Johann
Johannsson – Sicario Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Varese Sarabande
Records)
CD
/ DL
Out
Now
8
/ 10
Icelandic composer release soundtrack to new
crime thriller.
It has to be said that movie soundtracks,
whilst fitting against the backdrop of film are, on the whole boring affairs when
listened to in isolation. That’s a
soundtrack specifically written for a film by the way, not the ‘easy way out’
by chucking a series of non-related songs together.
The new crime thriller starring Emily Blunt,
Charles Brolin and Benicio del Toro, looks from the trailers like a dramatic
affair. Guns, kidnapping, guns, drugs,
guns and more guns – yes, it’s one of ‘those’ films – and on first listening
the soundtrack also sounds like just another soundtrack.
The difficulty with Johannsson’s effort is that
when listening without headphones it sometimes sounds boring, samey and seems
to repeat the same percussive pattern throughout. When speakers are inserted into the ears,
the whole affair takes on a new perspective.
It’s atmospheric, it’s almost frightening, and it’s tyrannical.
It exudes an enormous power, probably fitting
to the movie perfectly. The enormity of
some of the crashes and pounds is sometimes difficult to believe, and the
collection almost becomes nightmarish.
Look over your shoulder, or glance at the door that is slightly ajar and
you’ll feel the need to secure yourself.
There are breaks from the volume. Tracks like Desert Music, Reflection and
Melancholia provide beautifully subtle interludes. Wistful in their simplicity, using acoustic
guitars, string sections and faint keyboards they offer a break from the
organised anarchy.
Night Vision creates a tension that makes your
heart slowly pound before Tunnel Music almost distorts with the crawling,
dinosaur like drawl that strings the whole soundtrack together. As you’d maybe expect, the soundtrack (and
more than likely the film) ends on a quieter note, droning synth sounds and
minimalist effects, for which Johannsson made his mark, slowly fading out into
the distance.
It’s an album of two halves. Listen to it close up close up and you’ll discover
something rather special. Don’t, and you’ll miss out.
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