CD review
Composed by John Williams
Concord
Release date Out now

Soundtrack to the latest whipcracking adventure…

Considering that the Indy movies boast one of the most distinctive theme tunes in cinema, it’s hard to see where a new soundtrack could go wrong – especially with John Williams back on board. Sadly, the music for archaeologist’s newest adventure is a crushing disappointment, with a bland collection of new themes put to shame by reprises of the classic motifs such as the Ark, Marion’s theme and, of course, the rousing Raiders March.

The saving grace of the new material is Irina’s theme which at least conveys the weird, supernatural qualities of the character. Mutt’s theme is suitably sprightly and upbeat, but the problem with this and most of the other tracks is that they just aren’t memorable. Even the action sequences lack a distinctive sound, with Williams going for bombast over drama.

Listen again to the Raiders score and you’ll notice the great skill he showed in punctuating the action with appropriate music – it’s a skill that has deserted him on this occasion. Adam Herman

VERDICT: 3/10
A disappointing effort from a composer who is capable of so much more.

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