Batman: Assault On Arkham by Robert J. Kral (CD review).
The latest Batman animation movie is ‘Assault On Arkham’, which looking through the twelve page booklet and stills, features the Dark Knight and the Suicide Squad against the Joker, Harley Quinn, the Riddler, Killer Frost, Poison Ivy and King Shark so it looks like he needs as much help as he can get. Enter composer Robert J. Kral whose opening track builds up to a crescendo and then into chaos in the second track before continuing in a dramatic way. The difference in musical tracks varying as to who he sees on the screen. There are a variety of styles conveyed through a variety of musical instruments. When you consider the cast list that is hardly surprising. Although I doubt they were put in there as themes to each character, I suspect those who see the film will see how it ties to mood and pace.
To say the music is exciting to listen to is putting it mildly. The change in tones depending on what is going on during the film has a continual feel of action and tension as the various characters fight to survive. Just when you think you’ve had enough, a different thread is introduced and propels you on again. From chaos to rhythm and back again. It is one roller-coaster of a ride which I’m going to listen to again real soon.
GF Willmetts
August 2013
(pub: LaLaLand Records LLLCD 1316. 57 minute CD 23 tracks with 12 page booklet. Price: $19.98 (US). Limited edition of 1500 units. Note: its cheaper to buy direct)
check out websites: www.lalalandrecords.com and http://lalalandrecords.com/Site/BatmanAOA.html