Test (Ceiri Torjussen)

Synchrotones’ Microtones Review… all of the opinion, less of the words.

TEST

Ceiri Torjussen, 2014, MovieScore Media
16 tracks, 36.12

What is it? A gay/HIV-themed dance film from director Chris Mason Johnson. The story is set in San Francisco, 1985. Frankie (Scott Marlowe) faces the challenges of being an understudy at a modern dance company while he also embarks on a blossoming relationship with Todd (Matthew Risch).

What does it sound like? A deliberate homage to 80s electronica artists such as Brian Eno, Gorgio Morodor and Tangerine Dream. Welsh composer Torjussen used original instruments such as Moogs, a DX7 and a Linndrum. The result is an authentic sounding album. With the exception of “Big Smile” and its poppy drums, the album is largely of a new age-y nature. Some cues are so quiet they might pass you by unnoticed. Others a little more noticeable, such as the sparkling “Enoesque”, the ambiguous “After BJ” and “Goodbye Dawn”. A cue like “XXX Dance” allows for more traditional cinematic drama with a solo cello off-set against pulsing arpeggios.

Is it any good? There is a simple beauty and a strong sense of melancholy about the music. Sound and style are consistent throughout. On the whole it is a little too low-key to make a lasting impression; but it is expertly put together and the livelier cues should appeal to fans of vintage synths.

Rating [2,5/5]

Review by Pete Simons, (c) Synchrotones