THE latest release from alternative duo Cat’s Eyes comes as a collection of original compositions in the soundtrack for Peter Strickland’s upcoming film, The Duke of Burgundy. The soundtrack offers a contrast to the band’s self-titled debut as they swap alternative electro pop for haunting and baroque-inspired orchestral compositions.
The Duke of Burgundy follows a butterfly professor’s S&M relationship with her lover. The film has been praised by critics for both its substantial and judgement free narrative and the film’s 19th century production design; a substance and imagery that is perfectly captured within Cat’s Eyes’ original score.
The eponymous credit song ‘opens with a soft and atmospheric mix of flutes, acoustic guitars, harpsichord and wispy vocals. The piece casually changes between major and minor melodies, introducing a texture that is consistent throughout the soundtrack. By jumping between the two tonalities, the opening credit song encapsulates the mixed emotions of the film’s S&M storyline.
Much like a soundtrack should, the album emulates the progression of a story. The use of woodwind instrumentation in the third track ‘Moth’ invokes a sense of innocence, with the flutter-tonguing signifying the recurring motif of butterflies within the film. The track is then followed by ‘Door No.1’ which offers a darker and more sinister sound gained through its effective use of oboe; creating contrast and emulating the mixed emotion theme.
The album’s closing track ‘Coat of Arms’ utilises strings and choral vocals, resulting in three minutes of haunting and atmospheric perfection reminiscent of Danny Elfman or Angelo Badalamenti.
Although this is the band’s second album, The Duke of Burgundy is a soundtrack with a level of skill and maturity far beyond their years. Being comprised of The Horrors’ Faris Badwan and operatic vocalist Rachel Zeffira, the unlikely pairing has allowed the band’s unique sound. With the harpsichord and flute instrumentation setting the imagery, the electronic and classical backgrounds of the respective members has resulted in a soundtrack fraught with eerie claustrophobic tension and emotional substance.
Although the soundtrack may complement the film’s visuals and narrative, the hints of John Barry, Mozart and Goldfrapp’s Tales of Us make The Duke of Burgundy an outstanding stand-alone album. It is available now on both digital and 12” formats via RAF and Caroline Records.