score

paul haslinger

rgb records

1998 CD

 

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reviews

“And a hip soundtrack is what Score adds up to...” — Interlog

“A host of guest musicians, samples from a plethora sources, and sound designers... contribute to this expansive, globe-trotting, almost-visual offering...” — AmbiEntrance

Interlog

This is a second beat-related CD from former Tangerine Dream and Lightwave member Paul Haslinger, who has a dark ambient release on the Side Effects label as Coma Virus. The title, Score, gives you the idea that he also works in TV and film music. And a hip soundtrack is what Score adds up to, as he mixes moods from synths, the Quartett Wien string section, Massive Attack-style beats and world music vocals. "New India" is a dramatic take on the Bollywood sound, while "Magheda" places East Africa's Kikuyu tribe over a big hip-hop groove. With the melodic trumpet of Bumi Fian and some trance-style programming in other tracks, Score also resembles the trip-hop productions of Ben Neill. What is remarkable about this eclectic and well-recorded disc is the name of Brian "Lustmord" Williams in the credits as co-producer. Brian seemingly stepped back from the abyss (and his Hollywood soundtrack gigs) long enough to supply some backing "sound design," along with fellow-industrialist Thomas Dimuzio. There is, however, nothing underground about this release that sounds like a meeting of Barry Adamson and Deep Forest. —Interlog

AmbiEntrance

... A host of guest musicians, samples from a plethora sources, and sound designers (including Brian "Lustmord" Williams and Ian Boddy) contribute to this expansive, globe-trotting, almost-visual offering (Haslinger has been collaborating on film scores with Graeme Ravell, you know). Check out the Haslinger website for more info. The shifting styles may be disorienting, but the production values are astounding. With a rating of 8.3, I'm keeping Score! —David J. Opdyke