I think it is high time someone released an official score for the music to the video game Lair – by John Debney. There is a demo going around that a friend was so kind as to loan me a year or so ago.
This is a powerhouse score that is epic both in scope and execution. It rates right up there with Debney’s other masterwork – Cutthroat Island – surpasses it in fact. Debney has a true connection to the works of the golden age composers who fashioned music that soared over a film, instead of being hidden under its surface. A prime example of which is his elevating the visuals of Cutthroat Island’s pirate adventure from standard B fare to something the likes of Waxman or Kaper would have been proud of is simply amazing.
Lair, the game, holds not much interest to me, as I’m not much of a game fan. The music is the key. The thing that games (and animation to some extent) allow a composer to do is to break free from the constraints put on them by live action directors, and create a scene or the emotional core with the music. The action or drama follows the music - the visuals are along for the ride. Such is his score to Lair.
Full choir and orchestra are utilized to their utmost to create locations and battles one can visualize through the power of the performances. Haunting melody and fast-paced action cues abound in this lush piece. If only recent movie scores lived up to this kind of reputation – or if Debney himself was allowed to compose to his fullest in the features he is assigned, rather than relegated to the likes of the latest Hannah Montana feature (no offense as he also scores comedy quite well.)
If you have never heard any tracks – there is a review here and a sample of the main title:
http://tracksounds.com/reviews/lair_pro ... debney.htm
I humbly submit my request for an expanded (or complete) release of this fantastic score.
-EB
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