Lakeshore Records release the soundtrack for season 1 and 2 of MANH(A)TTAN. Set against the backdrop of the greatest race against time in the history of science - the mission to build the world's first atomic bomb, the show follows the project's brilliant but flawed scientists and their families as they attempt to co-exist in a world where secrets and lies infiltrate every aspect of their lives...

The soundtrack to MANH(A)TTAN contains Jónsi and Alex's music for season 1 as well as Jeff Russo and Zoë Keating score for season 2. Of this album's 21 tracks (47 min, 25 sec), 13 (28 min, 05 sec) are Jónsi and Alex's contribution, with the remaining 8 (19 min, 20 sec) by Jeff Russo and Zoë Keating.

It's never a good sign when a show switches composers from season to season, and it's an even more worrying thought that two seasons worth of material can be condensed down to under 50 mins of music. But then if this album's music represents the highlights I don't think I'd really want to hear an entire CD dedicated to a single season.

For season 1, Jónsi and Alex deliver an electronic score that sounds futuristic in its styling - something that to me seemed a rather strange choice for a show that's set in the past. There are too many atmospheric background tracks here to make it worthy of an album release. This is music designed to heighten the atmosphere of the TV show, not be listened to outside of the media it was written for. 'I Handle The Camera', with it's rather odd sounding horns section, is one of this album's highlights. In addition, 'What Do You Want Right Now' is fairly interesting.

For season 2, Jeff Russo and Zoë Keating also provide mostly atmospheric background music, but there are more interesting themes here than for season 1. Highlight include 'Charlie's Speech'; 'Phone Call With Jean'; and 'Dawn of the Atomic Age'.

While by no means an essential purchase, fans of the show may get some enjoyment out of this release.

6

Darren Rea