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Music Reviews:

Perseverance Records – 2005

Made in the early 80’s on a very low budget, THE DEADLY SPAWN was a little sci-fi horror film that featured amateur acting, some questionable special effects but was high an ambition. Michael Perilstein does his best to support the story of alien creatures invading a household in a small town. His score focuses on science fiction (space ships, alien invaders) and is creepy at the same time.

Michael Perilstein creates directional synthesized sound effects for the first cue "The Landing Of The Meteorite." The second track "Afternoon Of A Spawn" is probably my favorite on the soundtrack. A beautiful haunting flute plays over an airy atmosphere soft keyboard whispering. High-pitched keyboard lines are mixed with military drumming for "All The Slithers Is Not Good." The keyboard sound of "They Are Creeping Right Along" reminded me at times of Jay Chattaway’s MANIAC score.

"Spawn With The Wind" is breezy, free flowing piece with bass and soft keyboard melody. Screeching haunted house synthesized stingers begin "Let’s Spawn," which feels like fun haunted house music. The keyboard of "Here Today, Spawn Tomorrow" reminds me of the smooth groove of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The soft Doors like percussion helps reinforce this feel.

Cymbals clash out of "Spawn Lake" as a chilling organ plays under the main dark synth line. These musical layers are wonderful elements for a 80’s horror score. "The Spawn Who Came In From The Cold" has some nasty sound effects. Flute is back for "The Deadly Spawn (End Theme)" which has rock drum percussion to spice up the feel.

"Spawn, But Not Forgotten" is a twelve and a half minute suite based on the themes from THE DEADLY SPAWN, as well as the would-be sequel. The first part incorporates a jazzier musicality along with a touch of hip-hop percussion and bottom heavy bass. Then the track goes into a more romantic feel, ending up with the flute again.

The linear notes are really fun to read and made me laugh a few times. The second paragraph says it all, "Looking like a giant penis with teeth, the deadly spawn begins to come to life, eating everything in sight – in spite of the fact that it has no eyes and therefore cannot see."

I give Perseverance Records high marks for creating a stellar looking CD and for giving us the chance to enjoy the music of THE DEADLY SPAWN.

www.perseverancerecords.com