Sounds of Horror: Dark Water Transit - ‘Dawn of the Goblin’
Baltimore musicians deliver rousing tribute to one of horror’s best scores
Goblin’s soundtrack to George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead is one of the best scores ever put to a horror film, standing alongside the scores of films like The Exorcist and Halloween as one of the most atmospheric and robust. Arguably, if there’s a better score, it was also made by the same band — that of Dario Argento’s Suspiria. A talented Baltimore musician, Paul Joyce (composer of the upcoming Isle of the Damned), and his band, Dark Water Transit, have put out an excellent tribute record titled Dawn of the Goblin, one that recaptures the glory of one of horror’s best scores.
The album emulates in high fidelity four of the tracks from the Goblin’s original score for Dawn. Musician Paul Joyce was so faithful to the work that he actually sought and obtained permission from Claudio Simonetti, lead member of Goblin, to recreate the soundtrack. The endeavor wasn’t taken lightly, and this is not a tribute recording assembled from computer loops. Joyce actually assembled groups of musicians in the studio to record layer after layer of music and effects. One can actually listen to the detail of the multi-layered recording with a pair of earphones. In the track “L’Alba Dei Morti Vivendi I,” you can discern the steady rhythmic sounds of water emerging from the track as the chilling noises of the moaning undead arise in its later part. “La Caccia” energizes the listener with its vibrant prog-rock composition and rich instrumentals. The record is also something akin to a concept album, since as one listens to its concluding track, “Vivendi II,” the sound of an escaping helicopter and tolling bell signify the end of the journey of the film’s survivors.
In the later 80s and 90s, many horror film scores fell into bland and mediocre stylings. Dark Water Transit’s invigorating record not only pays tribute to one of horror’s best scores but also reminds us of the possibilities of genre movie soundtracks, as a little bit of craftsmanship can stand the test of time and gain new generations of fans.
To hear samples of Dawn of the Goblin, visit the band’s Myspace. If you like what you hear, purchase the record here. Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Paul Joyce here at Horror 101.
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I love dawn of the dead and the music online sounds great
You should order the full CD. It’s fantastic. I think I’ve a pretty good taste in music and their CD had me impressed. I’ve listened to it a lot while running. It’s awesome.
[...] recently reviewed the impressive Dawn of the Dead score tribute album by musician Paul Joyce. He’s also the [...]
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