Visit the Movie Wave Store | Movie Wave Home | Reviews by Title | Reviews by Composer | Contact me BACK IN BUSINESS Fun comedy score is well worth a listen A review by JAMES SOUTHALL Music composed by MARK THOMAS Rating * * *

Performed by UNNAMED ORCHESTRA led by JANICE GRAHAM conducted by MARK THOMAS Orchestration MARK THOMAS Engineered by RICHARD LANCASTER Produced by MIKAEL CARLSSON Album running time 37:26 Released by MOVIESCORE MEDIA Catalog number MMS-07001 Album cover copyright (c) 2007 21st Century Publishing UK Limited; review copyright (c) 2007 James Southall

A quirky British comedy about the nation's efforts to compete in the space race and save the planet from global warming, Back in Business stars a host of familiar British faces, including Martin Kemp, Chris Barrie, Brian Blessed and Denis Waterman.  Apparently it's already been and gone from British cinemas, but I don't remember noticing it was there; a pity, because it sounds quite engaging, the kind of lighthearted caper film which used to come from these shores on a frequent basis in days gone by. The music is certainly engaging.  It comes from the pen of busy Welsh composer Mark Thomas, and is a lovely lighthearted action score.  It opens with its big main theme in "Building the Buggy", a kind of 1960s James Bond exaggeration, with a brilliant swagger.  The other main idea is then presented in the opening title piece, with the "caper" feel coming from pizzicato strings which create a charming atmosphere.  These two ideas are exploited very well by Thomas in his 37-minute score, which never outstays its welcome.  Of particular note is the fantastic action piece "Lab Break-In", which reminds me a bit of John Powell when he's in more expansive mood in his finer scores for animations, especially with the smooth integration of the electronic percussion.  There's a lovely finale, "Will Reveal", with a sweeping romantic theme which is very pleasant. In keeping with most comedy scores - even the very finest of them - this is obviously not very substantial music.  However, it is extremely entertaining and charming, all done with a refreshingly light touch, and fans of lighthearted but colourful orchestral music would do well to seek it out.  The release, on MovieScore Media, is available exclusively for download, from the album's own store (in high-quality audio) or from iTunes. Tracks Building the Buggy (2:49) Opening Titles (1:29) Jarvis (2:04) Buggy Reveal (2:38) Space Agency (2:42) Lab Break-In (3:53) Piccadilly Circus (1:18) Ambush (2:27) Agent Stealth (1:31) DIY Store (2:58) Genes (1:01) What's the Plan? (1:47) The Big Chase (4:34) Hotel Foyer (3:06) Will Reveal (1:50) End Titles (1:19)