Grandiose color awaits the lucky listener who tunes into Daniel Pemberton's score for Desperate Romantics, a sensational soundtrack that is sure to put a bounce in your step and a twinkle in your eye. Produced by the BBC, this series depicts the lives of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (19th century artists responsible for some of the most famous paintings of their generation) and given the subject matter, the show seemed to require a strong, melodic presence to shape it's form musically. Well, it is our good fortune that Daniel got the call because he musters up unabashed enthusiasm that translates immensely well to the listening experience.
Though Desperate Romantics is not a series that I expect many here in the United States are aware of, the lack of awareness shouldn't get in the way of a score fan's quest for memorable music. Much like the high-energy of Murray Gold's Doctor Who scores, Daniel embraced the unique needs of this particular show to deliver a series of remarkable cues that painted quite an impression of its own on me. Shedding the type of restrictions that hold most scores back, there is a creative freedom here that leads to a type of openness not typically heard in today's television music. Highly melodic, the cues from this score touch on a variety of different color palettes, all of which keeps the interest level high and the enjoyment factor brimming at peak levels. Can you tell I loved this score?
The composer himself, Daniel Pemberton, is one that I had been tuning into from time to time over the past few years. Some of his recent albums made quite a lasting impression on me, like his work on the BBC television series, Heroes and Villains, which is masterfully composed and definitely worth your time to check out. Desperate Romantics, however, takes this appreciation to an even higher level since the music is so fresh and charming, offering unlimited possibilities, as it were. For me, when you stride from track to track eagerly awaiting the next surprise (yet not wanting the current cue to end), then you have a score that is indeed worth cherishing and revisiting!
The Desperate Romantics soundtrack is currently available on iTunes and offers 27 dandy tracks for your enjoyment, a length that is set up as an ideal running time (no single cue is either too long or too brief). Going into it, simply keep an open mind and prepare to be taken on a terrific musical trek... it's a journey you won't soon forget.
My compliments (and gratitude) goes out to Daniel for creating such a wonderful work of art. The Brotherhood would be most proud.
