Although
the name Norman J. Warren may not be familiar to some of you, in the UK,
amongst cult horror aficionados, his name is synonymous with horror and
exploitation. Mostly working in the 1970s, he produced such dubious classics as
Satan’s Slave and the Stephanie
Beacham-starring Inseminoid.
Moscovitch
Music are a new independent British music label working to release some great
lost film music, and have produced a lavish CD, and limited edition vinyl LP,
featuring the soundtracks to two of Warren’s best loved movies; Terror (1978) and Prey (1977).
The
composer was the classically-trained composer Ivor Slaney, who at the time was
best known for creating orchestral music. He worked with Warren on both films to
create an unusual, experimental sound using mostly electronic instruments. They
also mixed sound effects into the music track on Terror, creating an odd, slightly discomforting experience. This
means that some tracks on the CD contain screams, wind effects, moaning, and
even dialogue. Along with the helpful track names, such as Carol Runs for Her
Life, Blood is Leaking From the Upstairs Room and Orgasmic Stripper, you can
really follow the plot even if you have never seen the film.
Prey, notorious for its
explicit lesbian sex scenes and cannibalism, is a somewhat neglected film, and
so this soundtrack release is very welcome. The music helps recreate the
claustrophobic atmosphere of the film, which essentially revolves around three
people; two lesbians and the alien invader. What begins as a possible love
triangle soon escalates to something altogether more sinister.
This
is a highly recommended release, both for the curious and those fans of 1970s
British horror. I am also reliably informed that Moscovitch are next planning a
release of film score music from the prolific jazz musician and composer John
Scott, which is eagerly anticipated. You can find the CD and vinyl edition on www.moviegrooves.com, click here for the specific page to order from.