Soundcast (Ep. 87) - The Soundcast Six

Episode 87 - The Soundcast Six

Erik Woods, Kristen Romanelli (Film Score Monthly Online) and Christopher Coleman tackle six hot-topics from the world of soundtracks.  In this soundcast-experiment, they talk about: the inclusion of Led Zeppelin in the recent "Thor: Ragnarok" trailer, Michael Giacchino's drum-teasy-video from the "Spider-Man Homecoming" recording session, Spin Magazines 2015 article listing their Top 30 Soundtracks from 1995, the recently "leaked" track "Alien: Covenant Theme" on Soundcloud, the replacement of composer Pinar Toprak on the upcoming film, "Geostorm" and the disappearing original score release for "Ghost in the Shell."  This is a pilot episode, so your feedback is the key to seeing more episodes like this!  Please, let us know what you think!


Episode Highlights

00:16 - Intro and introducing The Soundcast Six
03:17 - #1 - Thor Zeppelin-rok
12:59 - #2 - Spider-Drums
19:16 - #3 - The "Best" of 1995?
30:09 - #4 - Alien: Covenant theme?
38:39 - #5 - Pinar Noir
58:04 - #6 - Ghost in the Jewel Case


Music Selections

00:00 - "Immigrant Song" - (All Zeppelin) by The Hampton String Quartet
09:59 - "Whip It" - (Whip It Remastered Album) by Devo

12:44 - "Improv" (Spider-Man Homecoming Recording Sessions) by Alex Acuna, Walter Rodriguez
29:44 - "Alien: Covenant Theme" by The Martian
37:18 - "Echoes of Battle" by Pinar Toprak
65:31 - "Immigrant Song" by Dread Zeppelin


Notes:

Michael Giacchino Spider-Man Homecoming Tweet
Alien: Covenant Theme by The Martian (Soundcloud)
"Echoes of Battle" by Pinar Toprak (Youtube)


Follow Kristen Romanelli on Twitter.
Film Score Monthly Online

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Cinematic Sound Radio 

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The official podcast of Tracksounds.com, The SoundCast is hosted by Christopher Coleman and features reviews and discussions centered around film, TV, and video game soundtracks. Special edition episodes include interviews with composers and other industry professionals.

The Soundcast Stereo is co-hosted by Christopher Coleman and Erik Woods (Cinematic Sound Radio).  Each episode is a 30 minute (ish), two channel conversation about the world of film, television, and video game music.

Skylanders: Swap Force (Game Soundtrack) by Lorne Balfe

The Limit's The Skies
Review by Richard Buxton

The ACTIVISION money train rolls ever onwards with the release of SKYLANDERS: SWAP FORCE - the third in the phenomenally successful SPYRO THE DRAGON reboot series -and with it comes LORNE BALFE’S third score release of the series. For those who find themselves outside the video-gaming loop, or those without children who happen to be clinically addicted to the Pokemon inspired collecting-based franchise, SKYLANDERS is a combination of video game visuals and physical toys that are connected through the use of near field communication, which sees those toys you purchase transported on to the screen and controlled by the players. Ultimately, SKYLANDERS is yet another gimmick with the sole aim of emptying the wallets of parents the world over, and to publisher Activision and the various development studios’ credit it’s one that is working tremendously well.

Having scored both SPYRO’S ADVENTURE and GIANTS, LORNE BALFE has returned for the third installment, SWAP FORCE. Like the music for the previous two releases, SWAP FORCE is endlessly playful but it is a score that is heavily restricted by the nature of the SKYLANDERS games. Like countless platformers before it, SWAP FORCE takes the player through various themed levels, and with each level comes differing musical thematic ideas. The style of gameplay within the platforming genre demands an open ended-musical structure, allowing the compositions to move along with the gameplay fittingly, despite a lack of rigid scripting within each level. This means that BALFE’S score rarely drops out, instead maintaining a consistent level of exuberance. Whilst suitable for the game itself, the score quickly becomes monotonous despite a noticeable restructuring on disc.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

Unwrapping - Beyond: Two Souls (Limited Steelcase Edition) with soundtrack by Lorne Balfe

One of the most anticipated games of 2013 has most certainly been BEYOND: TWO SOULS.  Following the award-winning-footsteps of HEAVY RAIN, directed by David Cage, this PlayStation® 3 release promises to be another powerfully emotional, action-thriller.  Produced by HANS ZIMMER and scored by LORNE BALFE, BEYOND: TWO SOULS is easily one of the best video games scores of the year ... as you'll hear in the included clips.

GameStop is offering a special, limited, steel-case edition, which includes Balfe's original score.  Join with Christopher Coleman as he unwrapps the game to see what steel-encased-mysteries lie within.  Is there soundtrack disc?  A coupon code? 

The music is from Sony Playstation Network release and no copyright infringement is intended but offered for informational purposes only.

Tracks used:

Track 16 - "The Infraworld"

Track 01 - "Jodie's Suite"

Track 06 - "My Imaginary Friend"

Track 03 - "Beyond"

Track 02 - "Dawkin's Suite"

BEYOND: TWO SOULS, LIMITED EDTION GAME (PS3)

Original Release Date: October 2013

Number of Discs: 1

Number of Tracks: 16

Label: Sony Playstation Network

PURCHASE OPTIONS

Available here: http://www.gamestop.com/ps3/games/beyond-two-souls-special-edition/102532

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This video was recorded, narrated, and edited by Christopher Coleman (http://twitter.com/ccoleman)

Beyond: Two Souls Video Game Soundtrack by Lorne Balfe Coming October 8

Composer Lorne Balfe is certainly keeping busy in 2013.  With releases spanning TV (The Bible Miniseries), documentaries (Girl Rising, Salinger) and film (The Frozen Ground) already this year, Balfe will the release of his original score to the hotly anticipated, upcoming, Playstation 3 title, BEYOND: TWO SOULS.

The soundtrack for this stunning-looking, albeit soon-to-be-last-gen, game will be released by Playstation on October 8, 2013.

When asked about composing for this unique game,

“Games are just the same as films.  You start off with stills or the actual artwork that’s drawn inspiration to them,” said Balfe.  “People ask is it a film or is it a game.  There is no difference, not to me. You could sit there and watch it as a film. The way to musically tell the story is the same process.”

If you haven't heard of BEYOND: TWO SOULS yet ... where have you been?  It comes from the visionary director of the amazing HEAVY RAIN, David Cage, and is a singularly unique psychological action thriller delivered by A-list Hollywood performances by Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe, The game takes you on a thrilling journey across the globe as you play out the remarkable life of Jodie Holmes.

Watch this space for more coverage of the BEYOND: TWO SOULS soundtrack!

YOU CAN PRE-ORDER BEYOND: TWO SOULS AT AMAZON.

Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe talk about Making Beyond: Two Souls

Hans Zimmer.  Lorne Balfe.  Two Souls.

One of the most intriguing game titles of 2013 is David Cage's (Heavy Rain) BEYOND: TWO SOULS and it was recently made known that composers LORNE BALFE and HANS ZIMMER were going to be involved with it's original score.  As it turns out, Lorne Balfe will be the hand-on composer, while Hans Zimmer produces. 

The two have already made a significant mark in the video game world with work on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Assassins Creed III, but Beyond: Two Souls may be their most cinematic, game-score yet.

Sony has just released a nice, sit-down, interview with the duo.  They give us some insights into their approach for scoring this game and also share their thoughts about the unique opportunities afforded and challenges presented in the realm of video game music

We are apparently treated to a preview of the score to come when the game releases in October 2013.  Certainly sounds as though we are in for an Inception-like-experience and some dramatic, mysterious, string work.

So are you looking forward to this game?  Do you think these "two" will go "beyond" with the musical score?

Skylanders: Giants (Game Soundtrack) by Lorne Balfe - Review

Flamboyant Fun

Review by Thomas Midena

Before listening to this soundtrack I had never heard of the SKYLANDERS franchise, so I approached this score as a newcomer. It turns out that I wasn’t prepared for the fun I was about to have with LORNE BALFE’s delightful and enthralling score for SKYLANDERS: GIANTS.

SKYLANDERS: GIANTS is the follow-up to last year’s Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure. The video game sees players delve into a fantasy world of battle and adventure. SKYLANDERS: GIANTS is LORNE BALFE’s return to the Skylanders franchise, and he has pounced on the opportunity to develop and expand the vibrant music of this colourful world.

SKYLANDERS: GIANTS is cheeky, mischievous, upbeat and energetic. With so much soundtrack music of late aiming to be dark, grim and sparse, I found it refreshing to hear something so enthusiastic and carefree. BALFE has crafted a surprisingly enjoyable listening experience in its own right, even for those ignorant of the context of the game like myself.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

SoundCast Interview: Lorne Balfe (Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Skylander)

Interview: Lorne Balfe (Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Skylander)

Marius Masalar talks with composer Lorne Balfe about two of his latest projects:  Assassin's Creed: Revelations and Skylander: Spyros.  Balfe as reveals how he got into video game music, the challenges of writing music for popular sequels and what he considers his dream project.

CORRECTION: Lorne Balfe composed the exhibition trailer for Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, which was the third game of the series, not the second as he inadvertently stated.

Episode Highlights

02:06 — How did you transition from film to video games?
06:27 — How did you come to work on SKYLANDERS
13:13 — Did you feel that you had to be dutiful to the original Spyro?
15:25 — WHYBLT? - Hugo, Twilight for Chamber Orchestra
17:22 — Assassins Creed: Revelations - How did you work with composer Jesper Kyd?
24:14 — What were some of the musical highlights for you from AC: Revelation
27:00 — What sort of reactions have you gotten to your music for AC: Revelation
28:51 — The next Assassins Creed, Sherlock Holmes, Anthems, and Bat Man
33:01 — What is your ideal project?
36:02 — The Ron Howard/ Canon Project
40:10 — Taste, subjectivity, and style

Select Music

00:00 — "Rhodes" (Assassin's Creed: Revelations) by Lorne Balfe
06:26 — "Shattered Island" (Skylander: Spyros Adventure) by Lorne Balfe
10:28 — "Sky Schooner Docks" (Skylander: Spyros Adventure) by Lorne Balfe
11:55 — "Skylanders Main Theme" (Skylander: Spyros Adventure) by Hans Zimmer
17:15 — "Master and Mentor" (Assassin's Creed: Revelations) by Lorne Balfe
24:45 — "Assassins Creed Theme" (Assassin's Creed: Revelations) by Lorne Balfe
43:35 — "The Road to Masysaf" (Assassin's Creed: Revelations) by Lorne Balfe

Download the episode here

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The Voice of Assassin's Creed - Recording at Hans Zimmers Studio

If you listened to our latest SoundCast episode, you heard Richard mention that Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe are crafting, at the least, the main theme for the upcoming ASSASSIN'S CREED: REVELATIONS video game. After a tiny bit of research (ok...a quick Google search), I not only found the original contest video with Hans and Lorne, but the official video profile on the winner, Madeline Bell (which you see above.).

She has a nice voice, although not so ground-breakingly different from many of the established vocalists utilized in the world of video-game music. On the other hand, it's nice to see some undiscovered-talent get to participate on a A-list game and perhaps see their career get a lift.

So what do you think of what you've heard or this sort of contest?

Ironclad (Soundtrack) by Lorne Balfe - Reviewed

The Magna Balfa
Review by Richard Buxton

Finally let loose from the restraints of the “additional music” credit, HANS ZIMMER protégé LORNE BALFE has been unleashed on IRONCLAD, a film reminiscent of many a classic REMOTE CONTROL PRODUCTIONS (RCP) film score.

Set in a 13th Century England, IRONCLAD follows the struggle of a Templar Knight and his group of warriors in their attempt to preserve what liberty and freedom remained during the reign of King John. Such a setting comes with many a preconception in regards to music, and IRONCLAD certainly lives up to the anticipated brooding atmosphere and visceral action music.

It is easy to forget that it was only in 2009 that LORNE BALFE was truly announced to the world of scoring for visual entertainment. CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2 was the first real glimpse of BALFE’S talents having previously played the part of the additional music provider. Clearly such a role within RCP scores has prepared him well as his most recent projects, including IRONCLAD show that he has matured into a composer fully capable of standing alone while remaining one of great potential. That said, IRONCLAD is not a score with excess amounts of innovation, but rather one that generally relies on the convention of genre with BALFE adding his own spin on proceedings.

After an initial run-through, IRONCLAD can be described as an amalgamation of ZIMMER’S GLADIATOR, KING ARTHUR, HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS’ KINGDOM OF HEAVEN somewhat surprisingly, ZIMMER and BALFE’S MODERN WARFARE 2. Such similarities are immediately apparent in “The Magna Carta” (1), as the typical but equally effective crashing percussion and brooding bass strings and choir set a dark and oppressive atmosphere. The omnipresent plucking and string ostinato maintain a constant driving undercurrent as the strained vocal lead harks back to many a historical epic. Despite any moments of reminiscing, the piece does a fine job of crafting a suitably gloomy horizon for the rest of the score to reach for.

Read the full review here

Megamind (Soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe - Review

Two-Man Group
Review by Richard Buxton

In creating Remote Control Productions (formerly known as Media Ventures), HANS ZIMMER intended to give relatively unknown, but clearly talented composers, a shot at their dreams of composing for Hollywood blockbusters. Looking back on his legacy in film music, not even his greatest detractors could deny that he has succeeded. Having mentored successful composers such as Harry Gregson-Williams, John Powell and now LORNE BALFE he has given composers who may otherwise have gone unnoticed, a fighting chance

Zimmer previously collaborated with Balfe for the juggernaut that is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and with MEGAMIND returns to a film genre not unfamiliar to him in the slightest. On hearing that Zimmer is at the helm for another animation, one is reminded of his previous efforts in the likes of MADAGASCAR, THE SIMPSONS MOVIE and THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, the latter being one of the highlights of Zimmer’s career. As is always the case with Zimmer collaborations, identifying just who has composed each track can prove a difficult task, but it can be said with confidence that the ever-maturing Balfe will have had a significant role to play in the score for MEGAMIND.

What separates MEGAMIND from the usual superhero tale is the protagonist and the situation he finds himself in. The title character and simultaneously the villain, MEGAMIND (Will Ferrell) finds himself in the unusual position of having killed his archenemy Metro Man. Such a fresh look at the tale of superhero vs. villain does just enough to suggest MEGAMIND can offer something fresh while still entertaining audiences.

Read the full review