The Power (2021)
Released by Invada Records, 2021
21 Tracks with a Total Running Time of 43 min.
Music Composed, Arranged and Performed by Gazelle Twin & Max de Wardener

The film is about a nurse having to work the night shift during the planned blackouts in the U.K. She’s young, new, and realizes quickly there is something strange going on at the hospital. And this music fits perfectly. There isn’t a typical orchestrated score, but with some melodies, but mainly strange sounds that are sometimes incorporated into a theme. But mainly it is filled with sounds. Sometimes a rumbling, sometimes some whispers, or voices that are distorted and louder. But all used to build an atmosphere for the ears.

The first track, First Day, starts with a short but interesting melody that we’ll hear again in the score. While somewhat pleasant, it does seem to have a darker feel hidden in there. That kind of feeling continues throughout the rest of the score. Like there is something hiding in the background. In the second track, Prayer in the Dark, it sounds like they use a child’s voice, but distorted slighting, almost sounding like it’s coming from a distance. In track 5, Basement, at first we can hear some voices whispering before going quiet, then a strange, almost buzzing or whining noise starts, getting louder and more unnerving. Very effective.

This isn’t a score to listen to for melodies or themes, or to put you at ease or in a mellow mood. This is one that will make you question if you locked the door, or was that something moving just out of focus? While used in the film, it is so much more effective in creating that strange and creepy mood while we’re watching.