Eban Schletter is a masterful composer and multi-instrumentalist. He has been involved with numerous television shows, the Academy Awards and several feature films. What Schletter is most known for is his work with comedic shows (Spongebob Squarepants) and his spontaneity. Working with David Lee Fisher in the 2005 remake of the silent movie horror classic, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Schletter expanded his already talented repertoire and created a disturbing and darkly expressionistic soundtrack.
For those that are unfamiliar with the film, it was from the 1920’s and one of the first horror movies ever made. Tim Burton credits this film as one of his inspirations, as do many others. When David Lee Fisher began the project of remaking the movie, there was much resistance to the idea. Eban Schletter’s soundtrack is now available for the first time. After listening to it nonstop for several days, I can tell you it was entirely worth the wait.
“Tale of Woe” begins with an ethereal electronic wisp of sound that builds and carries you into the mist of uncertain terrain. Schletter uses the Theremin to create an eerie stage of anticipation. Wind instruments, violin and crow calls come together to induce a subtle unease. This blends right in to the “Carnival of Hidden Terrors.” You are there. You hear the clomping of horse’s feet as they go by the tent you are standing next to. An accordion is playing nearby. Suddenly, the mood turns darker as Schletter unleashes his Theremin. The beating of a heart can be heard. Is it yours? There is a swirling, off beat pulse that meets your ears. Whispering all around you as the dark music plays. Bird calls and deeply rooted drum beats create a feeling of stark terror. Chimes echo and there is a sharp intake of breath. What is there? Who is it? Light piano flutters past like a ghost. Drums beat and your pulse pounds as the beating of your heart grows louder. Terror envelops you. Your eyes widen. A heavy drum beat slams into you as the music spins into a crescendo of fear.
“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” takes off where the “Carnival of Terror” left off. The whispering voices are all around you. Beating drums pound out a heartbeat and the wind is whispering through the trees. Crickets chirp and the sounds of birds calling and outdoor noises creep into your conscious mind. The drums get deeper and deeper, with a cacophony of noises that pulls the song into an off kilter frenzy. The bird and animal noises dim and soar upward into a dark vortex of emptiness that sounds like a great maw opening up to swallow you whole.
Eban Schletter has created a dark masterpiece with his soundtrack to The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. His neo-retro and very creepy style are expressive and theatrical. He makes you feel like you are in a carnival of terror or in a patch of woods that is coming alive even as you stand there in horror, waiting for who knows what to emerge from the shadows. Using bird sounds, carnival noises and ominous twists throughout the album, you never know where the music will take you. The blending of multiple instruments, the Theremin and the use of natural sound is what makes this soundtrack feel so alive. The harmonies and composition is flawless. This is the perfect album if you want something dark and brooding. Just make sure you sleep with the lights on.
Key Tracks-Tale of Woe, Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Carnival of Terror
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Staff
September 24, 2011