It’s finally here. The piece of work that, in the words of Thomas Bangalter, sounds like ‘what Daft Punk would have done in 1700’. Upgraded to the present day, it gives an idea of what we can expect from ‘Tron: Legacy’ when it hits UK screens next month – and it ought to be a cracker if this soundtrack is anything to go by. Early on we are treated to brooding strings circling overhead, with a frisson of atmosphere even in the short, one and a half minute sections that bind the score together. Here the duo are able to show off what they can do with a symphony orchestra, harnessing its power but also some much softer effects. What we all want, of course, is a dancefloor explosion of the Daft Punk variety, and that duly arrives with ‘Derezzed’, a mighty piece of work. Elsewhere comparisons with Bernard Herrmann and Vangelis are valid, and to say that the overall score is close to being on a par with the Wendy Carlos original is no mean praise. Of course the two make very different music, so can’t really be compared that closely, but Daft Punk do score heavily for their way with rhythm. Clearly their five years off have been used to maximum benefit – and Tron is a massive shot in the arm for electronic music, adding another dimension to its capabilities.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
