Undoubtedly the dark, brooding, even creepy songs here work well to provide a soundtrack for a film about love, vampires, and werewolves. However, the soundtrack to Twilight: New Moon would work quite well on its own as a tour through some of the leading lights and upcoming artists in contemporary alternative pop and rock. The musical standard here is quite high thanks to Alexandra Patsavas and her team at Chop Shop Records. Consider checking out this collection of songs even if you are not a Twilight fan.
Big Names Deliver
There are big names here and they deliver the goods quite nicely. Death Cab for Cutie's "Meet Me On the Equinox" has a bleak, if rocking, feel of desolation that slowly builds into a song of aching beauty. Thom Yorke of Radiohead delivers trademark eerie vocals underlined by a disturbing, buzzing bass line. "I Belong To You" by British rock stars Muse is a grand, emotional production that would seem to match well with the dramatic story line of the film.
A Few Welcome Surprises
There are less known names here as well that may earn a big boost from inclusion on this high profile soundtrack. Hurricane Bells' "Monsters" is a pop-rock gem underlined by a quite danceable beat. Anya Marina's "Satellite Heart" shows off the singer's unique vocals in a slightly fragile production that slowly disappears into a sonorous background of strings, vocals and horn sounds. Sea Wolf will draw attention for the rocking, slightly nervous "The Violet Hour."
Top Tracks on 'Twilight: New Moon'
- Death Cab for Cutie - "Meet Me On the Equinox"
- Thom Yorke - "Hearing Damage"
- Muse - "I Belong To You"
- Bon Iver and Saint Vincent - "Roslyn"
- Hurricane Bells - "Monsters"
A State of the Art Album
The soundtrack for Twilight: New Moon is likely to survive beyond intial popularity as a marker for the state of accessible alternative pop and rock in 2009. It is a bit of a time capsule of top acts like Death Cab for Cutie and Muse as well as upcoming acts. Mainstream pop fans looking to explore somewhat more edgy material could certainly use the collection as a strong starting point. It is still a month before we find out exactly how well this music matches the film, but until then it can easily be enjoyed on its own independent musical merits.
