Big City is a rare film - a French western - and the composer took the opportunity to write a score that reflects the great musical heritage of the genre. Featuring infectious themes (the main theme will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Aaron Copland, Alfred Newman and Bruce Broughton), powerful action with an emphasis on pounding percussion, beautiful romantic writing - and a very charming waltz too - this is a rich and highly entertaining score. Welcome to the musical world of Big City and Erwann Kermorvant...

Erwann Kermorvant's Big City is a master class in how to write a soundtrack for a Western. He leans on many a cliche, without ever making it feel as though he's treading on other composers toes too heavily. Yes, sure this is presented in a Western style, but Kermorvant does so much more with it than you'd expect.

There are so many short and sweet moments that make this collection a joy to listen to, but my personal favourites include:

'The Drunk Waltz' which brought to mind elements of Danny Elfman's score for Batman (but then a waltz is pretty much a waltz isn't it).

'First Night Alone' has a John Williams feel to it. The opening few notes reminded me of the opening track on Williams's score for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. There are also elements of his music from Star Wars: A New Hope that appear at around the half way mark.

'Ambush / KKK' has an interesting Indian dance theme beat in the background, which helps to add much to the Western feeling of the track - cliched, yes, but presented in an original fashion.

'Farewell' holds, arguably, this soundtracks most interesting and beautiful theme.

Over this soundtrack's 19 tracks, Kermorvant delivers some incredible themes and classic Hollywood moments.

9

Darren Rea