'Resident Evil: Apocalypse' Score Reviewed

By Mark Sung Nov 5, 2004, 18:21 GMT

The electronic instruments help to give the tracks an energetic feeling by setting up the rhythm or just accompanying the orchestra to give it that much more volume and depth. The score for 'Resident Evil: Apocalypse' as result has a very modern sound to it and at times is reminiscent of the work done on the Matrix soundtracks but with a lot more attitude.

Whilst there are moments when the orchestra takes over completely to give that sense of seriousness, there are also moments when the electronic sounds dominate to a point where the track sounds like it's part of a rock song, as heard in the track 'Alice Battles The Nemesis'. Although the electronic sounds can seem a little overwhelming at times, the tracks in general never repeat themselves more than they need to and therefore never get a chance to become tiresome.

Jeff Danna makes abrupt transitions between these two distinctive sounds throughout the score. An example of this can be heard in the later half of the track 'Ashford's Plan'. When the electronics elements take over they do sometimes create a computer game music sound. Although this rather fitting considering the movie is based on a computer game, it also does help to convey an unsettling feeling with the obtrusive unnatural sounds created.

Whilst there is no main theme for the score, the character Nemesis is given a very unique sounding signature theme which appears in a number of tracks throughout. The theme, which is first introduced in the track 'The Nemesis vs. S.T.A.R.S', is formed primarily by a disturbing electronic sound which mirrors the menacing nature and the physical movement of the character.

Apart from a few tracks such as 'The Crash Site' and 'Searching For Alice', the score doesn't have much quiet time and you do sometimes feel that the score just pounds all the way through. The most impressive tracks are in the first half of the score. There are some interesting themes and ideas which are introduced in the earlier tracks but are never followed through. By the end of the score the tracks become less memorable.

Jeff Danna has created a very energetic score with some unique and original ideas. However, due to the overpowering and sometimes overwhelming nature of the score, you have to be in the right mood to enjoy it.

Read M&C's interview with Jeff Danna here.