Screamworks Records releases Jonathan Goldsmith's music for Manuel Carballo’s The Returned, one of the most original zombie movies released in the burgeoning sub-genre.The film takes place in a world where the zombie virus had already infected most of mankind, but a cure has been found. The so-called "Return Protein" can turn zombies into regular humans without any side effects... That is until there’s enough protein for everyone. When it turns out that the substance is running low, both the returned and the protesters wanting to kill them run amok on the streets...

Jonathan Goldsmith's score for The Returned was a little on the disappointing side. While it has its moments, the majority of the score is made up of atmospheric background tracks that are designed to heighten the onscreen tension of the movie. Listened to on their own merits, they are technically interesting, but don't provide much of an emotional response.

Worthy of your time, however are 'Opening Titles'; 'Getout' and 'Mercy' (both of which reminded me of Thomas Newman's score for The Shawshank Redemption); the suspenseful 'Alex in Chains'; and 'Falling Sky'.

It's not a bad score, but sadly it's one that is more interesting when accompanying the visuals of the movie.

5

Darren Rea