Marvel Music/Hollywood Records release Tyler Bates's original score for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Bearing in mind Bates's pedigree, not to mention his impressive score for the first film, it will come as no surprise to learn that he once again delivers the goods.

The album contains 19 tracks (43 min, 34 sec) of epic, adrenaline fuelled, action adventure themes. It's probably not a good idea that you listen to this in the car, as you'll probably accidentally break the speed limit as you get carried away by the chase music in tracks like 'Space Chase'.

For melancholic, beautiful tracks we have 'Family History'; 'Dad'; 'A Total Hasselhoff'; and 'Sisters'. And if you're looking for epic, blockbuster themes, then look no further than 'Two-Time-Galaxy Savers' (which isn't a million miles from Alan Silvestri's Avengers theme); and 'Gods'.

We even get a little homage to Holst's The Planets, Op. 32 in 'vs The Abilisk'; and 'I Know Who You Are'.

If I had one very slight grumble, it's that after so many attention grabbing themes Bates bows out in a very humble and subtle way... I was hoping for an ear rattling, epic close and I felt ever so slightly cheated.

Overall, a wonderful mix of themes, making this an essential purchase for any serious soundtrack collector. Bates knocks it out of the park once again.

10

Darren Rea