Masters of the Air (Blake Neely)

The score for “Masters of the Air”, an emotionally charged series, was composed by Blake Neely, known for his work on television superhero scores. Neely brings his expertise to this historical drama, crafting a soundtrack that is both heroic and reflective, perfectly complementing the series’ narrative.

“Masters of the Air”” is a gripping war drama miniseries that premiered on Apple TV+ in 2024. The series, set during World War II, follows the harrowing experiences of U.S. Army Air Force airmen as they undertake dangerous missions in their B-17 “Flying Fortress” bombers from England to German-occupied Europe. The show delves into themes of courage, loss, and triumph, portraying the intensity of war and the bonds forged in the crucible of conflict. “Masters of the Air” is from the producers of “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific”, most notably Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

Blake Neely is no stranger to this territory, having co-scored “The Pacific” and having worked with Michael Kamen in the past (though not necessarily on “Band of Brothers” that I’m aware of). Neely’s orchestral score for “Masters of the Air” is a blend of brass and strings, capturing the essence of heroism in the face of adversity. The brass and horns dominate the more heroic sections, providing a sense of gravitas and nobility, while the strings are reserved for the more introspective moments, allowing for reflection and emotional depth.

The soundtrack’s standout feature is its anthemic action cues, particularly those that showcase the horns. These pieces elevate the series’ most intense scenes, imbuing them with a sense of grandeur. The opening track, “Soar,” introduces the main theme, which recurs throughout the score, notably in “The Flag” and “Going Home”, accompanied by secondary themes that add to the musical narrative.

While the orchestrations vary to match the mood, they never become overly complex. Neely’s focus is on enhancing the visual experience without overwhelming it. The score weaves through various emotional landscapes with ease, enhancing the narrative without ever feeling disjointed.  The penultimate cue, “This is it” is a poignant piece that starts quietly with strings and brass and builds into an emotional crescendo, embodying the series’ spirit without becoming overbearing. Despite its slow tempo, it drives forward with a sense of inevitability. It carries a stirring and heartbreaking finality, whether signalling triumph or tragedy, and stands out as a poignant highlight of the soundtrack.

The contrast between the quieter, introspective tracks and the more urgent, action-packed ones is striking. The reflective moments are characterized by slower tempos and longer sustained notes, primarily carried by strings that create a contemplative atmosphere. In contrast, the action cues are energized by percussion, string ostinatos, and robust brass sections, providing an immediacy and intensity that heighten the series’ dramatic moments.

While some percussion elements may be sampled—a common practice in modern scoring—they occasionally distract rather than add to the uniqueness of the soundtrack. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise meticulously crafted score.

Although the score is consistent in style and somewhat predictable for its genre, it is the subtle deviations that add depth. The inclusion of sampled staccato vocals in the track “Horrors” is one such example. Mixed softly against the backdrop of sustained string chords, these vocals add a human element to the story, suggesting the presence and impact of individual lives amidst the larger narrative of war.

Initially, I found the soundtrack somewhat underwhelming, typical of the genre and clichéd. However, with repeated listening, the music’s poignancy and emotional depth have won me over, particularly towards the album’s end. “This is it” has become my favourite track, with its emotive and poignant composition that tugs at the heartstrings.

While Neely’s style doesn’t break new ground, it is refreshing to hear him compose something more mature and emotional compared to his usual fare. Despite its predictability, the soundtrack is a stirring work that stands well on its own and enhances the series’ emotional impact without overpowering it. For me it doesn’t reach the same incredible highs of Michael Kamen’s “Band of Brothers”, but it certainly makes for a beautiful score, still with some formidable highlights. I would recommend it, as it is a fitting accompaniment to the series’ portrayal of heroism and sacrifice.

Article by Pete Simons (c) 2024 Synchrotones