THE ROOM and THE SPY.

 

I love the cello, it is an instrument that has so much heart and conveys an array of emotions, It can be sombre and dark, romantic and light and can and often does bring a tear to the eye of many when used in certain situations and scenarios in film. The score for THE ROOM by Raf Kuenen is a good example of the effectiveness of the instrument and the way that it can create and fashion a great many moods and conjure up atmospheres that linger and affect. THE ROOM is a sci-fi thriller and the majority of the score is synthetic and for the most part atonal, the composer realising dark and sinister soundscapes, but within these at times ominous sounding passages we are treated to little ripples of respite in the form of heart rending and sorrowful cello, fragmented and delicate piano, charming otherworldly shimmers and melancholy which is purveyed beneath a veil of sinister sounding effects via piano and cello. At times I was reminded of the work of composer Christopher Young in the HELLRAISER movies, where there is an undeniably fearsome persona present, but still in the background or underneath the malevolent atmospheres there is the sound of hope and respite in the form of a lilting melody that although is overpowered by the dark forces is still managing to be heard. THE ROOM is a masterful work that oozes fearful sounds that are musical and otherwise, it is at times a difficult listen, with its harsh and jagged crashes and slices, but the melodic content shines through to give us an interesting and enriching work. The other score released tat this time by Raf Kuenen, is THE SPY which like THE ROOM is released digitally on Movie Score Media. I do like it when a composer has two scores released so close together and especially when they are from two different types of movies, Why? well it displays the versatility of the composer and also their flexibility and ability to create varying moods and sounds. THE SPY is totally removed from THE ROOM both in the genre sense and musically, the composer on this occasion provided us with a more thematic score, and also one that is I would say more symphonic in its overall musical make up. This time the composer utilising a more symphonic approach, with the use of strings, solo violin and piano, yes, there are passages of music that are realised via electronic means, but the two mediums as in symphonic and synthetic are fused together seamlessly and compliment and support each other throughout, So two scores from different genres which both work effectively and are worth checking out.

JEUX D’INFLUENCE.

More quality film music from the ever industrious Movie Score Media, this time from a television series entitled, JEUX D’INFLUENCE music courtesy of composer Raf Keunen, I have only heard one other example of this composers work which was back in 2018 when I came across his score for RACER AND THE JAILBIRD which I have to say I enjoyed immensely. The music for this series is a little different from RACER AND THE JAILBIRD as in it is slightly more complex and certainly more melodic both in a thematic and a kind of downbeat and sombre fashion. The music is attractive and at times hauntingly beautiful but in a dark and even sinister way. But, to be fair the music matches perfectly the series scenario and It’s many twists and sub plots. The series has a somewhat complicated plot, but it is one that is not only intriguing but also can make viewers stop and think about what is going on and could it happen? Raf Keunen has composed a score that is compelling and at times mesmerising, it is as I say somewhat more developed than his other works as in more polished and well-orchestrated,, but that can only surely be a good thing, it is minimalistic throughout, with there being no grand or operatic orchestral gestures present, but the sparseness and also the intimate sound that is fabricated via piano, cello, violin, strings and percussion is impressive and I think it is the minimal approach and intimate style that is the appeal of the work.

 

To attempt to make comparisons between the overall sound of Keunen and other composers I would say is near on impossible as he has his own unique musical fingerprint and creates his own original musical voice and styles, his use of strings within the score is stunning and innovative, whether it be an up beat driving cue or a fragile and delicate tone poem purveyed by solo violin or cello or indeed the use of plucked strings to create different levels or urgency and even apprehension. The work is filled with a dark but at the same time melancholy air, that has a habit of infiltrating ones mind and completely enveloping the listener.  I am a fan of minimal use of music in TV and film and in this case, it is done well and effectively, the entire score is a superb listening experience and is one to check out as I think it will become a firm favourite amongst collectors.