When is a soundtrack not a soundtrack? This is the age old question asked by many who enjoy film music. I was a resounding ‘no’ when it came to Hans Zimmer’s score to Dunkirk whilst others fiercely supported it. Regarding the structure of soundscapes we have all had to go on a learning curve. I ask the question as I absolutely love the soundtrack to Gloria Bell by Matthew Herbert but I can’t quite put my finger on why. It’s a sum of its parts, the whole
creating an ethereal feeling of happiness. I could say it’s music to a really enjoyable dream! Gloria Bell is played by Juliane Moore who is in her 50’s, divorced and working. She has 2 grown up children and works in an insurance office but at night she loves to dance and it’s while dancing that she meets Arnold who is recently divorced. Not exactly a plot which drags you in.
The score is my British electronic music composer and DJ Matthew Herbert who also did the score for Disobedience which was released earlier this year and which I also really liked. There is no discernible theme but the opening track called Gloria Bell sets the tone with with an electronic flurry which is somehow childlike and very likeable whilst high note strings flutter in the background. Short but captivating. Strings return in Bell Theme a beautiful but all too short cue. Reunion has a distance about it musically whilst The Joint pushes the theme used in in the opening track, this time on saxophone with a cool electronic beat underneath.
The Whale has all the dream like allure as previous tracks but three quarters of the way in a night club bass is added, a strange juxtaposition but it so works, again short and leaving you wanting more. Get Ready brings us full circle with a richer version of the opening track and it all comes to a close with Waterfall where the main refrain is gently played on piano.
Its’s quirky and it’s a delight and at only 24 minutes and 13 seconds long it’s worth ekeing it out, I can guarantee it will relax you.
Milan Music Label
Tracklisting
| 1 | Gloria Bell | 1:20 |
| 2 | Zombies | 1:11 |
| 3 | Bell Theme | 1:17 |
| 4 | Reunion | 1:27 |
| 5 | Behind The Door | 0:46 |
| 6 | Gone | 1:16 |
| 7 | The Gnome | 0:18 |
| 8 | The Joint | 1:22 |
| 9 | Airport | 1:12 |
| 10 | Afloat | 2:45 |
| 11 | Up The Stairs | 1:36 |
| 12 | The Whale | 1:43 |
| 13 | By The Pool | 2:43 |
| 14 | Home | 2:29 |
| 15 | Get Ready | 1:11 |
| 16 | Waterfall | 1: |
Filmic Tracks 