 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Various Artists
Track List:
1. It Begins
2. One Dose Of Truth
3. Let's Get It On
4. Unlucky Number
5. Creeping Feeling
6. "I Knew Her..."
7. Whole World Watching
8. Phone In
9. Tweaker
10. Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
11. Ray Of Hope
12. Sweetness Of Mine - Julie Stephanek & Eli Janney
13. The Set-Up
14. Turn It Around
15. Death Pact - Robbie Kondor
16. Wedding Serenade - MenKing
17. Dramatic Re-Creation
18. Nine Live
19. The Contenders
|
|
|
|
Various Artists - Series 7
(Koch)
There are two types of soundtracks: those in which the music is inspired by and thematically linked to the movie, and those that are filled with aspiring pop hits that have no relation to the film (i.e., product placement marketing). Thankfully, the Series 7 soundtrack falls under the first category. The majority of the material was written by post-hardcore new wavers Girls Against Boys, with help from a couple of obscure songwriters and Joy Division's classic, "Love Will Tear Us Apart." Most impressive is the calculated precision and thought that went into the project. Although not quite the score to Star Wars, the soundtrack is near perfect in accomplishing its goal, which is providing meaningful background music to a visual presentation.
Series 7 is a movie based on reality TV. The well-timed satire revolves around six supposedly real life "contenders" who fight for survival as they are pitted against one another in a death match—kind of like an extension on the Running Man idea. For the most part, the music fits the fast-paced action theme. The charging tunes—heavy with synth and bass—are a great match for the breakneck violent action that occurs in some scenes. Conversely, tracks like "Unlucky Number" and "Creeping Feeling" find a way to slow things down a notch for the more introspective moments the characters have. The best cut is "One Dose of Truth," which serves as the theme song to the movie. Unlike many of the tunes, which lack vocals, this song offers lyrics that sum up the thesis of the film: "This is real. Not fiction....All we need from you is one dose of truth." Reality TV has likely never been exposed in a medium like this before.
A rock band tackling a movie score is much like a mathematician attempting to pen the great American novel, but Girls Against Boys prove up to the challenge. The Series 7 soundtrack is a bold testament to the broad musical talent the band possesses. While Girls Against Boys may never become pop stars, they will probably be crafting their art for many years to come, a refreshing thought at a time when entertainers are generally valued over musicians.
Bret Booth
top of page
|
|
|
