The Ritual
Released by Lakeshore Records, 2018
18 Tracks with a Total Running Time of 40 min.
Music Composed by Ben Lovett

When you come down to the basics, there are two kinds of original score soundtracks. One with a collection of musical pieces, orchestrated in a way to create feelings. And then the ones that don’t have melody, or even music really, but just sounds. Not as simple as that, but sounds that also create feelings, usually ones that work their way under your skin, building tension and even terror. That is exactly what Lovett has done with this score.

Lovett gives some of the tracks a very tribal sound, such as # 13 – To Hell With This, which fits perfectly with the film since most of it takes place in the deep woods. There is plenty of string, which I’ve always found gives a great sound to build some eerie atmosphere. Some tracks, like # 3 – Mates, is a somber piece, very quiet and almost relaxing. Then we get to something like the next track, Stalker, where we get a great little piece that builds up the creepiness factor. The last few tracks build up the tension and  tempo that pushes the listener over the top, before ending on a very peaceful and quiet last track.

I wasn’t that familiar with Lovett’s work but after really enjoying this score, I will be on the lookout for it now