Lakeshore Records releases Brian Reitzell's dark score for Hannibal. The TV series is based on the characters from Thomas Harris’s classic novels and was developed for television by Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies, Heroes), who also serves as showrunner and executive producer. The Hannibal Lecter character is known as a gourmet chef, with a penchant for using unusual ingredients. Episodes from the first season were named after elements in French cuisine and the tracks reproduced here use the same monikers...

I have to admit that I was slightly puzzled as to why this score was being released, but even more baffled as to why each of the show's seasons were each receiving two separate volumes.

I love the show, and the music is as integral a character as Hannibal, Will and Jack, but I had serious doubts as to whether the music could stand on its own two feet. For starters the majority of the music is atmospheric background noise designed to play with the viewers mind in the same way that Hannibal does with his associates and victims. It's also instrumental in making you feel disoriented and uneasy.

I have to admit that on the first play through, my worst fears were met. There wasn't a whole lot to grab hold of, other than the bonus track 'Bloodfest (from Mizumono)'. This track is by far an away the most interesting track on the Hannibal scores to date. The rest of the album is full of atmospheric "noise" which can make for an uncomfortable listening experience. As a part of the show, the score couldn't have been composed any better, but as a stand alone listening experience... well, lets just say it does eventually grow on you.

It's eerie, sinister, disorienting and uncomfortable, but after a few listens you start to appreciate the subtle voice that Reitzell has woven into the music as a whole. You'll have to excuse me if I just reuse the majority of this review for all four albums in the series - there's not much more I can say than what I've already said here.

It's interesting from an oddity point of view, but the majority of soundtrack fans may find this sadly lacking.

7

Darren Rea