About the Soundtrack: "Last Chance Harvey" is by newcomer Dickon Hinchliffe, a composer that very well might have been involved in many other features before but is someone who I have just heard of for the first time with this score. With that said, the term 'newcomer' might very well be a relative one. The soundtrack that features his work (15 score cues out of 17) is released by Lakeshore Records and is a splendidly produced album. While some tracks are extremely short in length, the album as a whole is still enjoyable even with its brevity.
What You Need to Know: Moderately received as a delicate and effective piece of cinema, "Last Chance Harvey" is a film that has a sweet side to it. This is also reflected in Hinchliffe's score, a light orchestral journey full of charming melodies and reflective motifs. While there is always a chance that a score like this can tread on generic sounds, Hinchliffe's music is written well enough to stand on its own identity without resorting to bland notes or filler music. I always preach that each and every film score should have its own unique voice and this one most certainly does.
To enjoy this soundtrack, you'll have to know going in that this is an effort that remains on the lighter side of things. There are a few moments when the orchestra gets pepped up, such as in "Taxi to the Airport," but by and large, this is a score developed with a classical, soft, and dramatic touch in mind. Hinchliffe captures a certain sense of warmth in his writing and it translates very well onto the album. He also fairs well in his writing for piano as the instrument is utilized in several cues to good effect, often evoking a sentimental touch when heard.
Aiding the appeal of the album are the performances by the musicians and the recording itself, which are both of high quality. Indeed, sometimes when the world of electronic samples become a bit tiresome, it's quite nice to hear a classically inspired score like this to recharge one's self. Add to that the melodic style of the music and the warmth that it conveys, than you have an easy time of soundtrack listening ahead of you.
Final Score: "Last Chance Harvey" is a catchy score that will appeal to listeners who find themselves on the more restrained side of the soundtrack world. If there had been another 10 minutes tacked onto the soundtrack, than this would be a release that would have checked in with a higher mark. With this, buying this album makes sense if the purchase price is in the $9 to $11 range.
