SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JOHN CARPENTER – LOST THEMES IV: NOIR

JOHN CARPENTER
LOST THEMES IV: NOIR
SACRED BONES

John Carpenter, the “Prince of Darkness”, is widely known as a movie-maker and composer for some of the best science fiction, action, and horror movies of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Carpenter has joined forces, once again, with son Cody Carpenter and godson Daniel Davies, on their fourth instalment of non-movie music Lost Themes IV: Noir.

Living up to his nickname, the eldest Carpenter spearheads this dark journey of theatric studio orchestra. Each song, ten in total, can quite easily be envisioned with a permanent home in a thrilling movie or tv series soundtrack.

Beginning with the ominous, thumping “My Name Is Death”, Lost Themes IV: Noir gets the show on the road with a playful authority, including a satisfying wailing guitar to complete the first track on a high, yet morbid note.

From there, the album is laced heavily with keyboard and synth, which is integral when discussing any John Carpenter involved release. Drums, guitar, and bass play a prominent, supporting role in the album. Other memorable standouts include the heavy “Last Rites”, “The Burning Door”, “Kiss the Blood Off My Fingers”, and the bookend “Shadows Have A Thousand Eyes”, with its intense, supernatural aura.

Whether playing as a road-trip soundtrack, while lounging and staring contemplatively at the ocean at sunset, or as dinner party mood music, Lost Themes IV: Noir continues the brooding Lost Themes tradition of cinematic lore.

Artist Links