JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON / Sicario: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [2015]

Icelandic composer  Jóhann Jóhannsson earned himself a great deal of respect amongst the film score community with his beautifully realized lush music in The Theory of Everything.
Naturally being the type of artist that he is, Jóhannsson took a complete opposite turn with the nerve-wrenching soundscapes in Denis Villeneuve's heart-pounding Mexican cartel thriller Sicario.  It's a anxiety throbbing percussive score filled with low-end ominous strings and a vast horn section that perfectly encapsulates the gritty subject matter on screen.  There's a beautiful mournful string theme buried within the brutality of the score but it offers no reassurance of safety or hope.  It's not often music makes my stomach-turn with nervousness like this but Sicario does so with such force it's clearly not a listen that sets out to be enjoyed.  Heavily armed with technical and creative brilliance, it certainly is a challenge to listen to but definitely rewarding should you take on the overly intense task.

4 heartbeats beneath the ground out of 5

Songs of Note: The Beast; Alejandro's Song

JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON / The Miners' Hymns: United To Obtain The Just Reward Of Our Labour [2011]

Atmospheric Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson tackles the wonderful world of film score composing for Bill Morrison's documentary The Miner's Hymms.
Relying heavily on a brass ensemble which is incredibly powerful and moody it reminds me somewhat of Howard Shore's brooding David Cronenberg score work. It rumbles quietly in the corner rarely ever stepping into the light adding a haunting backdrop to the film. While it might be effective on film, it makes for a somewhat uninspired listen.
With long lulls of ambient drones, The Miner's Hymms soars with stark beauty when it is finally allowed to. A so-so affair from an otherwise brilliant musical act.

3 Durham Miners of yesteryear out of 5

Songs Of Note: They Being Dead Yet Speaketh; The Cause of Labour is the Hope of the World