FRESH SPINS
Two gems to improve your moodle…
THE BOY AND THE HERON
★★★★★
Melancholy and minimalism are the key notes of Joe Hisaishi’s Studio Ghibli return. Gentle piano notes dominate on Ask Me Why, setting the score’s querulous tone. Cues such as Farewell and Memories are careful wonders, soft and inquisitive, any embellishments of strings and horns administered with pinpoint precision. As grander elements are added, Hisaishi builds steadily towards a sense of sweetly sorrowed finality with The Last Smile, its grace notes subtly, surely earned.
WONKA
★★★★★
After contributions to Doctor Who, LOLA and more, Neil Hannon brings winning reserves of wit and whimsy to Willy. AHatful of Dreams makes exposition extravagant, while Sweet Tooth high-kicks off with showtune exuberance. Best of all, For a Moment and AWorld of Your Own render uplift and poignancy with ease. Timothée Chalamet’s effortless vocals and Joby Talbot’s twinkly score also charm, adding dustings of pure delight to Hannon’s sweet, warm songs.
STUDIOCANAL; WATERTOWER MUSIC; STUDIO GHIBLI