And in the endless pause there came the sound of bees

I have just got my hands on Jóhann Jóhannsson's 2009 release "And in the endless pause there came the sound of bees". It is an evoking set of compositions, albeit slightly bland at times. There is a high degree of film score-nature over the album, but this makes it a very likable piece of music.

The highlights of the album are:

Escape: This track is more in line with what one has seen from Jóhannsson in the past. A dark, almost dystopian, scenario is outlined (just like in certain parts of Englabörn, like Odi Et Ami -Bis). A faint cello gets to participate in what becomes a fantastic but also slightly terrifying build-up, culminating with electronically-distorted voices blended together with beautiful choir singing.

The Gift: Reminiscent of Harry Gregson-Williams' compositions (as in the Chronicle's of Narnia score) there are both elements of hope and despair crafted in this track: It starts off in a restless fashion (very much à la James Horner) with a beautiful choir to accompany the string music.

Inside the pods: Tiny composition with the aid of beautiful piano music and the angelic choir.

One artist that accompanies Jóhann Jóhannsson very well (in this context) is the Italian photographer Roberto Kusterle, who evokes a photographic fable through his work: