Milan Records releases the original soundtrack to Mayday by instrumentalist, songwriter, and composer Colin Stetson. The movie follows a young girl transported to an alternate reality where she finds herself amongst a crew of female soldiers at war...

Technically, Colin Stetson's music for Mayday is perfect for the movie. It has an ethereal, hauntingly hypnotic collection of pieces that really do invoke images of another world.

Discussing the soundtrack, Stetson says: "Like the gorgeous imagery we see upon first arriving on the island in Mayday, I wanted the music to have an airy freedom about it - light dancing on water, wind through trees, a sense of suspenseful propulsion. Copious flutes and pointillistic saxophones comprise the core of the sound, balanced with several rare, old synths. I recorded this music in the autumn of 2020, surrounded by the colours of the trees in a particularly slow transition."

However, while it's perfect for the movie, personally that's where I think the music should stay. It's not strong enough to stand on its own merits, unless you're a collector of avant-garde scores.

Also included on the album is an original vocal track by acclaimed vocalist, violinist, composer, and producer Caroline Shaw. 'Mayday Song' rounds out the album, providing an ethereally layered theme song for the film.

While I did enjoy this score, it's not thematic enough to warrant a return any time soon. It's lush, original and certainly stands out but it's not the sort of music I'd want to listen to for pleasure.

5

Darren Rea