Lakeshore Records release Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans's score for Wildlike. In this coming-of-age adventure, a troubled teen must face the dangers of the Alaskan wild, as well as her own past, in order to find her way home. Sent to stay with her uncle in Alaska while her mother is in treatment, 14-year-old Mackenzie embarks on a journey across miles of wilderness to find a way back home to Seattle. As she plunges deeper into the Alaskan interior, a chance connection with gruff backpacker Bartlett proves to be her only lifeline. Mackenzie shadows Bartlett across the rugged frontier, thwarting his efforts to cut her loose until he has no choice but to help her survive, and against the backdrop of a spectacular landscape, they discover the redemptive power of friendship...

Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans's score for Wildlike won't be everyone's cup of tea. In fact, to be truthful, on the first play through I didn't really get on with it at all. However, this is a soundtrack that rewards the listener the more times they play it.

The duo previously delivered scores for Last Days in the Desert and The One I Love, but on balance, I think Wildlike is their most interesting collaboration to date.

The album contains 19 tracks (36 min, 22 sec) full of sweet, low key themes. This is an album where the music washes over you. There are no notable, memorable themes, no high or low points, just a constant stream of subtle tracks that will stir different emotions in each listener.

It's an easy listen that doesn't demand your attention - one for putting on when reading or relaxing in the sun.

7

Darren Rea