THE STRANGERS - Movie Soundtrack CD
Lakeshore Records

I didn't care much for this film. Why? It's essentially a blatant rip-off of a far superior French horror/thriller named "Ils" (Them), that came out in 2006 . That film was much more innovative, and just downright disturbing than this version that has gone thru the Hollywood wash cycle. However, THE STRANGERS has two things going for it that the French original did not. My friend and resident creative genius Kenneth Hall designed the SUPER creepy masks that are used so effectively in this film's better moments..... did I mention they are creepy as Hell?

And, this film has a truly potent score.

The bulk of this brooding score consists of textured electronica, and dark synthesizer work. But, don't mistake this music with bland, uninspired & repetitive "Trance" or "Chill out" wankery that your musically impaired, wannabe local DJ blasts during those weekend street parties you're unfortunate enough to live next door to.

The duo of Tom Hajdu and Andy Milburn (credited as "Tomandandy" ) have some serious musical chops under their composer's belts. These two have created an very sly and dangerous score for director Bryan Bertino's THE STRANGERS that seems both modern and yet strangely reminiscent of the discretion shown in horror scores of yesteryear; when there was time allocated to building a sense of unease slowly over time till the listener was left drenched in sonic bloodletting.

Perhaps realizing the limitations of a purely synth offering, Tomandandy has also recruited The Bratislava Symphony Orchestra to contribute some sonic weight to the pulsing rhythms, eerie melodies, and stealthy shades of musical mystery that play out as slowly and deliberately as the film itself.

There is an air of reserved tension in the early parts of the music that I must say I find very refreshing for a modern horror score. The composers have abandoned the usual "Booms" that seem to accompany so many current film scores; often to the detriment of the film's atmosphere itself. And, this score is all about creating atmosphere: pure, unflinching, tension is in abundance as the tone of the score gains force. "3AM Knock," sets up the suffering that is to come in a very delicate manner, perhaps softening the listener up for "Alone," a truly potent upbeat change that signals us we're in for a something truly violent. From here the music begins a cat and mouse game that had me drawn in very effectively.

The score takes jabs and then retreats, like stabs from the dark. The music alternates between swelling blasts of sonically tortured synthesizers, and the more tried and true elements that only a well written orchestral score can provide. The seamless nature of the arrangements has melded these two styles into a sharp, unflinching blade; wielded with precision.

I am very impressed with this music and I do believe that this Soundtrack has actually managed to provide a satisfying listening experience outside of the visuals it was conceived to enhance. And that is not an easy feat to accomplish, as any composer will tell you. Color me very impressed.

4 out of 5

MARS

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