Soundtrack Review: Skyline (2010)

Skyline Soundtrack Review: This is a review of the motion picture score Skyline by Matthew Margeson.

"It's the whole alien feeling I get when listening to it that seals the deal for me."

Skyline is your typical aliens comes to earth with nothing good in mind. A massive attack on the world is upon us and there is a number of young-ish people trying to prevent the world from being destroyed (or rather save their own asses). Judging by the trailers, a lot of money was put into this project. The CGI is impressive and vast. For one of the most ambitious sci-fi movies this year, they chose a composer whose name is new to me. Matthew Margeson has done a few movies and worked with some big names in the world of film music, but I say this is Matthew's big debut. Sci-Fi has always been one of my favorite genres, and there have certainly been some very great scores in that genre.

Track List

Alien Sounds

The first thing I notice about Skyline is how alien it all sounds. Matthew seem to have perfected the art of alien, the unknown. This isn't simply an epic sci-fi score, although it has epic moments. This is a lot more and I love the way it feels when I am listening to it. It sounds alien and evil, but mixed in with some awesome tracks that doesn't alienate me as a listener.

Tracks like 'Abduction' has a stunning theme and goes to town with that. 'The Escape' mixes great thematic sequences with awesome action. I love the way he chose to use the human heartbeat a part of the music. It is so fitting and it really puts me into the scene. 'Ship Down' has a dramatic string line, pulsating, vibrating and then Matthew adds more great thematic moments.

Already with the second track 'Abduction' you get a slight feeling of Deja Vu because you heard similar things before and you probably liked it. Fans of Jablonsky will immediately recognize the theme, not because it is a copy, but has a similar feel to the Transformers scores. It is to be expected as he is part of the Remote Control Productions team. The longest cue on the album 'Make a Run For it' has everything a sci-fi fan need. It starts off very alien and mysterious with a pulsating bass rhythm, then goes into a horror-like violin screeching sequence before the horns step in and make the theme. Then the drums of war sets in and it just goes on from there to be an excellent action track, one of the better this year.

Conclusion

Skyline is an excellent addition to an already great year, and also an excellent addition to the sci-fi genre. Matthew Margeson's sound might not be super original, but it's the whole alien feeling I get when listening to it that seals the deal for me. When he even adds great themes in the Jablonsky/Zimmer mold, I can say I am honestly impressed and very happy.

->Buy the Skyline soundtrack CD on Amazon<-

->Buy the Skyline MP3 Album on Amazon<-

Listen to the Skyline soundtrack by Matthew Margeson below: