Words: Saam Das
Composer John Murphy is responsible for some of the most iconic film soundtracks in recent memory, including 'Kick-Ass' and '28 Days Later'. He's released a new EP, led by 'Strobe', an extended version of the track that appeared on the 'Kick-Ass' soundtrack. Its origins however lie with the incredible 'Sunshine (Adagio In D Minor)', remastered not too long ago, and always worth revisiting.
The track comes from Danny Boyle's 2007 'Sunshine', a fine sci-fi film whose awe-inspiring scenes are elevated by the soundtrack delivered by Underworld and Murphy. The undoubted highlight is Murphy's 'Sunshine (Adagio In D Minor)', hence its reworking across other scores and numerous adverts - perhaps surprisingly not actually used in its own film's trailer.
It's difficult to articulate just what makes 'Sunshine (Adagio In D Minor)' so engrossingly atmospheric. Perhaps it's the slow build. Perhaps it's the soaring strings. Perhaps it's the relatively understated nature of the piano amid the epic scale of the production. I'm not sure. It all just comes together in such a majestic fashion. 'Strobe' goes down a different route but is certainly worth its own listen, much like the rest of the 'Sunshine' soundtrack.
Find more info and purchase the 'Strobe' EP at johnmurphyofficial.com.