La-La Land Records releases Anton Sanko's score to Jessabelle. Returning to her childhood home in Louisiana to recuperate from a horrific car accident, Jessabelle comes face to face with a long-tormented spirit that has been seeking her return - and has no intention of letting her escape...

Anton Sanko's score for Jessabelle has its moments of intimacy where the composer is allowed to show his flair for intricate and beautiful themes. On the whole, though, this is a functional score that is designed to sit in the background to help to unnerve the viewer.

For what it was designed for, you can't fault it. It's wonderfully constructed and more than a little creepy, but does it stand up on its own two feet; is this an album you would be happy to listen to in isolation?

Well, for me the answer was yes and no. There are some beautiful themes spanning these 12 tracks (40 min), and there are others that do nothing for me. There's no doubt that this album is a little creepy in places and on balance it's a score that is more hit than miss.

On a creepy note 'Hi Mom - Open The Gate' is what I'd imagine it would sound like if The Muppets and a group of Ewoks got together to record a song. No doubt it works incredibly well in the movie, but seems a little odd when listened to here.

Overall, there are some interesting themes here... but nothing to get too excited about.

6

Darren Rea