Filmmaker and songwriter John Carpenter released a couple of new atmospheric songs, the single “Skeleton” and the B-side “Unclean Spirit”. Both tracks are now available digitally and will air as a 12-inch deluxe limited edition on August 28.
“Skeleton” combines strobe light synthesizer with layered metallic guitar harmonies on a constant electronic beat of four on the floor. Unclean Spirit is more ambient, filled with pulsing synth tones and elegant piano themes. Both songs are collaborations with his son Cody Carpenter and godson Daniel Davies, co-composers of David Gordon Green’s 2018 sequel to the filmmaker’s 1978 slasher classic. Hallowe’en.
The new tracks mark Carpenter’s first music without a soundtrack since his 2016 LP, Lost Issues II.
“It was refreshing to be able to write music that didn’t have to fit any kind of blocked image,” he said in a statement. “We also had a specific focus and direction that we wanted to follow when working at Hallowe’en, both in terms of mindset and instruments, and being able to go back to work without that limited focus was refreshing. Although working on Hallowe’en did not specifically influence any of these new compositions, there is always a refinement of craftsmanship that must take place when working on a film like Hallowe’en, and our improved skills definitely helped us write these songs. “
“Skeleton” and “Unclean Spirit” are the first sample of what will become a third party Lost themes album. Composers are also currently working on music for Green’s upcoming sequels. Halloween kills and Halloween ends, currently in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
