundtrack the movies in your mind". It kick-started a prolific period of musical activity which included both real soundtracks and music made for imaginary ones. Lost Themes IV sits in the latter camp, with the trio delivering music inspired by the aesthetic of "noir" movies. While Carpenter senior's suspenseful, paired-down drum machine rhythms and clandestine synthesiser sounds are still present, they work in harmony with creepy effects, immersive sound effects and additional instrumentation. For proof, see the growling guitars on 'My name IS Death' and the exotic classical guitars and sitars of 'He Walks. By Night'.

Review: Is John Carpenter the most formidable force in 20th Century US moviemaking? He must certainly be in the running. Say what you will about the genres he focuses on (horror, suspense, sci fi, slasher, those details aren't significant. Instead, what's important to remember is that for decades the director has dedicated his career to creating not just vivid on-screen worlds, but atmospheres and feelings. Taking ownership of his own scores is a big part of that, and in many ways Carpenter's tunes are as memorable as his plots. Here joined by son Cody, and Lost Themes I & II sparring partner Daniel Davies, many of the most iconic tones, keys, melodies, and hooks from more than 20 years of cinematic delights are presented as new - and we couldn't be happier.

Review: A decade after John Carpenter's groundbreaking Lost Themes debut, his collaboration with son Cody Carpenter and godson Daniel Davies, the pioneering composer and director has revitalised his career. Lost Themes IV: Noir explores the essence of film noir, infusing Carpenter's signature synth-driven sound with dark, atmospheric motifs. Described as "soundtracks for the movies in your mind," these compositions evoke the mysterious allure of classic noir films. While traditional noir scores relied on orchestral arrangements, Carpenter, Carpenter, and Davies craft their distinctive sound with synths and guitars, capturing the essence of the genre. With this latest installment, they continue to redefine Carpenter's musical legacy, transcending mere homage to create immersive sonic experiences.

Review: A decade since his groundbreaking Lost Themes debut, John Carpenter, along with son Cody Carpenter and godson Daniel Davies, has revitalised his career. Lost Themes IV: Noir delves into the essence of film noir, infusing Carpenter's iconic synth-driven style with dark, atmospheric elements. Termed "soundtracks for the movies in your mind," these compositions summon the enigmatic charm of classic noir films. Departing from traditional orchestral scores, the trio crafts a distinct sound with synths and guitars, capturing the genre's essence. With this latest release, they redefine Carpenter's musical legacy, moving beyond homage to create immersive sonic experiences that transcend expectations.