Empire of Light (2022)

[cdm]

1547400386180354048

[at]NINHotline just retweeted the above.

[atomobile]

I hope this is true. But you also have to remember than early test screenings (this movie is not out/completed for another 4-5 months) almost ALWAYS use temporary scores, almost ALWAYS pre-existing scores. I wouldn't be surprised if this film is using various existing Trent scores until the real score is finished by Thomas Newman. The director usually uses Newman and that's who's currently credited in all official press. Unless the viewer is a huge Trent fan and would recognize new material from existing, I'm not raising my hopes until an official announcement.

[cdm]

I hope this is true. But you also have to remember than early test screenings (this movie is not out/completed for another 4-5 months) almost ALWAYS use temporary scores, almost ALWAYS pre-existing scores. I wouldn't be surprised if this film is using various existing Trent scores until the real score is finished by Thomas Newman. The director usually uses Newman and that's who's currently credited in all official press. Unless the viewer is a huge Trent fan and would recognize new material from existing, I'm not raising my hopes until an official announcement.

I had this thought, too. I guess we'll see.

[WorzelG]

OK it is indeed TRAR - check the trailer which has their names on it



https://youtu.be/HdMPTgYi-0w

IMDB has Thomas Newman as composer, is it fact checked?

As an aside, wonder how this round of films will do for them in terms of awards. They've been on fire since Watchmen with every score getting awards love of some description unless there's some films I'm forgetting. This film seems like pure Oscar bait in so many ways

[NIN64]

Yo… That brass…

[sonic_discord]

Well, that trailer gave me goosebumps, so that's a good sign.

[cahernandez]

Cinematography is by Roger Deakins, the best out there. With TRAR at the score helm, this movie is going to knock it out of the park next awards season.

[BRoswell]

IMDB has Thomas Newman as composer, is it fact checked?

You can never really trust IMDb. I'm guessing he was listed as composer because someone assumed that he would do the score based on his previous collaborations with Mendes.

As for the film, it looks good on the visual front (thanks Roger Deakins!) and I like the cast, but it does seem a bit like Oscar bait. We'll see how it goes.

[cahernandez]

I've had that trailer on repeat. This seems like TRAR doing a grandiose soundtrack akin to Hans Zimmer's style (which I love). I have a gut feeling that this will reach the heights of The Social Network, my favorite score by them. Without having heard any other piece of music for this soundtrack, I'm sure I'll be buying this on vinyl.

[explodey]

Looks like this will premiere at Telluride Film Festival on 3 September (https://twitter.com/nineinchnails/status/1565450535389609984?s=20&t=RvjmbZKU74wn89yNAcZbJg), then going to Toronto International Film Festival on 12 September (https://www.tiff.net/events/empire-of-light), and next month will be at the London Film Festival on 12 October (https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::perma link=empireoflight).

[botley]

Hmmm, Sep. 12th I might have been able to swing but it looks like the first public screening at TIFF is the following day and that doesn't work for me, and by the next weekend I'll be at RF... guess I'll wait for the wide release. Love me some Olivia!

[Toadflax]

Love me some Olivia!

This. An Olivia Colman-led film by Sam Mendes with Roger Deakins as DP is already a must see. TR/AR scoring it just makes it that much more exciting.

[Cicero]

Reviews are up from TIFF, so so on the film, positive praise for the score. Some snippets:

"...beautifully rendered in the film’s score, moody dots of piano and ambient hum—the sound of the planet in motion—composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross." - Vanity fair

"Also expectedly great is the score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, which sounds like it could’ve been recorded using the old abandoned piano in the theater’s long-closed wing. It’s a relatively unassuming score, but helps highlight the film’s best moments, where the film, again, focuses on that magic of the movies aspect.” – Collider

“On the soundtrack, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross supply a lovely music-box score.” - Variety

[NIN64]

https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/film/empire-light/soundtrack/

[cahernandez]

https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/film/empire-light/soundtrack/

Bless your heart, listening now! First song in, it sounds like TRAR are doing Sigur Ros now, this is great stuff. Too bad I have a work meeting for the next 3 hours, so will have to complete my listen later.

[allegate]

lol, there's a PDF linked on the page and it's from years ago.

http://fsl.web.s3.amazonaws.com/production/media/NOV_SCRNCAL_C6.pdf (http://fsl.web.s3.amazonaws.com/production/media/NOV_SCRNCAL_C6.pdf)

[Wulgaren]

oh my god my heart
hearing new trent release after a while is such an amazing feeling especially if it sounds like that first track

[TheBang]

Direct file download links (MP3s) are listed on this page (just search in your browser for "empire of light"):

https://www.jwfan.com/forums/index.php?/topic/34574-2022-for-your-consideration-studio-sites-featuring-music/

This FYC release may be identical to the eventual soundtrack release, since the artwork and ID3 tags seem to indicate as such.

[fragmentjunkie]

For those who weren't aware, the track used in the trailer is not actually TR & AR - it's called 'Interrupted' by Boxta, and can be found on the usual services.

[Mister Squishy]

Thanks for the link.

Beautiful stuff so far. Definitely picking up some Together vibes in some of the ambience and vocal loops, which is just fine with me. It's got its own thing to be sure.

Looking forward to living with this one (and eventually watching the film).

[SchwarzerAbt]

Yes! First two songs and it reminds me of Mid90s so far -which is great because that one still gets played often but is far too short!

[WorzelG]

So this isn’t even going to be put on sale? That’s a bit weird

[Lerxto]

This is beautiful stuff. Perfect for wintertime.
I think it's better than Soul or Mank. Their best since Watchmen.

[otnavuskire]

So this isn’t even going to be put on sale? That’s a bit weird

This is just the studio's "for your consideration" page for awards nominations/voting. It'll probably go on sale closer to the movie's release next month.

[Wulgaren]

this soundtrack is absolutely gorgeous and i had so many intense feelings while listening to it, just magickal

[paul_guyet]

The ambient vocals are some of my favorite stuff on here. Adds SO MUCH.

[botley]

"Solitary People" is just... transcendence.

[NIN64]

Is it me, or are the tracks at that link different from yesterday. There are 16 today instead of 15 and the titles are different... Has the FYC been changed to the proper score? Am I crazy?

[NIN64]

Direct file download links (MP3s) are listed on this page (just search in your browser for "empire of light"):

https://www.jwfan.com/forums/index.php?/topic/34574-2022-for-your-consideration-studio-sites-featuring-music/

This FYC release may be identical to the eventual soundtrack release, since the artwork and ID3 tags seem to indicate as such.

I'm not crazy. The tracks listed at the above quoted link are different from the tracks at the link below today!

https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/film/empire-light/soundtrack/

[otnavuskire]

Is it me, or are the tracks at that link different from yesterday. There are 16 today instead of 15 and the titles are different... Has the FYC been changed to the proper score? Am I crazy?

You're definitely not crazy. Those track names are different for sure. Has the music changed as well?

[NIN64]

You're definitely not crazy. Those track names are different for sure. Has the music changed as well?

I think so. I'm not able to deep dive from work.

[allegate]

is this the new ARG?

/shitpost

[SchwarzerAbt]

Maybe they accidently posted the real soundtrack first and now they changed it to the FYC version?

[TheBang]

Yeah, looks like they've put up a proper FYC score now, with the music cues as they appear in the film. There is some 1:1 correspondence with the soundtrack album posted earlier, but also a lot of differences. Since the JWFan site hasn't been updated yet, I've compiled a list of the file download links. They're 24/48 WAVs:

https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_1m02_Opening_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo_XSktTR4 .wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_1m04_Going_Home_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_1m08_A_Whole_Other_Cinema_Theatrical_Mixdown_S tereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_2m14_New_Years_Eve_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.w av
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_2m15_Fireworks_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_2m17_Bird_Freed_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_3m19_Nothing_Happens_Without_Light_Theatrical_ Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_3m19A_Kiss_Me_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_3m22_Sandcastle_Breakdown_Theatrical_Mixdown_S tereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_4m29A_Onward_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_5m31_Windmills_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_5m34_Mod_March_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_5m35_Washed_Out_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_5m36_Remember_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_6m37_Solo_Screening_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo. wav
https://www.searchlightpictures.com/fyc/media/soundtracks/EOL_6m38_Never_Give_Up_Theatrical_Mixdown_Stereo.w av

[Mister Squishy]

So I guess that means we'll eventually get a version of the score with the other titles?

Also, did anyone screenshot the titles from last night? Those titles seemed to tell their own story in a way that fit the music so well, out of the context of the film of course.

(If the answer to #1 is yes, I GUESS I can wait another couple weeks or whatever...)

[SchwarzerAbt]

Here are the track titles:

01) 8 AM, Christmas Eve
02) The Sea, The Sea
03) Faded Grandeur
04) New Year's Eve
05) To The Wild Sky
06) Solitary People
07) To Be Able To Fly
08) Clouds Appear
09) Nothing Happens Without Light
10) Out And About Again
11) Procession
12) Washed Out
13) A Touch
14) Empire of Light
15) High Windows

[Mister Squishy]

Sweet! Thank you!

[Zimbo]

Fascinating! TO listen now or wait for official release...

[paul_guyet]

I wasn't going to listen because hearing the music with the film for which it was composed makes more sense but...it's been a dry year...a long...dry year...and I am weak.

That said: can't wait to hear the music IN the film.

[Lerxto]

Fascinating! TO listen now or wait for official release...
I think you should wait for the official release, or get the official version instead.
The FYC version was a bit underwhelming compared to the retail version.

[sonic_discord]

I think you should wait for the official release, or get the official version instead.
The FYC version was a bit underwhelming compared to the retail version.

You've heard the official version and it's different?

[Lerxto]

You've heard the official version and it's different?
The previous 15-track version, yes.
FYC version is 35 minutes long and the previous (potentially official/retail) release is 58 minutes.

[simonn]

I've listened through once and I don't recall any ambient vocals as someone mentioned above, so must be in the missing 23 mins. Pleasant enough fare without ever really getting going on one listen. Mind you, I disliked Waves quite intensely on the first 3-4 listens and now it's one of my favourites, so that'll probably change!

[Reznor2112]

I've listened through once and I don't recall any ambient vocals as someone mentioned above, so must be in the missing 23 mins. Pleasant enough fare without ever really getting going on one listen. Mind you, I disliked Waves quite intensely on the first 3-4 listens and now it's one of my favourites, so that'll probably change!

Definitely some Trent ambient vocals in "Opening" at the 1:42 mark.


Did anyone snag the original 58 min version before it was replaced?

[TheBang]

Did anyone snag the original 58 min version before it was replaced?
The original files are still downloadable at the links listed on the JWFan site I linked earlier.

[Reznor2112]

The original files are still downloadable at the links listed on the JWFan site I linked earlier.

Ahhhh -- I'm an idiot. :facepalm: Thank you!

[Ascender]

Thanks for sharing this, I LOVE it. Its one of my most immediate reactions to one of their scores if that makes sense - first listen and it sounds incredible.

[BRoswell]

Really lovely stuff. Will be interesting to compare and contrast this with Bones & All.

[botley]

Yeah, looks like they've put up a proper FYC score now, with the music cues as they appear in the film. There is some 1:1 correspondence with the soundtrack album posted earlier, but also a lot of differences.
Once again, the official score release looks to be the definitive one, but there are some cool variations to watch for on the FYC. Apart from the original score MP3s being mastered louder, there are definitely some edits/embellishments/developments not present in the FYC soundtrack cues. Looking forward to getting the full-fidelity lossless score!

The "Opening" FYC cue is what the score calls "8 AM, Christmas Eve", and they're pretty similar, except for the placement of some additional treated piano notes in the score version. The "Fireworks" FYC cue is basically identical with "To the Wild Sky", the score just has more crescendo at the end. "Nothing Happens without Light" and "Washed Out" are also very similar across both versions, with some minor mixing differences — ditto for "Windmills" on the FYC and "Out and About Again" on the score, which are the same thing, as are "Solo Screening" on the FYC and the title track "Empire of Light" on the score.

The FYC's cue "Bird Freed" is a short edit of "To Be Able to Fly", a much more developed piece on the score. Same goes for the FYC "Remember" cue, which is a tiny bit of the more satisfying score piece titled "A Touch". Similarly, the FYC "Never Give Up" is just the opening piano intro from a longer score piece called "The Sea, The Sea". The "Sandcastle Breakdown" and "Onward" FYC cues are cross-faded and combined together as one piece on the score, "Clouds Appear". A longer edit of "Sandcastle" also appears as the "Mod March" FYC cue, re-titled on the score as "Procession".

The "Kiss Me" and "Going Home" FYC cues are both significantly shorter versions of the "New Years Eve" cue, of which there is already a longer edit on the score. Conversely, the FYC title "A Whole Other Cinema" is a much longer (and, I daresay, overly repetitive) edit of "Faded Grandeur" from the score, with an entirely different introduction that I don't think appears on the score in isolation. Funnily enough, my favourite score piece "Solitary People" isn't found in the FYC cues at all, nor is the final score piece "High Windows".

[NIN64]

botley (https://www.echoingthesound.org/community/member.php?u=469) doing gods work as usual.

[Reznor2112]

This score is begging to be listened to on a cold, winter evening (snow optional) with a fire going.

[fillow]

This score is begging to be listened to on a cold, winter evening (snow optional) with a fire going.
Dragon Tattoo would like to have a word with you

[BRoswell]

If we're going for winter analogies, I'd say Dragon Tattoo is more appropriate for when you're in the middle of a blizzard, wondering just how bad it will get. Empire Of Light is definitely more like a quiet, clear night as you stare out the window and contemplate the future.

[Reznor2112]

Dragon Tattoo would like to have a word with you

Oh trust me haha -- that is my annual Oct - Feb. album on repeat.

[cdm]

Reviews of the film itself are mixed, leaning unfavorable. I find that surprising given all the pre-prerealease buzz.

[That other guy]

http://filmmusicreporter.com/2022/12/08/empire-of-light-soundtrack-album-details/

[cdm]

http://filmmusicreporter.com/2022/12/08/empire-of-light-soundtrack-album-details/

Track listing and song lengths are identical to what was posted to that website last month. I only mention this to [apparently] confirm what we downloaded was in fact the retail version of the score.

[atomobile]

Empire of Light soundtrack is being released digitally in a few hours!!!!!!

[paul_guyet]

Reviews of the film itself are mixed, leaning unfavorable. I find that surprising given all the pre-prerealease buzz.I can believe it. "Oscar Movie" doesn't always mean "Good Movie".

[cdm]

I can believe it. "Oscar Movie" doesn't always mean "Good Movie".

LOL fair point.

[ecirb]

https://trentreznor-atticusross.bandcamp.com/album/empire-of-light-original-score

[xolotl]

Ah, quite pleasant -- I greatly enjoyed the first listen. It's quite subtle by TR+AR soundtrack standards.

Two stray observations:
1. "Out and About Again" is cut from nearly identical cloth as Soul's "Just Us"
2. "High Windows" has a rather abrupt end, eh? I could've done with a bit more echoey fade-out or something there.

[GulDukat]

Probably won't be released on CD?

[Zimbo]

It’s on Tidal, as well.

[botley]

Like Bones & All, this score is streaming at 192kHz/24bit Ultra HD on Amazon Music. Still have no idea if these were mastered at that resolution, or just upsampled from the 48kHz FLAC files that you can get on Bandcamp (which is what I suspect happened, since that's what they've been known to work in). Mostly no ultra-high acoustic frequencies in this so it doesn't make much difference.

[TheBang]

Like Bones & All, this score is streaming at 192kHz/24bit Ultra HD on Amazon Music. Still have no idea if these were mastered at that resolution, or just upsampled from the 48kHz FLAC files that you can get on Bandcamp
Do you know if it’s the same on Apple Music for this and Bones and All?

[botley]

Do you know if it’s the same on Apple Music for this and Bones and All?

I don't have an Apple sub, but taking a wild guess I'd say probably it is.

[cahernandez]

You guys don't see a vinyl release of this in the future, do you?

[TheBang]

Probably won't be released on CD?
I doubt it.

You guys don't see a vinyl release of this in the future, do you?
I doubt it.

Edit: To expand on my pithy answers, there hasn't been a CD release since 2017's Vietnam War. Unless the studio is doing it (as in Soul's case, internationally), I think Trent's just not interested. As for vinyl, well, we're still waiting on those Patriots Day and Mank vinyls. I wouldn't hold my breath for those or any new ones.

[GulDukat]

I doubt it.

I doubt it.

Edit: To expand on my pithy answers, there hasn't been a CD release since 2017's Vietnam War. Unless the studio is doing it (as in Soul's case, internationally), I think Trent's just not interested. As for vinyl, well, we're still waiting on those Patriots Day and Mank vinyls. I wouldn't hold my breath for those or any new ones.

One would think there would be a market for a physical release, both CD and vinyl. A lot of NIN would buy them.

[botley]

It's not a money thing... I get the sense they (kraw included) are dissatisfied with how CDs look, more than anything else. Vinyl manufacturing is still a nightmare, with no end in sight.

[cahernandez]

Has anyone here seen the film? And if so, would you recommend it? It was panned by the critics (44% at Rotten Tomatoes) but it’s at 86% (also at RT) with general audience so I don’t know who to trust on this one.

[xolotl]

It's not a money thing... I get the sense they (kraw included) are dissatisfied with how CDs look, more than anything else. Vinyl manufacturing is still a nightmare, with no end in sight.

I'd be inclined to say that it's also just not wanting to deal with the hassle, when physical media in general is still in a pretty notable decline. Doing a physical release properly would involve a lot of work for what's presumably diminishing returns, even with a relatively crazy fanbase like ours. Since nearly everyone on the planet generally just consumes digitally anyway, I expect the cost/benefit analysis is much more likely to fall down to "let's not bother."

[BRoswell]

I'm glad to see that this and Bones & All were released on Bandcamp. Yes, physical releases would be cool, but I'm just glad I didn't have to jump through hoops to get them.

[allegate]

speaking of bandcamp - How Did This Get Made? (https://hdtgm.bandcamp.com/album/hdtgms-drop-dead-fred-live) is releasing a show on vinyl the same way that @InversePhase (https://www.echoingthesound.org/community/member.php?u=1417) did: getting people to pledge to purchase it. Also this would make it easier for everyone to get one instead of bringing store.nin.com F5 refreshing just to be told 'ooh, so close but sorry' in the end.

I understand that at some level the interest that a band like NIN would bring to bandcamp would bring it to its knees but for the scores? I bet it's about right. OTOH bandcamp fees and such might make a band like NIN say hell no. so. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[buckaroo]

I am really digging this one. One of their best scores in a while. I think this one hit me more immediately than some of their other scores. Others have pointed out that it has a similar vibe to mid 90’s and I would agree, but much better in my opinion. Solitary People is incredible!

[howdidislipinto]

glad people are liking this one, but i find it to be... completely boring and generic. some of these tracks could literally just be apple commercial jingles. i do like all of trent's piano playing, but other than that...

it's certainly not a bad listen -- feels like background music. i put it on when i did yoga today. very pleasant. but i don't feel any character or personality from TR/AR. it's the exact OPPOSITE of how i felt about bones and all, which felt like their own version of the story and wormed its way into my head so much i had to go see the movie immediately. this score made me positive this movie is probably trash, lol. (also, jesus, what a shitty generic album cover. brutal.)

i don't think this assignment moved them the way their scoring projects usually do, and... it's just a little weird to hear our boys make music their heart isn't in. that's kinda their thing! heart!

[Mr. Blaileen]

Halfway through this and I'm absolutely loving it. It's gorgeous.

[Lerxto]

glad people are liking this one, but i find it to be... completely boring and generic. some of these tracks could literally just be apple commercial jingles. i do like all of trent's piano playing, but other than that...

it's certainly not a bad listen -- feels like background music. i put it on when i did yoga today. very pleasant. but i don't feel any character or personality from TR/AR. it's the exact OPPOSITE of how i felt about bones and all, which felt like their own version of the story and wormed its way into my head so much i had to go see the movie immediately. this score made me positive this movie is probably trash, lol. (also, jesus, what a shitty generic album cover. brutal.)

i don't think this assignment moved them the way their scoring projects usually do, and... it's just a little weird to hear our boys make music their heart isn't in. that's kinda their thing! heart!
I think Bones And All was the most disappointing score release so far, and I'd describe that score using the words you chose for Empires of Light: commercial jingles, generic, background music.

Not sure what you mean by you don't feel TR/AR's touch on this score.
If not for their signature synth sounds on Bones And All, I couldn't have known if I was listening to a TR/AR score or just a generic film score.
With Empires of Light they returned right to their comfort zone, and I'd actually agree if people complained about that.

[Indefinite_Cure]

On first impression, this sounds as close to a new Ghosts album like Together mixed with Still instrumentals as their soundtrack ever sounded to me. Might be on repeated rotations for me, sounds gorgeous! I did listen to Together an unhealthy amount of times.

It's probably the predominance of piano that gives me that Together/Still vibe + the Trent sung background choruses.

As for the generic/background vibe people are getting, I can get where you're coming from as it has a very ambient vibe (and it's supposed to be background music for a movie), but I'd say give it time maybe? We are spoiled with 2 (very different) soundtracks in a very short period of time and some of y'all might just be saturated? Just my 2 cents... I mean, if generic music was that good, I would never complain about generic music being "generic"... Does that make sens?

[xolotl]

glad people are liking this one, but i find it to be... completely boring and generic. some of these tracks could literally just be apple commercial jingles. i do like all of trent's piano playing, but other than that...

Yeah, I'm in the very-much-liking-it camp, but I can see where you're coming from. I've wondered a few times while listening if I'd recognize some of these tracks as TR+AR work if I hadn't known ahead of time. Then again, I'd probably say the same for a lot of Soul and Mank tracks, too. They've been diversifying their sound rather pleasantly over the past N years, after that initial run of Fincher soundtracks which (IMO) all felt cut from very similar sonic cloth.

Anyway, yeah, something about this one really clicks with me; not sure what. I've had a much more immediate reaction to this one than Bones And All, which still hasn't really clicked emotionally with me yet. Go figure!

[paul_guyet]

As far as the whole "are they going to release these physically" thing, between the vinyl delays of the past few years, and the consistantly spotty merch distributors, I'm fine if the scores just stay digital. It allows them to keep releasing scores without getting in the way (for lack of a better term) of whatever NIN has coming next. Also, at this point, the Patriots' Day vinyl would have to provide sexual release to make it worth this wait...

[howdidislipinto]

As far as the whole "are they going to release these physically" thing, between the vinyl delays of the past few years, and the consistantly spotty merch distributors, I'm fine if the scores just stay digital. It allows them to keep releasing scores without getting in the way (for lack of a better term) of whatever NIN has coming next. Also, at this point, the Patriots' Day vinyl would have to provide sexual release to make it worth this wait...

i love so many of these scores and listen to them over and over again, but... my wallet is very ok with them saving the vinyl releases for NIN. that's hard enough sometimes. i love that they finally started using bandcamp!

[mfte]

This is nice, and it is chill like cool cucumber water. It reminds me a lot of Still.

[fillow]

It's interesting that while Bones And All beats the crap out of Empire of Light on critics' RottenTomatoes score (83 vs 45), EoL is doing better on viewer's score (69 to 61).

[sonic_discord]

The fact that they updated nin.com (front page & discography page) for Bones and All and did more press & interviews for it makes me suspect they're more proud of that score.

[PhoenixML]

This soundtrack is beautiful. Very strong Still vibe. I love it.

[All_The_Spoils]

Please, don't anyone here fall for this terrible boot..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185727583488?hash=item2b3e3a0500:g:X9kAAOSwufNjtcT S&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoPWWBuzhezO0GXHtE%2BUDSLr%2FW 0QfzIanY7kFrKjxnXKNxgsHS7wOy4y%2F16A3iqjOH9yqBye9H jixvGU1GgmKnnypJAzfXY3t1wy%2BRZD4ZmvV15WFuog09ee3l hOScJZKCkSLDcG25yaqK5KX6BuXesJDIZjNmGxygKJak9Qgigs T%2FGCc1c9w3H8FbNnacsbIVBAcDTUh%2BzWzGbR0UOQQdgc%3 D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_T8vs2yYQ

[BenAkenobi]

This soundtrack is breautiful. Very strong Still vibe. I love it.

Brutally beautiful?

[Lastentrance]

I saw the film a couple of nights ago. It's very close to being a great film, but there's a few flaws with the script that held it back. However I was more than happy to be in the world of the film for a couple of hours, and the technical team (especially Deakins) and cast (Colman is fabulous) are outstanding. In the context of the film this is one of their strongest scores. The opening shots paired with the 8am Christmas Eve are stunning, and the use of To Be Able to Fly, Procession and Empire of Light are perfectly paired and very moving in three very distinct ways. Highly recommend.

[bobbie solo]

what were the flaws in your eyes?

[Lastentrance]

what were the flaws in your eyes?

I feel there were too many separate pieces to the story that struggled to connect. There’s a moment that happens towards the end regarding the futures of both of the main characters that came out of nowhere and felt forced in to conclude the plot. I also didn’t completely buy the central relationship. It’s Mendes first script and from what I understand 95% of it is the first draft and it kind of shows. All that being said, it’s impressive if so much of it is that first draft as the sections that work, and there’s many of them, are incredibly powerful.

[TheBang]

This movie is streaming on HBO Max now.

[Ascender]

I heard a few similar criticisms from reviewers I trust when the movie first came out, but will give it a watch anyway as it still sounds from them and your post that there's some good stuff in there.

[Arcspiral]

Honestly, I loved the film but Sam Mendes is one of my favorite directors. The score plays a really prominent role throughout too so if you are a fan of the music, it's worth checking out.

I was a little apprehensive about TRAR doing the score for this as Thomas Newman has always done an incredible job with Mendes' films. Road to Perdition is an overlooked masterpiece which deserves far more recognition than it gets, both the film and Newman's fantastic score. I have to say though, the pairing worked well for Empire of Light. I really hope this gets a release on vinyl because it is certainly one of my favorite scores from TRAR, could be in the top three for me.

[Torso]

Hello, fellow NIN fans. Am I alone in thinking that the track "Empire of Light," from the soundtrack of the same name, is reminiscent of "A Warm Place" from The Downward Spiral?

[Leviathant]

I can confirm that the same people worked on both tracks, so there might be a connection there.

[Arcspiral]

Considering Empire of Light still hasn't been added to the discography page on the official site, I have very small expectations of this wonderful score ever receiving an official physical release which makes me sad.

Also, the official site is a total bummer right? When it launched in 2016 it was fun to read through all the descriptions of albums, etc. but they haven't updated anything in a few years now in that regard. For a band that has always put so much thought into presentation and detail, it surprises me that the official site is essentially a glorified tumblr page.

[muad'nin]

I’m late to the party, but this soundtrack has moments of utter, devastating beauty. It has some of TR&AR’s most transcendently stunning compositions. I feel so utterly blessed to live in a world where there is both a deep, rich catalogue of mainline NIN work, and a growing body of score work that is rivalling the band’s for its emotional impact and sheer scope.

How fucking lucky are we?

[trollmanen]

Considering Empire of Light still hasn't been added to the discography page on the official site, I have very small expectations of this wonderful score ever receiving an official physical release which makes me sad.

Also, the official site is a total bummer right? When it launched in 2016 it was fun to read through all the descriptions of albums, etc. but they haven't updated anything in a few years now in that regard. For a band that has always put so much thought into presentation and detail, it surprises me that the official site is essentially a glorified tumblr page.

I know it's a bit off topic, but I agree and disagree with your thoughts on the website. Yes, the website felt fresh when it re-launched back in 2016. Stark white, easy to navigate, minimalistic. But in 2023, I tend to feel like the purpose of the official NIN webpage is really just to share news, tour info, and host a webstore. Everything else is more than covered by the many fan run sites.

I'm not sure that the lack of updates to the webpage should signify any future plans for physical releases though. I do think it's a shame that this and the other scores haven't seen a CD release at least. Aside from Soul, the last one to receive a CD release was The Vietnam War back in 2016. Obviously vinyl as a format as a lot of logistical issues, which is why some people are starting to turn back to CD's because they're cheaper.

[muad'nin]

Hello, fellow NIN fans. Am I alone in thinking that the track "Empire of Light," from the soundtrack of the same name, is reminiscent of "Crystal Japan" from some random guy?

Nah nah nah my friend. I went ahead and fixed that right up for you. ;)

[Arcspiral]

Considering Empire of Light still hasn't been added to the discography page on the official site, I have very small expectations of this wonderful score ever receiving an official physical release which makes me sad.

They updated the Discography section of the site to include the TMNT score, but still no Empire of Light. Maybe there's more to the story than just negligence? I looked back and there was never any mention of the score on the homepage either. I wonder if something happened that essentially has stopped them from promoting this work? I'm glad that we did get the music though because Empire of Light is in my Top 3 scores by them. Hopefully it gets recognition someday.

[BRoswell]

They've got Patriots Day and Bird Box on there, so I can't see them excluding Empire Of Light too even if something happened behind the scenes. The fact that they still have the Patriots Day vinyl listed in the store as coming soon tells me that whoever is running the site isn't always the best at keeping up with things.

[Toadflax]

They updated the Discography section of the site to include the TMNT score, but still no Empire of Light. Maybe there's more to the story than just negligence? I looked back and there was never any mention of the score on the homepage either. I wonder if something happened that essentially has stopped them from promoting this work? I'm glad that we did get the music though because Empire of Light is in my Top 3 scores by them. Hopefully it gets recognition someday.

This is such a fascinating movie to me. It was set up to be a huge awards contender: Sam Mendes, Olivia Colman, Roger Deakins, Trent & Atticus. And then it was panned in reviews and overlooked during awards season. I think it's a perfectly fine movie, but it's almost like the potential was so great that the final product felt more disappointing to reviewers & awards committees than if it were made by a relatively unknown cast & crew.

I think it's pretty obvious Trent & Atticus don't really care about how well a movie does reviews/awards-wise, but it's possible they took the job as a bit of a hired gun / try out working with a new filmmaker gig, and when the movie wasn't looking like it was going to make the rounds, they just decided not to bother promoting it.

Also, they've gone from scoring one movie every year or two to scoring 2-3 movies most years, even when they've been touring. We're going to have to make peace with the fact that not every score is going to get a physical release or in some cases even much of a mention by the guys.

[BJM]

I do think it's a shame that this and the other scores haven't seen a CD release at least. Aside from Soul, the last one to receive a CD release was The Vietnam War back in 2016. Obviously vinyl as a format as a lot of logistical issues, which is why some people are starting to turn back to CD's because they're cheaper.

Ugh, I so want the expanded version of the Bird Box score, which isn't even on any service. I can't even buy that ridiculously expensive LP to get a download code, since it is sold out.

And of course I want a CD release for all the other scores that haven't gotten one. I want artwork, liner notes, a physical object,...

[Something Underneath]

This is such a fascinating movie to me. It was set up to be a huge awards contender: Sam Mendes, Olivia Colman, Roger Deakins, Trent & Atticus. And then it was panned in reviews and overlooked during awards season. I think it's a perfectly fine movie, but it's almost like the potential was so great that the final product felt more disappointing to reviewers & awards committees than if it were made by a relatively unknown cast & crew.

I think it's pretty obvious Trent & Atticus don't really care about how well a movie does reviews/awards-wise, but it's possible they took the job as a bit of a hired gun / try out working with a new filmmaker gig, and when the movie wasn't looking like it was going to make the rounds, they just decided not to bother promoting it.

Also, they've gone from scoring one movie every year or two to scoring 2-3 movies most years, even when they've been touring. We're going to have to make peace with the fact that not every score is going to get a physical release or in some cases even much of a mention by the guys.
I don't think you take a job with Sam Mendes as a hired gun,I'm sure they admired him as an artist. I mean they have taste in cinema lol. And the material was something that pushed them to new territory too. I can't guess why it's not promoted but I refuse to believe this is a gig taken for the sake of taking gigs(although I believe that above every movie they scored)

[Toadflax]

I don't think you take a job with Sam Mendes as a hired gun,I'm sure they admired him as an artist. I mean they have taste in cinema lol. And the material was something that pushed them to new territory too. I can't guess why it's not promoted but I refuse to believe this is a gig taken for the sake of taking gigs(although I believe that above every movie they scored)

Yeah, I mentioned working with Mendes as a no-brainer a couple pages back (or maybe in the general score thread, actually). What I meant was there are definitely cases of T&A being sought out directly by a filmmaker but probably also cases of them and a filmmaker being connected by a producer in a sort of “maybe try this pairing out” kind of a way. This could have been the latter.

Empire of Light would have been perfect for Mendes to use his usual composter Thomas Newman, but he was doing the next Pixar movie, so it could have been that they ended up swapping places. :)

[explodey]

Not sure if it's due to this thread, but notice Empire Of Light is now in the discography section. Wonder if a sign that the site is getting updated and they'll add to Mank links for vinyl and Bandcamp extended version, HEALTH single etc?

[blitzkrieg]

Not sure if it's due to this thread, but notice Empire Of Light is now in the discography section. Wonder if a sign that the site is getting updated and they'll add to Mank links for vinyl and Bandcamp extended version, HEALTH single etc?

Noticed that the work on Halsey LP is not mentionned as well in the misc section (while Saul Williams or Manson are).
Let's check in few days if these posts has been read.

[nmitchell86]

is there any confirmation that EofL is NULL14?

[fillow]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erg4kum0XK8