Stephen Thrower — Soundtracks 1970-2014
I’d very much hope if you’re a reader of M[m], you’ll be aware of the name Stephen Thrower- either via his sonic work with the likes of Coil, Cyclobe, & UnicaZürn. Or due to his written work/ extras regard horror/ cult film- where he’s regarded one of the leading/ go to experts. Soundtracks 1970-2014 is a seventeen-track compilation- which highlight his skill in creating both highly atmospherically effective and rewardingly genre varied soundtrack fare.
The release appears ion the form of a CD on Austria’s Klanggalerie. The disc comes presented in a red, white, and black coloured mini gatefold- this features six panels, taking in a write up about the collection from Thrower, a few stills from the films featured, and track listing.
In all the compilation brings together tracks from six films Thrower worked on- Hells Ground (Zibahkhana)- a 2007 Pakistani zombie slasher. Uk dark crime comedy Down Terrance ( 2009). Three cinematic shots of atmospheric 70’s gay porn by brit porn pioneer Peter De Rome - Fire Island Kids, Encounter, Brown Study, and a 2014 documentary about the director Peter De Rome: Grandfather of Gay Porn.
In his linear notes Thrower talks about he adapted/ extended some of the pieces, and I must say it’sboth sonically and atmosphere varied compilation, that flows in a both eventful & engaging manner.
We open with “Pollution” which is all broodingly searing & swooning synth tones- sounding like a more warped ‘n’ wavering take on John Capentor ‘s 1980’s scoring. “Fire Island Kids prt1” mixes lulling & locked piano bound, loose smoky horns, and a sluggish electro jazz beat. With it’s bounding & wavering retro keyboard tones “Before The Affliction” is rather Boards Of Canda like, with maybe a touch of Eno mixed in.
In the album second half we move from the plaintive/moody piano key rolls, woozy beat patterns, and warped woodwind tones of “Chasms Of The Night”. Though to uneasy swim ‘n’ bay of “Brown Study” which is built around whistling, warbling, and brooding purr electronics. Onto “Encounter” with it’s mix of swirling/ morphed muzak harmonics, tribally clip-clopping percussion and building sense of electro fed dread.
Put plain & simply I was well and truly bowled over by Soundtracks 1970-2014. As it’s so well sequenced and wholly rewarding in it’s unfold. Since it’s early summer release, it’s rarely left my personal playlist. Easily one of 2026 highlights, and let’s hope Mr Thrower has enough material for a second volume!.