Album Review: Various - Frankenweenie Unleashed!

The soundtrack to Tim Burton's latest film, Frankenweenie Unleashed! is an eclectic compilation of established artists, including the likes of Passion Pit, Grouplove, Kimbra and Robert Smith. This collection of predominantly indie/alternative artists is true in fitting with Burton's eccentric, masterfully created animated motion picture. There are incessant themes of love, acceptance, understanding and incidentally, resurrection, of course. Beautiful, breezy and climatic soundscapes are of abundance, flourishing within the whimsical subject matter of the film.

Opening track, Strange Love by Karen O, bursts with a childlike energy, her voice breaks over a smorgasbord of sound, including, of course, some distorted dog barking. This is followed by Electric Tree's Electric Heart (Stay Forever); like a defibrillator, it breathes a whole new life into the album, however, still retaining that charm. Almost There is a blissful pop gem, crafted with electronic percussion, completely expectant of Passion Pit. Kimbra's With My Hands, which has received a lot of airplay, sees the Kiwi songstress deliver a percussion-driven pop offering, bursting with her usual eccentric pop styling.

Halfway through, the album takes a turn down a darker path. Immortal by Kerli is piano-driven, but sees her vocals drift over brooding, surging guitar riffs. Grace Potter's My Mechanical Friend was written specifically for the film, but what makes it even more special is the fact it features The Flaming Lips, who worked their wizardry with the instrumentation. Grouplove's addition, Underground, follows suit and keeps up the dark dismal themes. Robert Smith's Witchcraft is menacingly haunting; loaded with spooky organs and broken brass instruments, over which his spider-like vocals creep. This album is well worth a listen, truly fitting with the film.