The biZon EP is a curious oddity, a 17-minute score to the French zombie film “Michel”, that begins with hints of John Carpenter and ends with hints of Clint Mansell. (Thankfully “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, heard on the trailer in an elevator rendition, is not included.) As one might expect, the recording picks up speed and drama as it lurches forward on diseased legs. It may be short, but it’s also compact; many related projects are extended by thematic repetition and incidental music, viruses that do not plague biZon.
In composing the score, Preacherz of the Savage Truth call upon the history of film work, electronics and post-rock. “The Phoenix” begins in slightly cheesy fashion by featuring a drum machine, synthesizers and wet bass, referencing classic 70s horror films; the piece sets the mood, but fails to give an indication of the duo’s strengths. The dark and moody “No More Hope” drops the drums and adds a resonant keyboard motif; one can sense the splatter. But the EP really erupts with “Escape”, which lands between the worlds of post-rock and industrial. The drum programming references IDM, the bass echoes New Order, and the guitars churn like classic alt-rock. This combination of genre influences creates a swirl of drama that one suspects enhances the film.
Best of all is the brief closing track, “The Corridor”, available in the digital download but sadly not in the digipack. This selection adds strings, which pump the emotion up to the next level; the 16-note theme is reminiscent of the “Requiem for a Dream” theme, which over the past few years has enjoyed quite a shelf life in trailers and other commercials. A combination of live and programmed drums adds to the allure. Sometimes one good theme is all a musical act needs, and while this theme may be the Preacherz’ finest, it’s not all they’ve got. We look forward to hearing more. (Richard Allen)
a closer listen 