June 9, 2014

  • More Animated Superhero Excitement from Wiedmann

    After releasing Frederik Wiedmann’s engaging scores for Justice League and The Green Lantern, La-La Land Records brings us this latest score for the recent DC DOV animated adventure, Son of Batman.  The caped crusader discovers that he has a son who was raised by the League of Assassins in this latest chapter of DC Comics hero.  Wiedmann’s score uses a string orchestra, EWI-produced sounds, and a variety of solo winds performed by Peter Gordon.  The score revolves around the use of thematic material for Batman, his son Damian, and for Gotham City itself.

    The opening title track features some rhythms and darker sound more closely aligned with Elfman’s Batman musical universe.  One of the most striking elements in the score are the way action sequences are scored providing a great deal of exciting energy (taiko-like drumming styles and metallic hits) with a confident use of syncopation against thematic presentation (“Deathstroke’s Army”, “Man-Bats”).  Interesting ethnic flute sounds provide further interest as they float out of the texture (“Peace and War”).  The thematic ideas are often cast in darkness, but sometimes in tracks such as “Ashes to Ashes”, there are these moments where the music hints at hopefulness shifting through major and minor key areas.  While a somewhat more jazzier percussion style infiltrates the music in “Gotham Crimes” it’s not until the following “Souvenirs d’une Liaison” where a late-night jazz club sound appears with guitar and solo trumpet ideas providing quite a contrast to the surrounding material.  “Damian”’s theme is given its own chance to shine in a track that provides some of the dark and sadder qualities of this character in a very brief brush stroke.  Ambient sounds may appear very briefly (“Off to Scotland”) but are soon faded out in the texture.  Electric guitar ideas are also added for just a slight edge as well, often used as a percussive idea, though certain repeated riffs occur that might set off a parallel pattern in percussion.

    Wiedmann’s scores for these DC animated stories continues to be among the best in the business.  Son of Batman features some excellent thematic material, well-written action sequences with exciting syncopation, and just enough variety to make for a great listening experience.  The score is available for download minus two action-tinged tracks that appear on the album: “Ambushed” and“The Spoiled Son.”  Easily recommended for fans of Wiedmann’s earlier superhero outings!  As noted, La La Land is releasing this in a limited run of 1500 copies that will have 2 bonus tracks.  Otherwise one can acquire it via download.