Released on a classical label, as all bar one track are composed by Danny Elfman (Batman and countless other film scores). The Elfman-composed tracks are as you would expect - big, orchestrated numbers with plenty going on in the music. The ‘Main Titles’ builds slowly to a crescendo of strings before fading out gently. But its not all classical based, with a nice mix of world/Eastern beats on ‘Captured’ with Natacha Atlas (of Trans Global Underground fame) on vocals. Much of the musical style you can second-guess by the song titles such as ‘The Lake Battle’ and ‘A Man Again’ with its menacing strings/horns interplay. The music stands alone well without the film and it’s of the highest quality.

But of most interest to rock fans is the only true vocal track on here, ‘Set Me Free’ by Velvet Revolver as they are now called. The band of course feature ex-Guns ‘N’ Roses members Slash (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums) along with guitarist Dave Kushner and Stone Temple Piolt’s vocalist Scott Weiland. It’s a fast, catchy tune with a hook filled chorus (not many lyrics just lots of ‘Set Me Free’s!). Great guitar and drum interplay throughout the song as well. Weiland suits the music well, it’s bits of Guns ‘N Roses in there obviously but also some hints of the Wildhearts as well. Good song and looking forward to hearing more form this band.

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Review by Jason Ritchie