THOR - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2011)

We really didn’t see this one coming: Patrick Doyle scoring a Marvel superhero blockbuster? Sure, the Scottish musician and film score composer may be the man behind the music for fantasy movies like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) and Eragon (2006), but taking on the god who is exiled from his homeland of Asgard to Earth? 

To put Thor’s hammer into context, that’s one piece of earth shattering news. But fret not, this is one highly recommended soundtrack album that truly deserves a place on any self respecting score collector’s shelf.

Things came into place when we realised this is the ninth time Doyle is working with director Kenneth Branagh, previously on films like Hamlet (1996), Love Labour’s Lost (2000) and As You Like It (2006). This is probably the Academy and Golden Globe nominated composer’s first foray in such a big budget Hollywood blockbuster, and we are glad to declare this a fantasy score that doesn’t fall into the cheap trap of pompous and ostentatious composing.

From the get go, Doyle’s boldness is evident in “Chasing the Storm”, a gallantly arranged cue which sets the mood for the album. Running at a generous 72 minutes, the tracks that follow, whether it’s the majestic “Sons of Odin”, the magnificent “A New King” or the glorious “Ride to Observatory”, the valiance depicted by Doyle’s music is evident.

When it gets to tracks like “Laufey” and “Crisis In Asgard”, things get a little dark and sinister, hinting a change in atmosphere. Doyle handles this with delicacy and manages his music arrangements well. Other tracks which display his versatility are the solemn “Odin Confesses”, the wondrous “Hammer Found” and the ominous “Urgent Matter”.

The standout track on this soundtrack is no doubt “The Compound”. Doyle infuses a contemporary touch (listen out for the percussive and electronica elements) to the seven odd minute cue and still manages paints a picture of splendour and grandeur which complements the movie’s themes.

Elsewhere, emotions are let loose in tracks like “Forgive Me” and “Letting Go”, while cues like “Thor Kills the Destroyer” and “Brothers Fight” are action packed with exhilaration.

While it takes repeated listens to fully appreciate the rich orchestrations of Doyle’s compositions (even the main themes require some time to ring in your head), we are assuring you that it is worth your time. When the album ends with the stoic “Earth to Asgard”, you’d be pleased that you had gone on this musically satisfying journey.

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (14) The Compound

Review by John Li

Posted on 22 May 2011