Not sure how this one slipped through the cracks. Perhaps because it's a score from a film that wasn't a vast, commercial success or maybe it's due to the fact that it was a limited release that kept it off the radar. In either case, "Sahara" by Clint Mansell is a score lover's dream,
Combining the best of the John Barry and David Arnold worlds, Mansell delivers a brand of music that clearly affirms his own musical identity. In it, we're given jazzy, smooth sounding action music that best fits a film of this genre along with african motifs that give the score a very specific focus.
The score begins with a derivative of the main theme minus the jazz influences that pick up a bit later in the score. From the first few notes I could tell that this was going to be a very compelling soundtrack to listen to. The diversity that it offers is also a treat as soon after the main theme, we're given a delightful, upbeat native song that is colorful to listen to.
When looking at the broad scope of "Sahara," one doesn't need to go further than noting the fantastic delivery of action music that it's filled with. The best way I can describe it is that it's cohesive, well-paced and quite engaging. You won't find any complicated secondary themes or electronic experiments when hearing these cues, spread out through the majority of the score. It's in unison and feels like a breath of fresh air.
Earlier in the review, I referenced both Barry and Arnold as being solid reference points for this score. I did not do that to take anything away from Mansell. It's merely an ode to let everyone know that this is the type of quality we're dealing with. I've watched his career from afar, but after this effort, I'm tuning in more closely because I think an effort like this should cast him on everyone's focus screen.
Lastly, the length of this soundtrack is perfectly ample. Usually, I find that when a score runs too long (mostly between 55 and 65 minutes) that a lot of music should have been cast aside for a better listening experience. That's not the case here, and in fact, I was soaking up every moment of the score. That's how good it is.
Final Score: For an adventurous, spirited journey, "Sahara" should be deemed required listening for modern soundtrack enthusiasts as it brings home an action score with a lot of energy and momentum.
