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Various Artists Human Traffic Soundtrack Presented by the Essential Selection 'The weekend has landed' and with it, the soundtrack for this Summer's most influential and probably controversial film. If a powerful soundtrack indicates a good film, Human Traffic is going to be a sharp-witted and fast-moving film. Based on one Jip Travolta's weekend adventures, addled with chemicals, the soundtrack leaps from one extreme to another; from throbbing beats to dazed pulsing. There are many recognisable talents contributing tracks; Fatboy Slim, his adversary Admand van Helden, Public Enemy and Carl Cox, not to mention Orbital and Primal Scream. Build It Up, Tear It Down is not the best track from Fatboy Slim's recent album but it's by the far the most appropriate for Human Traffic; subtle, effective beats building up with a resounding chorus. Van Helden's Flowerz is a beautiful Summery tune, standing out above the rest, particularly for the in-depth Star Wars discussion that precedes it. Orbital's Belfast is a favourite, a stirring individual track, gently unfolding itself. There are also many uncommon names; Dillinja, Quake and System F all contribute unusual, captivating tracks. Dillinja's Never Believe twinkles ever so gently but lodges itself firmly in your head. System F's Out of the Blue is a pulsating but irritating anthem with wailing vocals and equally striking vocals. The tracks which fail to impact as hoped are somewhat surprising; Public Enemy's beat heavy You're Gonna Get Yours thins out towards the end, losing power. Pete Heller's Atlanta is vague, random palpitations stuck together rather loosely. Lucid's Scared and Jacknife Lee's Cookies are confused and aimless from the very beginning. Similarly Durango's and Energy 52's offerings. Perhaps they'll have more effect within the film itself, but as regular album tracks without the dialogue excerpts, they're disappointing. The overall effect of the soundtrack can be both releasing and unnerving at times, obviously representing the emotions Jip experiences during his weekend in 'never never land'. Sadly the impression it gives of the film is that Human Traffic tries too hard to be Trainspotting 2, so badly it smarts. And if the soundtrack is anything to go by, that's not a good sign. 6/10 Maddie Cross |
