John Carpenter - Lost Themes (2015)

 

Beautiful, moody and at times moving. This may not be music for a movie but the songs have that unique John Carpenter touch. Beautiful and haunting soundscapes from a master. 

Collapse Under the Empire - The Silent Cry (2013)

Originating from Hamburg Collapse Under the Empire fall into the post-rock category but this is not a band that should be dismissed and in fact stand above the general crowd.

All six songs are excellent but I would particularly highlight the opening track We Are Close As This (see the video below), a powerful track with a powerful rolling beat of drums and roaring guitars. The title track The Silent Cry, a perfectly crafted song that builds up with excellent arrangements and guitar work to end with an orchestral 'soundtracky' passage. And Ashfall which packs big drums, strings and a lot of power. 

In many ways this is straight forward post-rock but what sets Collapse Under the Empire apart is their incredibly cinematic sound. Their music really feels like the fitting accompaniment to a film. The band has achieved a great balance of quieter and harder moments with an ever present dark brooding tension. 

Excellent release from the band.

Rating: Heavy Rotation

Mogwai - Les Revenants (2013)

This review will be short.

Les Revenants is not a standard Mogwai album but a soundtrack to a French zombie TV show.

The music is haunting and beautiful. The band uses lots piano and xylophone sounds. The music is gentle but simmering with tension that never explodes (no classic Mogwai wall of guitars and noise here).

I haven't seen the show, but this music is just pure bliss. I can't recommend it enough.

Rating: Heavy Rotation