Author: Graydon, Danny
Date published: November 1, 2011
DRIVE
Cliff Martinez/Various Artists (Lakeshore)
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
The ethereal, metallic soundscapes that have becOmeCliffMartinez's signature receive an industrial edge for this vivid neo-noir about a stunt driver (Ryan Gosling) who moonlights as a "wheelman" for heists in LA. With an '80s vibe set up by the opening five synth-pop tracks, there's a Tangerine Dream quality to main character theme Rubber Head and Hammer. Yet the most intriguing aspect is how Martinez underscores the plot's violence with quietly ebbing soundscapes featuring industrial tones (Skull Crushing, On The Beach) that blur the boundaries between film music and sound design. Overall, it's measured with precision and it's hugely atmospheric. DG ****
