or the past couple of years, Lexx has undeniably been one of The SCI
FI Channel's quirkiest offerings. Part of that eccentricity is attributable to the
program's soundtrack, which embraces an eclectic array of musical styles
that perfectly accent the show's bizarre characters and peculiar plots.
Composer Marty Simon provides these oddball melodies, and a new CD showcases
more than two dozen cues from the oftentimes outrageous series.
"Opening Theme—Season 3" kicks off the collection by incorporating a
brief a cappella segment of "Yo-A-O (Fight Song of the Brunnen
G)"—originally introduced at the beginning of the first Lexx
television movie—before launching into a bouncy electric guitar motif
offset by soft, synthetic strings. In fact, throughout the disc such unusual
sonic juxtapositions are not uncommon: "Angel Song" accentuates a gossamer
choral component just prior to breaking into a lighthearted, slightly
Caribbean rhythm, while "Lyekka/Potato Hoe" opens with foreboding artificial
chimes and somber Gothic keyboards before transforming into an engaging Old
West romp. Other cuts augment the harmonies with snippets of dialogue from
the program. "All He Wants Is Sex," a seductive number with a tempting beat,
contains Xev (Xenia Seeberg) resignedly repeating the song's title, just as
Kai (Michael McManus) informs listeners immediately prior to the start of
the airy "Mantrid Medley" that "the divine order has been destroyed."
Among the 28 tracks, the package also includes two versions of "Opening
Theme—Season Two," along with a pair of brief spoken-word cuts. The booklet
accompanying the disc offers a succinct synopsis of the TV show, an English
translation of the Brunnen G Fight Song, a short biography of the composer
and a note regarding his contributions from Lexx mastermind Paul
Donovan.
Sassy sounds and brazen beats
Due to its lascivious content and science-fiction frivolity, Lexx: The
Series has on occasion been referred to as "Star Trek's evil
twin." It's debatable whether the description is accurate, but there's no
question that, when it comes to the program's music, Simon is obviously
having wicked fun dismantling familiar soundtrack structures. His
unconventional accompaniment doesn't necessarily result in an altogether
cohesive listening experience, but the tunes, as presented on this CD, are
predominantly appealing and clearly evocative of the show's irreverent
attitude.
Lonesome sampled strings vie with a gruff electric guitar and eerie
clanging noises on "A Walk in the Desert," a hushed cue that, depending on
which effect is predominant at the moment, can be either wonderfully
peaceful or oddly unsettling. "Galley," which features a disquieting,
wordless chant floating above various artificial sounds, is similarly
strange, as is "Medieval Dance," a composition that's unmistakably
contemporary but still captures the feel of an age-old reel. Other works
summon forth more traditional vibes. "Demented Chase" intermingles a
forceful beat with weird electronic elements, generating a deliberately
tacky, blithe ambiance, while "Gondola Ride" is a subtle, simple selection
that initially evokes tender sentiments before concluding with sinister
overtones.
As a result of Simon's diverse approach, the cues—culled from more than
a dozen different second- and third-season episodes—can collectively seem
somewhat schizoid, with tranquil tracks unexpectedly transforming into manic
melodies and complex, classically influenced cuts flanking effervescent,
rock 'n' roll-inspired numbers. Traditional soundtrack buffs might find the
CD frustrating, but diehard Lexx-philes will, without a doubt, revel
in this sporadically chaotic yet invariably playful album.
