Matador Records release the original soundtrack to Netflix's movie adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Twits. Composer Oli Julian brings his signature blend of wit, warmth, and orchestral inventiveness, whilst David Byrne delivers the film's humorous songs. Mr. and Mrs. Twit are a spiteful couple who hate everything, especially each other. When they steal a truck they end up causing an explosion and flooding an entire town...

Fusing instruments like banjos, jaw harps, Balkan brass, and musical saws with orchestral and choral arrangements Oli Julian's score delivers a delightfully chaotic and cinematic soundscape that mirrors the Twits’ topsy-turvy world.

It's a fun little score. David Byrne's songs are diverse, tongue in cheek and certainly add a quirky charm to the movie. However Oli Julian's score really delivers the atmospheric qualities that help to heighten the film's drama, suspense, action and comedy elements.

For example 'Stealing The Orphanage' has a gothic, oppressive presence that feels like a classic Danny Elfman piece. Meanwhile, tracks like 'Making an Escape' provide action/adventure overtures with a brooding element of danger. 'Saving the Twits' and 'Hate is Beauty' are more light-hearted moments of reflective beauty. There's an interesting collection of memorable themes and set pieces spread over the album's 41 tracks (59 min, 41 sec).

Talking about the project, Julian says: "The score for the movie - like the Twits themselves - is kleptomaniacal and eccentric. Whether it’s the flatulent brass of Mr Twit or the screeching soprano of Mrs Twit, we’re taken on an exciting, grotesque yet ultimately heartwarming journey blending genres and instrumentation. It’s rare that as a composer you get to combine orchestras, banjos, drums, saws, choirs and metal guitars in one score, and hopefully to do so in a way that feels right for the story, finding beauty in amongst the yuk."

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Darren Rea