Mastodon‘s first foray into the world of film scoring was surely a trial by fire experience. Film studio politics saw the bands original work with composer John Powell curtailed thanks to reshoots, scheduling issues and a change in the films tone. The revisions also meant that the group had to rework their contributions while on tour – a move that surely distracted them from reaching their full potential.
The troubled production and creative differences no doubt impacted Mastodon‘s output; as did their eventual pairing with composer Marco Beltrami, who wound up overseeing the score to its completion. In fact the band were quick to point out in recent interviews that while their initial sessions for the undertaking were largely aggressive, the final versions were subdued in order to reach Beltrami‘s vision.
Given the turbulence behind the score alone, not to mention the films low box office, it seems a bit odd that some of the groups contributions would surface a a standalone EP. And yet here it is, four tracks from the score along with two additional alternate (and admittedly more interesting) versions.
To put it bluntly though, those looking for the relentless progressive complexity the outfit have come to be known for will not find their hunger satiated here. The ravages of the band being molded by outside sources are readily apparent as the included material features the core Mastodon aesthetic, but little of its expansive vision.
Ringing chords, some subtle percussion and a few mild churning riffs make up the bulk of the material with “Indian Theme” bearing the closest resemblance to a standard Mastodon track. The rest is more or less Mastodon with a leash on, faint glimpses of struggle allow them to get away with a crunchy riff here or an ominous squeal there only to be quickly reigned in a moment later.
It’s by no means an uninspired venture, but one that feels forcibly domesticated, with the band almost sounding as though they are being shoehorned into a vision not entirely their own. Sadly in the end, much like the film itself, fanboys only need apply.
