Le Musk (Original Soundtrack)
A.R. Rahman’s Le Musk album is a revelation, capturing a sensory experience like no other. The album, designed as the OST for Rahman’s pioneering cinematic sensory experience, Le Musk, which he wrote, directed, produced, and composed music for, stands out not only for its unique auditory elements but also for its groundbreaking approach to combining music and scent.
In Le Musk, Rahman moves closer to the silhouettes of classical symphony and tecno pop than ever before. Some of the tracks start to follow more discernible and familiar forms — yet Rahman continues to luxuriate in the oblique.
Essence of Nostalgia
Opening with “The Broken Past,” featuring the ethereal voices of Sanaa Moussa and Linda Lind, Rahman sets the atmosphere with a haunting yet beautiful chant that instantly transports listeners into Juliet Merdinian’s world where emotions are palpable. This track, reminiscent of memories and haunting pasts, establishes a nostalgic foundation that carries through the album. The instrumental “Pavlo’s Introduction” follows, offering an airy intro that transitions into pan-flutish sounds and rhythmic horns — a soundscape that ominously hints at the presence of a villain.
Aromas of Romance and Devotion
One of the standout pieces in the album is “Glisee La Vie,” sung by Mayssa Karaa. With its French lyrics and romantic undertones, this song captures the essence of Parisian charm. It’s easy to imagine a scene from a classic French romantic film as the notes of this track swirl around you. The strings pull at your heartstrings, making “Memories” another instrumental gem that resonates deeply, evoking the bittersweet nature of recollection.
Rahman’s interpretation of Mozart’s “Lacrimosa” in “T-Cobra, Lacrimosa” adds the needed gospel-like church choir chants that finish off the piece with a spiritual touch. Lacrimosa (meaning tearful) derives from Our Lady of Sorrows, aka The Virgin Mary. Rahman gets a bit ambitious here by taking the path chartered by Mozart because Lacrimosa is part of the Dies Irae sequence in the Catholic Requiem Mass. Mozart, like a couple of other classic composers set the text as a discrete movement of the Requiem. This track is a testament to Rahman’s ability to blend classical influences with modern sensibilities, creating a sacred yet accessible auditory experience.
Waves of Whimsy
Listeners are then treated to the whimsical and contemplative tones of “Many Truths or One?” featuring Hiral Viradia. This mostly instrumental piece utilizes strings and wind instruments to create a questioning, almost philosophical atmosphere, with Hiral’s voice adding a choral ambiance that elevates the track.
“Juliet’s Epiphany” offers another purely instrumental experience, with strings and piano leading the way. This piece feels introspective, as if one is on the brink of a significant revelation. Similarly, “Guilt” uses piano and airy strings to evoke a sense of remorse and reflection, painting a vivid picture of internal conflict.
“Lullaby for Rosanne” is a gentle wind instrument piece that soothes the listener, much like a comforting breeze on a warm day. This track stands out for its simplicity and emotional depth, providing a moment of calm amidst the more intense compositions.
Spices of Mystery
The short but impactful “Blood on Your Hands,” sung by Simona Gilbert, is a groovy number with English lyrics that introduces an element of intrigue and suspense. Its rhythm and melodies create a sense of urgency, making it a memorable addition to the album.
“Redemption,” an instrumental piece with techno-pop elements, takes listeners on a different kind of auditory journey. It does feel like one has found redemption when you get to the end of the track. A bit reminiscent of Rahman’s previous work on “If I Rise” from 127 Hours, this track features chants from Rahman himself, interwoven with a chorus that adds layers of richness to the composition.
Finally, “What’s on a Man’s Mind?” sung by Nora Arnezeder, who plays Juliet Merdinian, the lead character, closes the album on a jazzy note. With its accordion style sounds, piano, and 1960s/1970s jazz bar feel, this English song provides a reflective yet upbeat end to the sensory voyage. It may be a bit meandering to be a proper pop song, but still cohesive enough to soundtrack a pensive montage in this experimental film.
Bouquet of Creativity
Those who have been following Rahman’s work closely, know that he has a gift for creating small dramas within his tracks. He possesses the self-assurance of a viper, slithering through symphonic sounds, techno aural walls, dissonance and harmony without hesitation. This capacious mode of A.R. Rahman is quite explicitly visible in this album.
Terming Le Musk OST as just another album makes me feel a bit uncomfortable, not because I consider this a masterpiece, but because it is an exploration of A.R. Rahman’s creative genius. The music corresponds intricately to the story he has crafted, making it a deeply personal project. Each track is a testament to Rahman’s ability to push the boundaries of musical storytelling.
The album’s creation, spanning almost over a decade, adds another layer of depth to the listening experience. Knowing that these tracks were conceived years ago, yet how they remain relevant and powerful today, speaks to Rahman’s timeless artistry. I was fortunate enough to catch the screening of Le Musk and experience the sensory beauty of this cinema in Toronto in December 2022, and listening to this OST now, after almost 18 months makes me reconnect with those senses.
Needless to add, experiencing the movie Le Musk will definitely enhance the appreciation for the album, as the scents and visuals come together to create a multi-sensory experience. At least they did for me.
A Symphony of Scents
For those who have had the opportunity to watch Le Musk in its intended VR setup, the album serves as an auditory guide through a world where smell and sound are intertwined. It is a rare and profound experience that showcases the potential of sensory storytelling.
Even as a standalone auditory experience, this OST will remind you of the simple pleasures of listening to good music with depth. A.R. Rahman’s Le Musk album is a masterclass in blending traditional and contemporary elements to create something entirely new and captivating. It is a must-listen for film enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in a unique auditory adventure.
This OST is a testament to the unexplored depths of A.R. Rahman’s talent as a storyteller. It is a remarkable album that deserves to be experienced, analyzed, and cherished. For those who wish to understand the creative process behind this masterpiece, the album provides a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest composers of our time.
Over the album’s 36-minute runtime, the music is constantly evolving. Slow, contemplative melodies subtly transform into icy cascades of sharp tones before sinking into deep, mournful bass lines. Harmonies that begin sweetly can suddenly shift to unsettling dissonance, while tinkling chimes and soaring strings evoke visions of angelic symphonies. All these transitions occur seamlessly and with a near-blissful quality. Le Musk feels like a fleeting glimpse into a vast, infinite expanse, capturing a moment of rapture.
The pleasure of listening to Le Musk, of course, is in the journey; the joy of listening to this A.R. Rahman album is in deferring the final destination as long as possible.
When I listen to soundtracks or songs in languages I am familiar with, I feel a kinship between the lyrics and the observant stories that I imagine or connect with based on the director’s vision. I reckon most listeners do the same. But when I listen to an A.R. Rahman soundtrack, I feel his music writing is sometimes inscrutable in the beginning, but always self-scrutinous. It plunges into the confounding chaos of the psyche, seeking flashes of profound wisdom in all the muddle.
A.R. Rahman, the musician moves gracefully between apprehension and acceptance as he delivers these reflections in Le Musk. Moments of unknowing hold their own among moments of clarity. His music for Le Musk is a masterful interpretation of the mass of entangled — and often conflicting — feelings that live in the protagonist’s consciousness, thereby in our own.
Truth is a challenge. Not just for Juliet Merdinian. The unknown, like Juliet may suggest, might not be something to avoid, but rather a place to immerse yourself. It might contain all the smells and therein all the answers you need.
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Listen to the album here:
YouTube
