London [Original Soundtrack]

by Greg PratoAlthough the original score for the 2006 motion picture London is credited solely to the Crystal Method, other artists contribute tracks on the "original motion picture soundtrack." Most of the contributors manage to follow in the same sonic path as the Crystal Method, but it turns out that there are a few exceptions. Longtime leaders of U.S.-based electronica (but with a more evident rock feel than the average dance act), the Crystal Method certainly don't let down their fans here. Since they get top billing, the Crystal Method receives the lion's share of disc space here, as eight originals are featured, including such standouts as "London" and "Smoked," as well as a collaboration with fellow electronica artist Hyper titled "Fire to Me." But London turns out not to be a one-dimensional sonic collection, as evidenced by Connie Price & the Keystones' funky "Sucker Punch," as well as a track from the Out Crowd (a band comprised of Brian Jonestown Massacre alumni), "C'mon Children," which manages to carry over the lo-fi garage rock sounds of their former outfit. While most modern-day soundtracks seem to be haphazardly thrown-together collections, London is one of the few of the bunch that manages to be entirely cohesive from beginning to end.