Last of the Dogmen

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

It wasn't Stargate that got people hooked on the bombastic style of David Arnold but Independence Day. Of course after that score, the people in film music land began exploring the markets about whatever that sounded as good as that. And between those two up mentioned scores was the answer. Last of the Dogmen is once more David Arnold doing what he does best, giving the score an epic feel, a powerful sound and a pleasure that would make any fan feel lucky. The score is in fact sort of John Barry territory, at least it would have been that 10 years ago. Yet, would Barry have scored this then it wouldn't have gotten this immense orchestral rush, after all Arnold is a master with bombastic soundtracks and luckily Last of the Dogmen shows why he is the best of his profession, at least in this line of work.

We perhaps were not aquatinted with the score, after the listen you soon realize that this score has all the power that both Stargate and Independence Day offered. The main theme itself is as epic as it is powerful. It receives the fullest side of attention during the entire score, 'Last of the Dogmen' is a good example. Yet what mostly sets this score on fire is the relentless pace of the score's action pieces, the following are 'War Party', 'Medicine Running' and 'Faith & Courage' which offer powerhouse variations on the main theme. These parts of the score are fantastic and a true joy. But also there is a more romantic touch to this score, still brought to life in the fullest Americana way in the first track as 'Cheyenne Valley'. And last but not least, the fanfares that continue to show themselves will send fans back to the glory moments of Stargate. So any fan that enjoyed that score (uh... meaning everyone in the world) will simply see Last of the Dogmen as pure entertainment. Also, James Horner admirers who thought the world of Legends of the Fall (uh... meaning everyone in the world) will like this one too.

The wilderness feeling and setting is perfectly evoked and David Arnold is completely satisfied, movie and fan are in seventh heaven. Sometimes it is that easy to be satisfied about what people can bring. Barry fans who look forward at a powerful epic sweep will also enjoy Last of the Dogmen, it has the epic feel of a Barry score but more importantly the bombast of an Arnold one. After Independence Day followed Godzilla (another treat of a score) and later true Barry territory. This is of course no true surprise, all they needed to do was listen to this soundtrack and be realistic about the odds of luck. The Bond producers hired Arnold for his skills, his Barry trademarks on occasions, his experience with guitar and pop music and mostly because he is one of today's hottest young composers working in the show business of big money and glamour.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Last Of The Dogmen (3.16) Excellent Track

2. The Wilderness (1.50) Excellent Track

3. Somebody's Out There (2.46)

4. The First Arrow (1.49)

5. The Story Of Jacko (1.42)

6. War Party (3.05)

7. Medicine Run (2.50)

8. Cheyenne Valley (2.46)

9. The County Line (1.59)

10. The Truth (2.12)

11. Go In A Good Way (1.57) Excellent Track

12. Leaving Forever (3.58) Excellent Track

13. Faith & Courage (3.55)

14. The Last Arrow (1.54)

Total Length: 36.28

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: David Arnold ===