Since
Electric Youth's music is often described as cinematic -- and rightfully so, considering that their breakthrough came with their appearance on the Drive soundtrack -- it makes sense that they'd try their hand at a film score.
Austin Garrick and Bronwyn Griffin composed the music for Breathing, a film by Anthony Scott Burns (who also makes music as
Pilotpriest), but when he left the project, they took their score with them and released it on Milan Records. That this is music from a lost film only increases its mystique, but on its own terms,
Breathing transforms
Electric Youth's atmospheric synth pop into an evocative score that speaks to listeners' imaginations. With its winding, slightly spooky melody, "This Was Our House" sets the tone for the rest of
Breathing. Elsewhere, "It's Them" hovers somewhere between menace and innocence; though the stately mystery of "Machine 2.0" and poignancy of "Nic's Theme" are easier to define, they're just as intriguing. Any fears that the duo's style is too delicate to be scary abate with "Here It Is," which sets ominous bass and synths to a crunching beat that sounds like footsteps.
Breathing also presents the duo's versions of several 2010s musical trends: The title track's insistent piano and strings call to mind
John Carpenter; the strobing synths of "New Things" suggest
Johnny Jewel's many projects; and
Angelo Badalamenti's influence makes itself known on "In the Air Two" and "Ether." On the handful of tracks with vocals,
Electric Youth prove their pop skills haven't diminished since
Innerworld. "Still My Love" is just as hazy and neon-lit as "A Real Hero," while "Where Did You Go" bridges
Breathing's mystery with more familiar territory. The score's generous length allows
Electric Youth's creativity to wander and flow; while its second half is slightly less distinctive because it features several reprises,
Breathing is still an impressive first score and lovely companion piece to
Innerworld, even if it's not the official follow-up to it. ~ Heather Phares