| As If To Nothing |
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Composed by Craig Armstrong [Official Site] |
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Conducted by Cecilia Weston Orchestral Arrangements by Craig Armstrong Produced by Craig Armstrong Release Date: 2002 |
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While this is primarily a film score review site, I occasionally feel the need to put in my two cents about a non-film work from selected composers. This primarily concerns notable film composers, though there have been a few slight exceptions. I have always been interested to hear what a composer comes up with when he is not constrained by a director and is not adhering to moving the action along a set rhythm. As If To Nothing is the second solo album from composer Craig Armstrong (The Bone Collector, Moulin Rouge). While most non-film work I have reviewed before has consisted of concert works, this is the first album I have encountered that included songs in addition to the straight musical pieces. This makes for an interesting album, but it’s not for everyone. Armstrong is one of the few composers who can make synth work well, especially considering how heavy his use of it actually is. While there is an orchestra (and even a chorus) in here, it is usually performed behind the electronics in a way that resembles New Age music. Those who have had previous experience with such scores as Plunkett and Macleane and The Bone Collector will not be surprised by this, though newcomers may be a taken aback somewhat. For that style, the music here is quite good and Armstrong thankfully constructs the CD so that it has a strong cohesion between the tracks, even including the sung moments which are sprinkled throughout the CD. As far as those songs go, they are pleasant enough, but I didn’t come across any that I particularly found to be of interest, although there are some good artists providing their talents for the album (Bono makes an appearance near the end of the CD). If you are a fan of any of these artists however, you’ll probably be quite impressed with the collaboration. As If To Nothing is a pleasant album for those times when typically structured film scores are just not desired. It moves along at a nice pace and takes its time to weave through the music instead of being restrained to the images on a screen. If you’re not a fan of electronically-drive New Agey type music you might want to skip this one, but for those of you who have enjoyed Armstrong’s past works would be wise to check it out. ***1/2 |
| Track Listing - Total Running Time: 69:03 | |
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