This week’s Soundtrack spotlight goes to the classic Dario Argento film; Phenomena.
A lot of the 70s and 80s Giallo and Italian horror films and certainly a lot of Dario Argento films have a signature progressive electronic sound, the reason for this is Claudio Simonetti's Goblin.
Goblin is an Italian prog rock band that are responsible for many of the soundtracks from the Italian Giallo and horror genres, with Claudio Simonetti having a close working relationship with Dario Argento and working on many of his films, including all instalments of the Three Mothers trilogy.
Some suggest that Phenomena was Argento's attempt to blend his Giallo and horror styles together which makes it a perfect introduction and example of the musical techniques employed in these films.
The opening credits gives is the first taste of that signature synth sound.
Some other great moments in the soundtrack is during Jennifer’s first sleepwalking scene leading up to the second death, Be the second sleepwalking scene, beginning in the same way as the first and then becoming a much more percussive rock sounding piece when Jennifer is following the firefly.
Completely contrasting from this is the very minimal bass pulsing during the scene in which professor McGregor gives Jennifer the sarcophaga fly, and the single tone drone during professor McGregor's death.
The minimalist drone style also creates really great tension during the scene in Frau Bruckner's house.
Once you have checked out this great movie you will be ready to jump into others from the genre!
All in all, Dario Argento films are worth a dive, and indeed so is Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin who often play their soundtracks live at film screenings.
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