Kaada — Music for Moviebikers

John Eric Kaada makes beautiful modern instrumental work, that leans towards the soundtrack side of things. Here he uses a 22 strong orchestra, among other instrumentation and voices , creating an album full of charming ear catching melodies, and lush sound valleys to get lost in.

Kaada is from Norway, were he has composed soundtracks for many independent films. This is his second full length album on Mike Patton's Ipecac label. He also did a collaboration with Patton himself in 2004 called Romances, which is certainly well worth tracking down after the evidence of what's here. His style is light and airy, instruments are used to paint each piece well, without overcrowding them. Though out there are nice touches of gamelan-like percussion and other rhythmic elements. He also uses layered voices - both male and female - to enchanting effect. A lot of the melodies have a Morriocone quality to them, somehow stuck in a 70's timewarp, but with modern production edge. That's not to say Kaada doesn't have his own musically voice, he certainly does, he's just giving a musically nod, towards the old masters.

Thankfully it never drops into ghastly Hollywood soundtrack string work. An ear is always kept on the musical theme of each piece, with little experimental twists along the way. Lonesome prairie, cowboyguitar is used on some tracks, conjuring up vast plains and nameless strangers riding into one-horse-towns. Or elegant piano waltz, which bring to mind vast polished ballrooms, nervous lovers making their way out on to the floor, to slowly swoon together.

A varied and enjoyable album, offering up thirteen tracks of exquisite moody sound craft to get lost in and conjure up your own movie scapes to disappear off into the sunset with,or serenading mysteries females to, or to flight the bad guys to. Another great album from one of the few lables, you can rely on for constant high quality releasers.