Howlin' Wolf Records release Iain Kelso's score for Jacob. Containing elements of the supernatural, Jacob is the story of lonely and disturbed Jacob Kell, who loved his little sister more than anything on earth. When tragedy befalls the Kell family, Jacob retaliates the only way he knows how – and anyone who crosses his path will know there is no limit to his brutal revenge...

Iian Kelso's score for Jacob was a pleasant surprise. It's creepy, it's atmospheric, and more importantly it's packed full of memorable and emotional themes. Kelso is a composer whose work I'd not previously heard before, but on the strength of this release I'll be checking out the handful of scores he's already written, and adding him to my 'to watch' list.

The album contains 27 tracks (1 hr, 07 min, 56 sec) and incorporates numerous interesting themes, the most notable being at the core of 'Illi Audiebant Libro'. The score focuses on viola, horn, and cello performances giving the whole album more of a spooky classical music vibe to it.

Kelso manages to deliver something new and original, but there are occasions, ever so slight, when I was reminded of the work of the wonderful James Horner - most notably his '80s/'90s output. 'Cycling to MacLeod House' reminded me of Horner's music for Casper. 'Billy Gets the News' and 'Off to a Good Start' are very Horner-esque in their delivery.

This is a beautiful score. Listen out for Kelso in the future. If there's any justice in this world he's destined to join the ranks of the movie industries A-list composers. The only problem you're likely to face is tracking down a copy of the album - which can be picked up from the label at howlinwolfrecords.com/store.html.

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Darren Rea