Say what you want about the “Tron” movies, but their soundtracks are matches made in heaven. Taking place in the Grid, a series of virtual realities where computer programs appear as their real-world human users, it’s only natural that the franchise has featured electronic music pioneers like Wendy Carlos and Daft Punk. Stakes are high for the upcoming film “Tron: Ares” to live up to these monumental soundtracks — and that’s where Nine Inch Nails comes in.
“Tron: Ares” is the band’s first soundtrack album since 1996’s “Quake,” and notably its first film score under the NIN moniker. Members Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross teased a sharp contrast from the previous sound of “Tron” films, with Reznor highlighting that there is “not one second of orchestra” in the score. The choice aligns with the film’s grittier direction and NIN’s industrial rock. It’s followed by a harsh yet streamlined sound equally supported by Reznor and Ross’ expertise with layered electronic compositions and dance floor-ready ragers, perfect for the “Tron” franchise’s continued focus on the dynamic between humans and technology.
Opener “Init” throws listeners right into this new take on the Grid with a steadfast beat and shimmering synths that recall Carlos’ discography. “Forked Reality” continues this balance before segueing into lead single “As Alive As You Need Me To Be.” There’s a distinct rawness in its anthemic chorus, where Reznor belts, “Give me something to believe in / All these hands have got a hold of me” over its thundering bassline and digitized backing vocals, making the track an easy highlight of the album.
Instrumental tracks like “Infiltrator” and “Target Identified” also show an aggressive sound at its heaviest, packing in booming synths that would feel at home at a neon-lit rave. Other times, these same musical elements show Reznor and Ross’ mastery in building tension, such as the ominous, droning electronic sound found across “100% Expendable” and “Building Better Worlds,” as well as the computerized clicks, whirs and thrums that permeate the score.
The all-out energy of these songs is just one side of the album’s sound. Ambient cuts like “Echoes” and “Still Remains” show Reznor and Ross’ continued penchant for crafting immersive atmospheres with nothing more than a stripped-back piano and mellower synths. At the same time, other tracks like “This Changes Everything” and “Daemonize” are more indebted to the propulsive sound of the duo’s score for “Challengers.” Additional touches from producers Hudson Mohawke and Boys Noize — the latter having remixed Daft Punk’s score for “Tron: Legacy” — add a refined, nightclub-like flair to NIN’s hard-hitting sound.
If there are any complaints to be had with “Tron: Ares,” they are more to do with the format of the album. As great as they sound, Reznor’s mere four full-length vocal tracks amid the 24-song soundtrack may leave NIN diehards wanting a bit more. There are also other times where the instrumentals could be fleshed out more, as the lush soundscapes of songs like “Permanence” and “Out In The World” aren’t done justice due to their short, less than two-minute track lengths.
Despite these limitations, the “Tron: Ares” soundtrack’s synthesis of styles is a testament to Reznor and Ross’ artistry. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the explosive closing track “Shadow Over Me.” Echoing the synth melodies from “Init” to bookend the soundtrack, the track works in a Daft Punk-esque vocoder before launching into a stomping post-chorus whose pounding drums and violent basses rival the intensity of NIN classics like “Closer.” “Tron: Ares” is decidedly more than the sum of its parts, and no matter how the film itself turns out, it’s nice to know that this new chapter of Tron’s music is in safe hands.
“Tron: Ares” will release in theaters on Oct. 10.
Contact Kaleo Zhu at [email protected].