While there are a few "names" here--in the shape of American power-pop band Grandaddy, ambient pioneer Brian Eno and dance producer Blue States--the majority of this record consists of John Murphy's original cinematic score. The music owes a little to Eno's darker musical experiments and a great deal to the strangely beautiful doomscapes practised by fiercely anti-corporate Montreal-based orchestral group Godspeed You Black Emperor (whose music actually appears in the film, but never makes it as far as the soundtrack album). Walls of bleak but elegiac feedback and avalanche drums rolls are separated by caustic drones and passages of eerie near-silence.
This dark drama is somewhat relieved by stark, choir-sung interludes that add a religious, redemptive feeling and by the occasional foray into crystal-clear electronica. Danny Boyle also directed Trainspotting, but you won't be able to file this next to that film's OST in the pop section of your music shelf. However, fans of a darker, more cinematic sound will be well-served by this chilling record. --Louis Pattison
Like most horror film scores, the most tracks are typically rock based but with synths, vocals and virtual media (me thinks). The opening track stole a section of the film with random sounds from news programs, sirens and other random noises that all make up the rage theme. Enter the chilling synths, followed by what I guess is virtual media, with guitars pumping out power chords by the dozen to create the thrill. And you know what? It sounds *ace*! Everything fits into place, and if you've seen the film, you can just close your eyes and see it all again.
With additionals like Blue States, Grandaddy et al help to loosen the tense atomsphere and create a little fun in the music. Vocals such as Abide with Me create a sad, hopeless setting of sorrow and death, the words "Don't Wake Up" being replayed in your mind.
Having said all this, people do often say that seeing the film first helps. In many ways it does, but I still highly recommend it.
As most reviews have said the soundtrack does not include the ‘Godspeed You Black Emperor’ track ‘East Hastings’. This is very annoying but it does not ruin the sound track. I own both and prefer 28 Days Later. The reason why it was left off must I guess have been because it was denied permission by GSYBE. The ‘East Hastings’ track is quite long at 17 (12 minutes edit in the movie!) and this soundtrack is only a comparatively short 45 minutes so there was easily enough room all songs. Bureaucrats!
My digipak copy came with a cool little comic about the movie, which shows a few sequential scenes from before the start of the movie, which is a pleasant bonus. If you like the gloom and apocalyptic feel to this CD I would also recommend the 1984 soundtrack by the Eurythmics too.
