At last the soundtrack for Gunpowder Milkshake is available on digital platforms from Milan records, composer Frank Ilfman has fashioned a highly atmospheric and driving score for this latest release from Netflix, the composer has created a soundtrack that is filled with gentle nods to the likes of Ennio Morricone and Bernard Herrmann, but he manages to put his own musical stamp upon it at the same time, producing a contemporary sound and style that is perfect for the movies storyline. The score also contains a sultry and somewhat steamy sound which one normally associates with European movies most commonly French films from the 1960’s.
This is an abundantly thematic work, the composer bringing to the fore a driving and apprehensive musical persona and lacing this with haunting nuances and romantically lush themes. He utilizes a harpsichord effect to the maximum, and incorporates Theremin into the fabric of the score which is genius. It was on hearing the guitar, whistling, choral support and harpsichord that I was reminded of the likes of the 1960’s compositions by Ennio Morricone and Bruno Nicolai. With the Theremin evoking those sci movies of the fifties, the music is dramatic, romantic and quirky, what more could you ask for.
The score is effective and affecting, and at times has to it a delicate and melancholy style which can be more powerful than the action pieces. This is a soundtrack that you will (1) love and (2) return to again and again, there is so much here to discover and re-discover when you do return to it. It’s a work that has so much within it one has to listen again and again to take in the sheer quality of the music. I am not going to analyze it or tell you that this track stands out, and one sounds better than the other, because I am just going to say go and listen to it and tell me I am wrong. Recommended.
MOVIE MUSIC INTERNATIONAL. (MMI) . 