I've always had an interest in the works of Philip Glass. His unique approach to scoring projects seem to always yield interesting results and I have often found his music to translate well apart from the motion picture. With "Roving Mars," I had high expectations going in as I thought that this was a genre that Glass would excel in, with an opportunity to write mysterious, other-worldly music for the Mars mission. It was not to be, however, as "Roving Mars " played out as a routine score.
The album begins with a traditionally composed theme from Glass, asking the listener to show patience and accept the steady flow of notes as the music builds. While this technique has been successful in the past, there isn't enough of a payoff with this main theme at any point in the score to make it work. It seems to meander about and doesn't really probe the uncertain depths that the martian landscape could offer. Although I haven't seen the picture, I would have hoped that there would have been ample opportunity for Glass to explore the musical frontiers that the planet had to offer.
The score drifts from one track into another and never really connects successfully. Although there are some cues that brandish a playful motif to represent the rover, and still other moments that hint at mysteries of space exploration, the album primarily seems to be lacking an identifiable personality. There was never any point for me that solidified this as a unique, memorable entity. It's a pity, too, because you can review Glass' amazing track record and think that this was the type of project that would have produced stellar results.
Overall, this is the type of score that should be looked into by only the most serious of Philip Glass fans. There are moments that tease the ears with his excellence, but they are only fleeting. Factor in a moderate running time and you have a disc that should be purchased by aficionados only.
Final Score: "Roving Mars" lacks the thrills and magic of discovering new frontiers, thus, making it a forgettable experience.
