Jonny Greenwood, the innovative multi-instrumentalist from Radiohead, delivers a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack for the 2018 film "You Were Never Really Here." Released on INVADA Records, this 14-track album spans 41 minutes of intense, character-driven compositions that defy conventional genre boundaries. Greenwood's score is a profound exploration of nuance, perfectly complementing the film's themes of violence, power, and love.
The album opens with "Tree Synthesisers," setting a tone of unease and tension that permeates throughout. Tracks like "Nausea" and "Dark Streets" showcase Greenwood's ability to create discomfort and dread using unconventional instrumentation and dissonant harmonies. Meanwhile, "Playground (Bass Clarinet)" and "Votto" offer moments of fragile beauty and introspection, demonstrating the composer's versatility and emotional depth.
Greenwood's use of bass clarinet, strings, and electronic textures creates a unique sonic landscape that is both unsettling and captivating. The album's standout track, "The Hunt," is a gripping, pulse-pounding piece that exemplifies Greenwood's ability to convey tension and urgency through music.
"Downstairs" and "Joe's Drive" provide a sense of resolution and closure, while "Tree Strings" brings the album to a haunting and introspective end. Throughout the album, Greenwood's compositions serve as a profound exercise in character and atmosphere, making "You Were Never Really Here" a compelling listen even without the visual context of the film. This soundtrack is a testament to Greenwood's genius and his ability to create evocative, genre-defying music.
This LP is pressed on Marbled vinyl.
