Various – A Haunted House 2 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Label: Varese Sarabande Records
Release Date: digitally everywhere 04/15/2014
Open Road Films presents A HAUNTED HOUSE 2, in theaters on April 18, 2014 (US)
feat. Shinobi Ninja, Sean Harris & Saint Maurice, Mazen, Tyler Thomas, and more!
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By: Sam Flynn, Contributing Editor
Like most people, I’m sure you’re feeling super compelled to run out and purchase your copy of the soundtrack for A Haunted House 2 in preparation for what is sure to be The Godfather, Part II of cinematic farce. Sarcasm aside, if you ARE that person described above, then you might actually find something to like here.
The eclectic 12-track album includes six new cuts from artists Shinobi Ninja, Sean Harris & Saint Maurice, Mazen, and others, two original score cues from composer Jessie Voccia, and four songs by Tyler Thomas, G4SHI, The Upperclass Men, and Venom feat. Chris Classic. And it’s a mixed bag.
Quite frankly, I thought it should be funnier. Instead, its rap rock party music. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Hip hop and horror have had a fruitful relationship. Dre did a track for the Schwarzenegger abortion “End of Days.” Bad Meets Evil wrote the title track for “Scary Movie.” This album has a particular West Coast hip hop bent. Thankfully, synths are cut back in favor of live instrumentation, which is lush in most areas (“Laughing,” “Chuck Norris”), so its got that going for it. It’s refreshing to hear West Coast sounds fed through that meat grinder. It adds a layer of grunge that an album for a film called “A Haunted House 2” needs.
“Amped to 12” is the credit song for the film, and I can only describe it thusly: Linkin Park fucked MIA and had a baby called DOA. A left turn into head-banging territory with trashy guitar riffs, it was one of my least favorite songs, along with “Turn It Up.”
It’s when the artist shines through in the music that makes the album’s songs stand out. “To the World,” “Laughing,” and “Wanna Fly” are solo acts that feel fresh and focused. Jesse Voccia’s original score contributes little but tonal clutter to the album as a whole. Independently they are interesting tracks that feel out of place in ostensibly a comedy movie, albeit one mocking horror trends. Stand out tracks include “Rock Star” and “Chuck Norris.” They are the best representation of what the album has to offer: West Coast shit, live instrumentation, the humor one is looking for in a freaking “A Haunted House 2” soundtrack.
Obviously expectations are not going to be through the roof for this so critiquing it as an attempt at narrative congruence is not very fulfilling. In that regard it doesn’t do much. That said, it presents a consistent roster of artists pumping rap rock into your veins with varying quality. If you’re ok with the highs and lows of the trip, then settle in for this one.
2.5 out of 5 skulls
Track Listing:
1. The Bedeviled Batch • Jessie Voccia (Score)
2. Amped To 12 • Shinobi Ninja
3. Concern… • Sean Harris & Saint Maurice
4. 80 Bitches • Dula & Khalifa (feat. Khat)
5. Turn It Up • Chris Classic (feat. Venom) from A Haunted House
6. Wanna Fly • Tyler Thomas
7. Backstage Pass • Sean Harris & Saint Maurice
8. Laughing • G4SHI
9. To The World • Mazen
10. Rock Star • Soundwell (feat. Dula and Markie Jay)
11. Chuck Norris • The Upperclass Men
12. Frightful Finale • Jessie Voccia (Score)
Photo Courtesy of filmmusicreporter.com
