Self-described synth-punk composer Carpenter Brut unleashes darkly melodic, yet powerful compositions on Leather Temple. The songs are reminiscent of tracks complementing ’80s horror film interludes, yet they don’t sound dated. Brut pays more than homage to giallo horror film director Dario Argento by featuring frantic melodies similar to Goblin, which composed several highly revered soundtracks for Argento’s films.
Leather Temple is designed to serve as a soundtrack for a dystopian future in 2077, so yes, a concept record that serves as the final installment of his trilogy that began with 2018’s Leather Teeth. This record fits on the outside of goth, industrial, synth-punk, and stylized ’80s horror film soundtracks, but never delves far enough to be permanently placed in either of those lexicons. Brut succeeds at capturing a listener’s attention, even those that would never think to pick up a release like this, because it features hallmarks of so many genres that may trigger a tinge of nostalgia, but it rarely sounds like an overly ambitious, incohesive mess.
With a resurgence of interest in ’80s horror films and nostalgia, prompted by Stranger Things, and renewed interest in giallo, thanks to new films paying homage, Brut may succeed in attracting a whole new audience seeking to learn the importance of ambient sonic compositions within film. And yet, Brut’s Leather Temple serves as a soundtrack for an imaginary film! Embrace that confusion and give this a try with an open mind because recent geopolitical events suggest a dystopian future is already here.
https://carpenterbrut.bandcamp.com/album/leather-temple
