Whispers: An Elephant's Tale (Promo)

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

There was a time Trevor Rabin was associated with Hans Zimmer's way of life. Probably because he worked extensively with composers Mark Mancina and Harry Gregson-Williams (Ex MV composers). And probably because in those days his music sounded similar to what was assumed as Media Ventures music. Alas MV doesn't exist anymore and Rabin has gone on separate ways, like all the others, bringing him to his roots in Whispers: An Elephant's Tale. A long forgotten Disney production about elephants in the wild and a growing up infant named Whispers. How Trevor Rabin was attached to the project is unsure but he still went for what was natural and his promo release of Whispers defines that he surely has tackled his roots firmly and strong. In the score only similarities remind you of the Rabin we know and the score comes down being a pleasant reminder of Power of One, Lion King and Medicine Man and with the Rabin influences (ala theme and certain constructions) to make you believe it is still him composing it. But what I find so enticing about the whole score is that it oozes Hans Zimmer all over it. And if you remind yourself how Hans Zimmer was praised for his work on A World Apart, and especially Power of One and Lion King, I feel it is unfair to exclude Rabin of it because he made it equally spiritual in the African sense. And in the best possible sound quality and over an hour's worth of music, Whispers: An Elephant's Tale will surely please those that were fond of Zimmer's African sent. The first tracks give you a firm idea that Rabin surely has what it takes, 'Main Titles' bringing rattles, flutes and his usual likeable theme with African singing, its as relaxing and pleasing as Coming to America and Lion King that preceded it. In 'Whispers' the vocal singing expands with a playful ending while 'The New Baby' just rebirths Medicine Man in all its ethnicity. 'The Longest Night' even further shows Zimmer's voice in all this, when Rabin brings exactly what Zimmer did before him, in the exact manner and tone.

With 'Fix Groove' the electronic accompaniment that is there as well becomes a bit apparent and especially in 'The Smell of Takers' this sounds like Rabin in all its threatening tone. However, he adds a playful air to it as well in 7, 8 and 10, guiding his main theme and playful theme around Whisper's adventures. 'Place of Takers' even has a bit of room for light emotions, when it swells into a lovely string (synthesized) led finish. With 'The Bull' its back to Medicine Man basics and racing percussion and threatened vocals lead the dance in 'Attack of Buffalo', further heightened by Rabin's flood of electronics that scare you, in all the right directions. The main theme flourishing in 'Birds' is all to make you happy once again before 'A Brave Deed' and 'Fire' set up the action compartment again with first attacking score of fear and percussive danger, but in the midst Rabin adds his layers of synths to it to make it even more powerful then it already is, trust me it sounds so much more meaningful then plainly described here. With a bit of sweetness in 'We have to Find her' we end the score with the emotional theme in wonderful fashion once more. With 'The Great River', 'Groove in Trouble' and especially the long 'The Stand' Rabin pulls out all the last tricks, delivering us some real fine moments (main theme, emotional theme) to show Rabin's music best of all. But its the mere fact Rabin makes me believe I'm in Africa and the mere reason his synths don't do the score any harm that place Whispers: An Elephant's Tale surely amongst his better efforts. Naturally many people haven't heard much of it but it are these mere creations that bring back the joy of renewal then Rabin's more anticipated action scores of blockbuster cinema. Whispers is surely not new to the ears but it brings forth lots more pleasure then say some that came after it. And because he goes African I have every reason to pinpoint out he did really well.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Titles (4.36) Excellent Track

2. Whispers (6.07)

3. The New Baby (1.47)

4. The Longest Night (3.02)

5. The Longest Night Part 2 (1.05)

6. Fix Groove (1.50)

7. Dysfunctional Sisters (3.30)

8. Grove (1.44)

9. The Smell Of Takers (1.08)

10. Dysfunctional Sisters Part 2 (1.23)

11. Princess (0.55)

12. Place Of Takers (4.46)

13. The Bull (1.23)

14. Night Of Lions (2.28)

15. Attack Of Buffalo (1.30)

16. Birds (1.19)

17. A Brave Deed (2.44)

18. Fire (3.15)

19. Ties That Bind (1.10)

20. We Have To Find Her (4.56) Excellent Track

21. The Great River (1.30)

22. The Stand (7.33) Excellent Track

23. Groove In Trouble (3.35)

Total Length: 63.23

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=== Link to Composer Site: Trevor Rabin ===