Resistance 3 to feature music by Boris Salchow

INSOMNIAC GAMES' RESISTANCE 3 FEATURES
DRAMATIC MUSIC BY FILM COMPOSER
BORIS SALCHOW

Original Cinematic Score for 1950's Alternate History Sci-Fi
Video Game Recorded at Iconic Abbey Road Studios

Los Angeles, CA - June 29th, 2011 - Following the critical acclaim of his rousing music score for Insomniac Games' Resistance 2, Los Angeles-based film composer Boris Salchow (80 Minutes, Prom Night) returns to craft a darker cinematic soundtrack for RESISTANCE 3 - reflecting the struggle of the remaining group of human survivors against an overwhelming force of alien invaders. To capture an authentic and unique sound for this alternate history sci-fi story set in the 1950's, Salchow and Insomniac recorded the emotionally diverse musical score with orchestra at the historical Abbey Road Studios in London. Developed exclusively for PlayStation 3 by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, RESISTANCE 3 will be released on September 6, 2011.

Set four years after the end of Resistance 2, dishonorably discharged Sentinel Joseph Capelli has given up fighting the Chimeran menace. Now he's in hiding with other survivors, including his wife and young son. When Dr. Fyodor Malikov arrives with the plan to defeat the occupying Chimeran force, Capelli must leave his family and journey the harrowing road from Oklahoma to New York City. Along the way, he'll encounter the remnants of humanity left in the aftermath of the brutal Chimeran invasion.

Paul Mudra, Audio Director, Insomniac Games: "For RESISTANCE 3 we required a composer who would be able to interpret the nuance of mankind's struggle for survival in a brutal world and create an engaging and emotive score. Boris spent many hours at our studio becoming familiar with the story, meeting with several key members of the development team and immersing himself in our process and culture. The soundtrack that Boris composed is compelling and a perfect fit for the game. We consider it to be a key part of the overall RESISTANCE 3 experience."

Marcus Smith, Creative Director, Insomniac Games: "Working with Boris has been a dream. I've never had the pleasure of working with someone so committed to the project as a whole; Not only did he spend lots of time with us at our studio listening and asking questions, but he'd also make great suggestions on story, pacing and character development. The soundtrack he delivered is stunning in its intricacy, delicacy and humanity."

Boris Salchow, Composer: "In RESISTANCE 3 human civilization as such is gone. People flock together in small groups, trying to survive as long as possible. Not even a military organization is left. The soundtrack reflects this - instead of military elements, we find some very intimate sounding compositions where I use piano, woodwinds, a boy soprano and somber string arrangements. For this setting, it was crucial to record the score live since the RESISTANCE 3 score describes the emotions of the survivors. Going to London and recording this music with such incredible A-list musicians at this historical venue was the perfect match for the game, and it was an incredible honor for me personally. I am very thankful that Insomniac made this happen."

RESISTANCE 3 is powered by Insomniac Games' fifth-generation PlayStation 3 technology. Featuring new upgradeable weapons, the return of the weapon wheel, two-player online or split-screen campaign co-op and a progression-based multiplayer experience, RESISTANCE 3 delivers a heroic-yet savage first-person shooter experience for PlayStation 3.
For more information visit www.myresistance.net and www.insomniacgames.com.

SoundCast Episode #28 - Falling Skies with Composer Noah Sorota

Episode 28 - Falling Skies

Composer Noah Sorota joins the cast to talk about his latest work, FALLING SKIES. He shares about working at Remote Control Prod. and discusses TV music trends and faves.

Episode Highlights

00:30 — Introduction and welcome
02:49 — What we've been listening to
12:15 — Noah Sorota working at Remote Control Productions
25:29 — Noah Sorota on Falling Skies
40:52 — Trends in TV music
51:22 — Some of our TV theme faves
41:40 — Reviewing scores on soundtrack versus in context

Music Clips (Select music clips contained in this podcast)

00:00 — "Royal Street Ambush" (Falling Skies) by Noah Sorota
06:07 — "DC Showcase Main Title" (DC Showcase) by The Track Team
06:57 — "Minority Report" (Minority Report) by John Williams
08:40 — "Main Titles" (Heartless) by David Julyan
09:49 — "Billious Hooligan" (Brighton Rock) by Martin Phipps
11:45 — "They Were Ready" (Falling Skies) by Noah Sorota
17:27 — "I Never Woke Up In Handcuffs Before" (Sherlock Holmes) by Hans Zimmer
25:24 — "Royal Street Ambush" (Falling Skies) by Noah Sorota
30:43 — "Mason Theme (minor)" (Falling Skies) by Noah Sorota
32:44 — "Main Theme (Horn)" (Falling Skies) by Noah Sorota
44:54 — "Precipice" (Battlestar Galactica Season 3) by Bear McCreary
52:53 — "Theme from 'Human Target' (long version)" (Human Target) by Bear McCreary
53:19 — "Main Theme" (Star Trek Voyager) by Jerry Goldmsith
54:05 — "Main Title" (Stargate Atlantis) by Joel Goldsmith
57:51 — "Title Theme" (The Andy Griffith Show) by Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer

Download the episode here

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Win the SUCKER PUNCH KNOCK-OUT PACK (Blu-Ray + Soundtrack)

(US Residents Only)
TRACKSOUNDS AND WARNER ENTERTAINMENT ARE PROUD TO BRING YOU...
THE SUCKER PUNCH KNOCK-OUT PACK CONTEST

You can win both the Blu-Ray/DVD Combo (Extended Cut) + Original Soundtrack!

There are THREE ways to enter and THREE ways to win.  Over the next 7 days...

1) Post a comment to any of our blog posts or comment on a recent Tracksounds review
2) Follow and Retweet any @tracksounds tweet  (http://twitter.com/tracksounds)
3) Like us and Post a comment on our Facebook Fan page

Now, how easy is that?

AND - you can enter as many times as you like on all three channels (blog, twitter, and Facebook) to increase your chances of winning!

Winners will be selected at random from all qualifying (ie. non-bogus, genuine) comments, and retweets. The contest will close on midnight, June 29,2011. Winner to be announced on July 1, 2011. Contest is open to US residents only.



About the SUCKER PUNCH Blu-Ray Release


Close your eyes. Open your mind. Engage in a spectacular fantasy adventure when “Sucker Punch” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download June 28th from Warner Home Entertainment Group. From critically acclaimed director Zack Snyder, “Sucker Punch” is a visually stimulating suspense ride about a girl and her unbelievable journey to freedom.  The Blu-Ray Combo Pack includes an action-packed Extended Cut featuring an additional 18 minutes of footage and an immersive Maximum Movie Mode hosted by director Zack Snyder.

Born from the creative vision of filmmaker Zack Snyder (“Watchmen,” “300”),
“Sucker Punch” features an ensemble cast of young stars, including Emily Browning (“The Uninvited”), Abbie Cornish (“Bright Star”), Jena Malone (“Into the Wild”), Vanessa Hudgens (the “High School Musical” films) and Jamie Chung (“Sorority Row”).


“Sucker Punch” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following features:

·        Theatrical Feature Film and Extended Cut
·        Maximum Movie Mode: Exploring the Fantasy World: An immersive movie exploration with host Zack Snyder – featuring Picture-in-Picture, Director Walk-Ons, and much more (Runtime: Feature Length)
·        Animated Shorts: “Sucker Punch” Prequel Stories (Runtime: 11 mins)

• Feudal Warriors
• The Trenches
• Dragon
• Distant Planet

·     “Sucker Punch” Behind the Soundtrack (Runtime: 3 mins)

 DVD includes:
 Animated Shorts: “Sucker Punch” Prequel Stories (Runtime: 11 mins)

• Feudal Warriors
• The Trenches
• Dragon
• Distant Planet

·    “Sucker Punch” Behind the Soundtrack (Runtime: 3 mins)

These Amazing Shadows (Soundtrack) by Peter Golub - Review

It's Not East Scoring the Scored
Review by Richard Buxton

The experience of merely surveying the National Film Registry (est. 1988) and the 550 films that it is composed of is a humbling one. Over the 105 years that the films present span, the jewel in America’s crown that is film has provided the world with an array of the most profoundly inspiring and purely entertaining visual experiences in history. From the timeless CITIZEN KANE to the time-traveling THE TERMINATOR, and the far reaches of A NEW HOPE to bedroom of TOY STORY, the registry is a tribute to the greatest achievements in film, and it is in THESE AMAZING SHADOWS that the importance of the registry and the films it contains is truly revealed.

Directed by PAUL MARIANO and KURT NORTON, THESE AMAZING SHADOWS is a documentary journey through the registry, a journey that unveils it as a blueprint for the American existence, an existence of hopes, dreams and most importantly, the unexpected.

In documenting this list and the various films, it perhaps composer PETER GOLUB that will find himself under the greatest scrutiny from those who venture deep into the aesthetic texture of the documentary. As the featured films flash upon screen, with each comes a certain expectation and memory that viewers will be expecting to be upheld. Firstly is the infallible visual aspect; the iconic images that whisk audiences away remain unchanged. Secondly, and crucially, is the music. The unforgettable soundscapes of BACK TO THE FUTURE and 2001: A Space Odyssey carry the weight of decades of acclaim and audience recognition, and it is when films of such musical calibre make their appearance that a conflict arises.

In making THESE AMAZING SHADOWS one can imagine that at a certain point in production the decision to either utilize the original scores of the various films or opt for an entirely original score was made. In this case an original score was chosen, perhaps due to the various issues that licensing presents or perhaps through the desire of the filmmakers to carve their own mark in film history, rather than remaining reliant on those that came before them. GOLUB’S competent efforts in THESE AMAZING SHADOWS largely reinforce the latter as a wise choice, yet it is still often quite difficult to detach the films onscreen from their original musical accompaniment and it is because of this that GOLUB’S achievements may never be fully appreciated.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

I Am Number Four (Soundtrack) by Trevor Rabin - Review

Traversing a History of Trevor
Review by Richard Buxton

For those of you that are seeking a throwback to the action scoring style that Remote Control Productions made their own in the 90’s, I AM NUMBER FOUR may go some way to satiating your thirst. Whilst not reaching the heights of the sound, nor that of TREVOR RABIN’S scoring career, I AM NUMBER FOUR will certainly bring some long forgotten musical memories flooding back.

What might not be such a welcome memory is that of the film itself. Released to a decisively poor critical reception, I AM NUMBER FOUR was widely derided as a derivative and largely forgettable action adventure. This, unfortunately, is a criticism that can be attributed to RABIN’S score, although not to quite the same extent.

Attempting to truly appreciate RABIN’S score in its original in-film form is a somewhat fruitless experience, as his compositions often find themselves struggling to be heard within the various sequences of I AM NUMBER FOUR. Therefore it is hard to say whether hearing the music alongside the film will have created any sort of following. As a pure listening experience, I AM NUMBER FOUR is certainly not the most rewarding. The music, whilst consistently exciting, never quite lifts off, instead it takes what could be interpreted as a tour through TREVOR RABIN’S scoring back-catalogue.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

SoundCast Ep. 27 - Super 8 with guest Sasha Dikiciyan

Episode 27 - Super 8

Composer Sascha Dikiciyan joins Tom Hoover and Christopher Coleman to talk JJ Abrams latest project SUPER 8.  Beyond the movie, they dive headlong into the Michael Giacchino's score for the film.


Episode Highlights

00:30 — Introduction and welcome
03:30 — What we've been listening to
12:39 — Twitter question:  What is your fave X-Men score to date?
15:51 — Super 8 general reaction (no spoilers)
23:45 — Super 8 spoiler talk
36:44 — Super 8 score talk
41:40 — Reviewing scores on soundtrack versus in context


Music Clips (Select music clips contained in this podcast)


00:00 — "Through the Window" (Cocoon) by James Horner
03:45 — "Mater the Waiter" (Cars 2) by Michael Giacchino
04:32 — "Napoleon Boneparte" (Napoleon: Total War) by Richard Beddow et al
05:35 — "DC Showcase Main Title" (DC Showcase) by The Track Team
06:08 — "quayside synthesis" (Hanna) by The Chemical Brothers
08:12 — "Theme from SOCOM 4" (Socom 4) by Bear McCreary
12:08 — "First Class" (X-Men: First Class) by Henry Jackman
14:52 — "Logan And Rogue" (X-Men) by Michael Kamen
27:10 — "Cloverfield - Roar!" (100 Greatest Themes Take 2) by Michael Giacchino
38:56 — "The Magic Of Halloween" (E.T. The Extra-terestrial) by John Williams
43:52 — "Medal of Honor- Airborne (End Credits)" (Medal of Honor: Airborne) by Michael Giacchino
44:55 — "Through the Window" (Cocoon) by James Horner
53:37 — "Through the Window" (Cocoon) by James Horner

Download the episode here

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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Trailer and Score by Rachel Portman

Every once in a while a movie completely blindsides me.  In a day where we get entirely too much information about upcoming movies (often subsequently devaluing the actual viewing experience), the new film SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN directed by Wayne Wang and based on the book by Lisa See, has managed to do just that. And I love it.

Not only does the stunningly beautiful trailer (above) give me chills and even tears, but the fact that Rachel Portman is providing the score just amps up my excitement to an entirely different level!  In fact, you can already pre-order the original soundtrack here.


Given the job she did on THE JOY LUCK club, I think we have good reason to anticipate this release with high expectations.  With all of the Super-hero-testosterone-laden-movies that dominate the summer, it's nice to be able to look forward to something with a little more depth and sensitivity.  I think SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN is going to fit the bill.

So what do you think of this trailer and the possibilities for Portman's score?

Inon Zur Composes and Conducts Score for Lord of the Rings: War in the North

Composer Inon Zur talks a bit about writing the original game score for the upcoming LORD OF THE RINGS: WAR IN THE NORTH, as well as conducting a performance of his score at the recent E3.

What you can hear in this video clip is quite promising as it seems to carry the same general ethos as Howard Shore's epic work for the film trilogy.

So what think ye of this?

SoundCast Interview: Laura Karpman (Kung Fu Panda 2: The Video Game)

Interview: Laura Karpman "Ask Your Panda"

Composer Laura Karpman (Taken, Everquest II) talks about some of her most recent projects which include one of the most unique musical projects of the last few years, ASK YOUR MAMA, as well her most recent video game score, the tie-in-game to KUNG FUN PANDA 2. She also talks about the why there are fewer female composers in the USA compared to other countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan.


Episode Highlights

00:23 — Introduction and "Ask Your Mama"
08:29 — Writing music for multiple mediums
13:52 — Struggle of the Female Composer in the USA
18:57 — Kung Fu Panda 2: The Video Game

Music Clips (Select music clips contained in this podcast)


00:00 — "Main Title" (Kung Fu Panda 2 VG) by Laura Karpman
03:49 — "Cultural Exchange" (Ask Your Mama) by Laura Karpman
07:44 — "Jazztet Muted - Show Fare, Please" (Ask Your Mama) by Laura Karpman
18:18 — "Komodo Dragon Bossfight Minions 2" (Kung Fu Panda 2 VG) by Laura Karpman
19:43 — "Cliffside Puzzle 2" (Kung Fu Panda 2 VG) by Laura Karpman
21:42 — "Main Title" (Untold Legend: Dark Kingdom) by Laura Karpman
26:46 — "Marina Combat 2" (Kung Fu Panda 2 VG) by Laura Karpman

Download the episode here

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Star Wars: The Old Republic Trailer, RETURN, offers new music

In a day inundated by game reveal after game reveal (thanks E3), I make here my only post of the day in that regard.  The new STAR WARS:  THE OLD REPUBLIC trailer, "RETURN,"  made its debut today and it's another goodie - despite the model change on Satele (the female Jedi Master).  Why anyone would change a character model based on the magnificently, enchanting, Kelly Hu is totally beyond me.

Anyway, RETURN is full of allusions to the Original Trilogy (Ever notice that they hardly make allusions to the Prequel Triology?).  It also has another well choreographed fight scene that continues to make me wonder..."Where were these guys when it came to the Prequel's fight scenes?...or even The Clone Wars?"  This is another epic Jedi Vs. Sith duel...which ups the ante regarding the dual-sabre in a way that literally made me say, "Oh no he did not!"

Beside all of that, I believe the introductory music is "new"...as in from the hands of Mark Griskey and company.  Of course the music itself is familiar John Williams thematic stuff (The Force theme), but a new adaptation.  Soon thereafter it moves into more familiar territory...music taken from, that's right, the Original Trilogy.  To be fair, there's a fair amount of Prequel music that comes in once the fight gets going.

This trailer has even more significance if you have seen the previous two or have read the book "Deception."  If you haven't, I highly recommend you do!

For now...enjoy and let's hope the actual game is playable sooner rather than later.

Get more official Star Wars:  The Old Republic info here

Napoleon: Total War (Game Soundtrack) by Richard Beddow - Review

A Dealer in Hope
Review by Marius Masalar

I don’t know what it is about real-time strategy games, but it’s often the case that they inspire some of the finest game music across any genre. The TOTAL WAR series has always been an example of this correlation, and NAPOLEON: TOTAL WAR continues the trend with a glorious and organic score by RICHARD BEDDOW and his team of co-composers, RICHARD BIRDSALL, IAN LIVINGSTONE, and SIMON RAVN.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

SoundCast #26 - Kung Fu Panda 2

Episode 26 - Kung Fu Panda 2
Marius, Tom, and Chris talk the Kung Fu Panda 2 original score and on how the effectiveness of music scores, in context, affect our overall opinions.

Episode Highlights

00:24 — Introduction and welcome
03:52 — What we've been listening to
12:42 — RJDJ - App for personal soundtrack
17:56 — Twitter: Composer Controversy
24:36 — Kung Fu Panda Discussion
37:52 — In Context or out? How do thy rate thee?
41:40 — Reviewing scores on soundtrack versus in context


Music Clips (Select music clips contained in this podcast)


00:00 — "Po and Shen- Face to Face" (Kung Fu Panda 2) by Zimmer, Powell
03:58 — "Cerebro" (X-Men First Class) by Henry Jackman
06:08 — "Toy Factory" (The Best Album) by George and Jonathan
07:07 — "Sludge Mansion" (The Best Album) by George and Jonathan
08:22 — "The Pursuit of Vengeance" (SOCOM 4) by Bear McCreary
09:55 — "Naval battle at St. Vincent" (Napoleon: Total War) by Richard Beddow et al
11:27 — "Motherhood" (The Tree of Life) by Alexandre Desplat
24:00 — "Ancient China- Story of Shen" (Kung Fu Panda 2) by Zimmer, Powell
33:03 — "Rickshaw Chase" (Kung Fu Panda 2) by Zimmer, Powell
37:20 — "Dumpling Warrior" (Kung Fu Panda 2) by Zimmer, Powell
55:10 — "Gongmen Jail" (Kung Fu Panda 2) by Zimmer, Powell

Download the episode here

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Stake Land (Soundtrack) by Jeff Grace - Review

I'm Gonna Get You, Bloodsucka!
Review by Richard Buxton

As Vampires continue their oft-derided assault on what was once an industry plagued by perpetual zombie infestation, it’s always gratifying when one of the countless attempts to cash-in on the resurgence of bloodsuckers actually turns out to be a worthwhile viewing experience. STAKE LAND is an example of these rarities. Helmed by promising director JIM MICKLE, STAKE LAND could be described as an undead take on the novel and 2009 film THE ROAD. Regardless of where writers MICKLE and DAMICI found their inspiration, STAKE LAND provides an often thrilling ride and an insight into the early years of a future big-name director.

Having worked under veteran composer HOWARD SHORE in the LORD OF THE RINGS films and several horror films, JEFF GRACE was chosen to tackle STAKE LAND and the its desolate landscape. STAKE LAND is one of those scores that, depending on how one hears it first, opinions will vary vastly. Heard within the confines of the film, GRACE’S score is an excellent supplement to Martin and Mister’s battle against the undead, crafting an overarching sense of despair that becomes multiplied when contrasted with the fleeting moments of hope. As a pure listening experience without previous viewing of the film, STAKE LAND suffers somewhat from never quite lifting off, despite often threatening to do so. The experience of hearing the music with the film is clearly pivotal here and will dictate how this score is received by most who grant themselves a listen.

READ THE FULL REVIEW