Thenewno2

First of all, a quick confession: I haven’t seen the film, read the novel or familiar with the music Thenewno2. So I only have the soundtrack to go on. Based on this; I’m not sure I’ll see the film, probably bypass the book, but happy to give Thenewno2 another go.

Apparently Thenewno2 is a Los Angeles based band/collective led by singer/guitarist Dhani Harrison, who along with a core of other musicians, record and release albums under that name. Over the years Harrison has expanded their sphere of activity and it is now an ‘art’ collective, creating videos and artwork. From the notes it looks as if the various members spend a lot of time away from the band, doing their own thing. But they have come together to record Beautiful Creatures, their debut soundtrack.

The film is a supernatural love story set in the South Carolina, USA and is about two lovers: a young man longing to escape his small town, and a mysterious new girl. Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and town: Pretty gothic stuff.

There’s an overriding element of despair and gloom about the music, and much of it is what you would expect from a soundtrack for a supernatural film. This means there are plenty of melancholic strings, piano and disconcerting rhythms. Having said that, the South is ever present albeit quite subtly done - from opening track Interception, through The Burning Sign to the closing songs of Run to Me and Never Too Late.

The band sound comfortable working within the restrictions of their remit but occasionally there are tracks which sound a little out of place; maybe allowing glimpses of their true selves? Take the heavy, lurching Make It Home, or the short blueskies of Searching for the Curse. The intense mini epic Spell that left a Curse, is the album highlight.

It’s a long album at 67 minutes and 28 tracks – though only three are over four minutes. By and large it sounds as if the music reflects the themes and atmosphere of the film. Coming at it raw, ignorant of the context, and taking the album on its own merit, it stands up very well.