Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive is a movie that is characterized by its soundtrack as much as it is by the images on the screen. There are moments that would not be the same if the music was not there. Sure there's the songs from Kavinsky and a few of Johnny Jewel's projects, but the real beauty is the material provided by Cliff Martinez and his cristal baschet. The instrument is made of vibrating, tuned steel, fiberglass amplification cones and wire "whiskers" that shimmy when fingers rub the glass-rod keyboard. Much of the Drive soundtrack is composed of the sounds that Martinez was able to coax from this sculpture of an instrument. It gives off a unique, crystalline sound that helped to imbue the movie with tension. On its own, it's one of the most relaxing sounds you'll hear. If you have any doubt, just listen to the track previews. While the more pop oriented acts may have drawn you in, stick around for Martinez's material. Limited edition gold vinyl repress, housed in a gatefold sleeve.

• opaque gold vinyl repress
• limited edition
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Lakeshore Records 2017

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 06/2013