John Carpenter, Lost Themes (Sacred Bones Records)
Those who are into movies will know of John Carpenter. For me a great director and many film fans would agree. But many films fans will be shocked to find out he also composed the music for his films. And much of the time doing it with very little time at all. Dashing from the editing room to a studio (if lucky much was done at home I think) to put down the visuals he has as music.
I have been a fan of his music from the first film I saw in Assault on Precinct 13. His music mas very minimalistic and based on Krautrock from the 60s. His films were at times hard hitting, violent and very much of a dystopia feel to them. So the music was made to fit in with that story.
But here we have a brand new album that he has recorded with no intention of it being in a film. Well he may well have had ideas and things to influence his recording but as far as I know this is all for this one off album. And I have to say it is very good. Again I am a fan and purchases some of his music on vinyl as the label Death Waltz Recording Co have been putting out fabulous luxury vinyl albums from the films he made.
Again with no film to link to it is a little different to listen to this but I love the feel of it just the same. It does feel like a soundtrack again and that simply helps me relax more. With his past works much of the time being rushed die to time limits he has for this album been given as much time as he needed and it pays off. Each track does feel a little different and all draw you in well. Most music fans have a great imagination and more so the more alternative music you like and this is like a blank canvas for me. A hint and a nod at times to films and albums of the past but ultimately it does not feel old or stale. He said he had much fun making it, well I can happily say this reviewer has had much fun listening.
8/10
Twitter: 29xthefun
Available from Sacred Bones Records
