Clémentine Charuel's original score for Meurtres à Mont-de-Marsan is released via Plaza Mayor Company Ltd. In the depths of the Landes forest, a runner discovers the body of a man in his sixties which lies submerged in a spring reputed to have miraculous properties. The crime scene is surrounded by multicolored fabrics and strangely arranged candles. Gendarmerie Commander Soline Plassin and her young deputy Adam Tudoret are brought in to investigate...

Clémentine Charuel's work for Meurtres à Mont-de-Marsan is a master class in how to deliver suspense and mystery and draw the listener in immediately.

The album contains 18 tracks (31 min, 40 sec) and blends electronic textures with orchestral writing. The end result sees a score that creates an atmosphere that is both unsettling and intriguing. Its themes unfold gradually throughout the album, revealing moments of light and emotion. Even if you haven't seen the television movie this was composed for, you'll still have visions and imagery dancing around in your head. Charuel knows how to build a scene with music - delivering both melancholic and unsettling set pieces.

Notable tracks include the upbeat 'Basket', which stands out as being different in tone from the rest of the album. The unsettling, otherworldly 'Expiate' and 'Ducourneau' both build suspense. 'Palombiere' adds an element of wonder and exploration. Meanwhile, 'Zach' offers an off-kilter horror element.

I know this is one soundtrack I'll return to time and time again. It's packed with hidden little nuggets and strong, memorable themes.

8

Darren Rea