Nicolas Snyder's original score for the series Common Side Effects is available via Milan Records. The Adult Swim show follows what happens after a mysterious healing mushroom is discovered. Marshall and Frances, two former high school lab partners share a secret: Marshall has discovered the world’s greatest medicine, a mushroom that can heal almost anything. But getting it out into the world won’t be easy - the DEA, big pharma, and international businessmen are all on the chase to stop them...

The score for Common Side Effects contains 24 tracks (40 min, 44 sec) and houses a wonderfully reflective collection of themes. 'Blue Angel', for example has a subtle, hypnotic opening, before launching into electronic chaos. It then returns to the choral harmony of the opening segment. Likewise, 'Upside Down Elephant Rock' has a hypnotic theme which draws you.

What I started to realise, pretty early on, is that each track is it's own mini work of art; it's own self contained score.

It's very much an eclectic collection of set pieces, which feel a little unsettling at times. 'Strange Zones', for example, slowly builds up the tension and suspense with its rather "out there" vibe. But, as with the majority of the tracks here, it's grounded in traditional composition disciplines, making for an interesting listen.

Even if you've never seen the show, I'd advise you to pick this up if you're a collector of beautifully structured thematic scores.

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Darren Rea