Search - John Debney :: Predators

A Most Dangerous Soundtrack

John Green | Brooklyn, NY USA | 08/11/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated composer John Debney really makes his mark with the soundtrack to the Predator reboot. The overall sense of foreboding and hidden danger is very appropriate for the `Most Dangerous Game' scenario at the core of the Predator franchise. Debney introduces a more horror-themed style; the horn and string arrangements will remind you of the classic 30's, 40's and 50's horror flicks. You can almost see Dracula fighting the Wolfman atop a burning tower while listening to it.



Debney generates an almost constant sense of menace within the music, always including some sort of ambient reverb, distorted animal noises and metallic sound effects into the mix. He makes good but minimal use of the well-known piano cues from the original franchise, only slipping them in now and again, which is kind of a shame. Toss in some rock/rhythm guitar riffs for emphasis (which seems to be the new trend) and you get a whole new kind of Predator, and it's a pretty good listen. DM's from all over will be adding this one to their collection.



But the tracks are also very formulaic: they all tend to slow down towards the end and fade out on an ominous, lingering note, making them seem more like episodes. Debney's also not above a little atmospheric trickery- just about every track contains a dramatic pause for about two or three seconds to build the suspense before the music resumes. Problem is he does it so much you start expecting it; a little less would've improved its effectiveness.



Some highlights:

This Is Hell- Opens with an ominous descending 4-note cello with a static ambient underscore. Rattles, shakers and other miscellaneous instruments help play up the fear of the unknown. Background buzzing lends it a Friday the 13th feel.



Hound Attack- Slowly builds the tension with minimal instrumentation and assorted effects, including a raspy flute acting as a signal whistle. At :39 some good string rushes and tight percussion drop you right into the chase as the Predators flush the group with their dogs. At the 1:26 mark the tension increases as the tempo rises even higher before the classic Predator piano cue slows things down.



Predator Attack- Fast and hard-hitting, just like its namesake. Timpanis and trombones lead the charge with some odd kind of high-pitched rattle sitting beneath them. A 7-note rising brass motif is the standout here, reminiscent of the classic black and white horror flicks. Add some guitar riffs for support and it makes for a good time.



Meet Mr. Black- Opens as a tribal rhythmic beat with mosquito shakers and other odds and ends. Horns and strings arrive at :28, lasting until :50 where it switches into an ambient mood for the remainder.



Edwin & Isabella Captured- Starts out more rock-oriented with the riffs and techno-style programmed percussion, but incorporates the previous 7-note brass motif and strings nicely. Definitely gets your attention.



Theme From Predator- A nice, updated version of the Alan Silvestri original. Needed more of it.



This is a fun listen, but has a few dead spots and some tracks that are only interesting either at the beginning or the end. I personally would've liked a little more of an Alan Silvestri homage, but its worth your while.

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