CD Review: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: SEASON 2 - ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK
A dark science fiction show deserves a progressive psychedelic rock soundtrack mixed with rhythmic military percussion

GRADE: A

STARS: Composer: Bear McCreary
WRITER: n/a
DIRECTOR: n/a

RATING: NR
DISTRIBUTOR: La La Land Records

Published: 7/17/2006
By: DANIEL SCHWEIGER
Soundtrack Editor

The original STAR TREK showed sci-fi television as a wonderland of symphonic possibility, one as melodically rich as any score that was being done for the big screen. But while TREK had a bold, optimistic sound, then the work that Bear McCreary is doing for the Sci-Fi Channel’s BATTLESTAR GALACTICA is all about oppressiveness and foreboding, two emotional states that define our post-9/11 society as much as Kennedy optimism did during TREK’S first run.

But it’s this political appropriateness that makes the revisionist GALACTICA the best sci-fi show since STAR TREK with its sense of wonder and dread brilliantly played by McCreary since the show’s debut.

While the first season used groundbreaking minimalism and ethnic instruments BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: SEASON 2 shows just how far McCreary is progressing in his quest for new musical possibilities. While his percussive minimalism and ethnic styling’s are very much on hand, Season 2 brings in a beautifully felt orchestra, psychedelic rock stylings, mythic vocals and a propulsive military beat among its many rhythmic diversions.

While GALACTICA'S space is very dark indeed, McCreary’s approach always sings with possibility. And just like the original sound of TREK, McCreary’s approach is just as adventurous and exciting as anything that’s being heard inside of a cinema.