Michael Abels' THE ACOLYTE (2024)

[Jay 42,358]

I created this thread so that the score could be discussed without being bogged down by all the back and forth talk about whether the show is good or not.  In this thread, I ask everyone to stay on topic of the score itself. Thanks!

 

 

 

I watched episode 1 this morning while working out, and I actually noticed the score a few times in a positive way.  I might listen to the first 11 tracks of the OST album later today.

[tomsmoviemadness 4,234]

Thanks Jay!

 

Abels' score is great. Some really standout moments in the first 4 episodes. His action material is very strong. Excited to hear what he does in the coming fight scenes and reveals etc.

[Jay 42,358]

I noticed a few little bits that sort of approached a Williams theme, but then went in another direction.  I suppose that makes sense for a show set 100 years before the events Williams scored.

[enderdrag64 1,419]

I noticed a few references to prequel material. The last 30 seconds of "Taken Into Custody" sounds very similar to a couple transitions in The Phantom Menace

[CGCJ 551]

On 21/06/2024 at 12:22 PM, CGCJ said:

Episode 1 is missing [...] 24:55-25:39 (00:44), & 28:14-28:33 (00:19).

Actually 00:00-00:36 of Taken Into Custody & 01:11-End of Classroom on Coruscant! I've corrected my spreadsheet.

 

Also, the first cue information has turned up courtesy of BMI:

Ascension Prelude - Pablo Croissier

Mae Ascends Osha is Reluctant - Pablo Croissier

[Manakin Skywalker 5,644]

There are at least a couple slightly obscure prequel motifs that show up multiple times in the show so far, all of which are in cues credited to Cameron Moody (guy's apparently only 21 and really knows his stuff!)

 

There's a one-off transitional melody in Attack of the Clones right before Anakin and Obi-Wan are introduced. It was also used as a "theme" for the Republic in SWTOR, so it's fitting in Acolyte as well, seemingly representing the Jedi. Although in this case it's generally only the first half of the full melody.

 

AOTC:

The Acolyte:

 

There's also a reoccurring motif in Revenge of the Sith that Frank Lehman dubbed the "Sith mystery" motif. Each time it appears in the film the notes are slightly changed up a bit. The version in The Acolyte is no different in that regard, being only 5 notes instead of 6.

 

ROTS:

The Acolyte:

 

I might as well also point out that about 2 years ago someone here (don't recall who) posted a video of Cameron Moody conducting a composition of his at only 19 (!), and people were commenting that he should work on a Star Wars project. Funny how that worked out, only a couple years later!

 

 

[DarthDementous 1,424]

7 hours ago, Manakin Skywalker said:

There are at least a couple slightly obscure prequel motifs that show up multiple times in the show so far, all of which are in cues credited to Cameron Moody (guy's apparently only 21 and really knows his stuff!)

 

There's a one-off transitional melody in Attack of the Clones right before Anakin and Obi-Wan are introduced. It was also used as a "theme" for the Republic in SWTOR, so it's fitting in Acolyte as well, seemingly representing the Jedi. Although in this case it's generally only the first half of the full melody.

 

AOTC:

The Acolyte:

 

There's also a reoccurring motif in Revenge of the Sith that Frank Lehman dubbed the "Sith mystery" motif. Each time it appears in the film the notes are slightly changed up a bit. The version in The Acolyte is no different in that regard, being only 5 notes instead of 6.

 

ROTS:

The Acolyte:

 

I might as well also point out that about 2 years ago someone here (don't recall who) posted a video of Cameron Moody conducting a composition of his at only 19 (!), and people were commenting that he should work on a Star Wars project. Funny how that worked out, only a couple years later!

 

 

 

Oh wow they got Cameron Moody! I remember his piece being posted here a while back and he is definitely an orchestral prodigy

Between him and Michael Abels being picked it's clear that Acolyte is a rare project where they cared about hiring people who can compose authentic Star Wars music

Those deep cuts are really cool too, I noticed something familiar about the motif surrounded by the Jedi but it didn't click that it was one of my favourite themes - the Coruscant motif! I bet this also contributes to it feeling like a video game soundtrack because games like SWTOR and KOTOR would expand on existing musical ideas in the Star Wars lexicon which makes for some really fun musical continuity (see The Emperor's theme being repurposed as the Sith theme with a different rhythm and slightly different notes):

May as well post the Coruscant theme from SWTOR which makes full use of the Coruscant motif because it is a beautiful piece of Star Wars music in its own right:

 

[GerateWohl 5,918]

I frequently listen to this score. It's really nice. Best Star Wars TV score for the probably worst show. Abels and Moody should have got the gig for Andor. 

[Holko 11,343]

Haven't seen the series but listened to most of this V1 OST. So far this is definitely the closest any of the series got to JW's sound, and without any direct aping, impressive work. But I didn't feel like there's much depth or skeleton or structure behind it to hold it up. Didn't notice any themes, it didn't really hold my attention between highlights - a third of the way in I started thinking "This is as long or longer than the JW SW scores, how much more has happened in those by this point? Because so far nothing happened here". By the last third I started just skipping through tracks. I'll still try the second one when it arrives, maybe that'll have the payoff.

[DarthDementous 1,424]

29 minutes ago, Holko said:

Haven't seen the series but listened to most of this V1 OST. So far this is definitely the closest any of the series got to JW's sound, and without any direct aping, impressive work. But I didn't feel like there's much depth or skeleton or structure behind it to hold it up. Didn't notice any themes, it didn't really hold my attention between highlights - a third of the way in I started thinking "This is as long or longer than the JW SW scores, how much more has happened in those by this point? Because so far nothing happened here". By the last third I started just skipping through tracks. I'll still try the second one when it arrives, maybe that'll have the payoff.

I think Osha's theme is quite nice, especially the treatment in its introductory piece:

In terms of musical journey, a TV show is a completely different beast to a film so that's probably why it feels lengthy and more aimless

[Stark 682]

It’s worth noting Moody has been working with Abels for several projects now, so we are to an extent lucky that he managed to get onto this project!

Having only listened to the OST, I would say that the style and vibes have been nailed, but I can’t hear much of a story in the music, so far.

[ChrisAfonso 222]

On 05/06/2024 at 7:18 PM, Knight of Ren said:

In case anyone wants to hear Abels' score out of the show, I quickly ripped the music for the end credits of both episodes, which seem to be made out of several separate sections from the underscore of each episode. So far I caught a couple of recurring themes, I think associated with Osha and her sister respectively!

 

 

I wonder if we'll get to hear some Williams' reference at some point? In case it happens it'll probably be the Force theme as it's the only logical theme in the timeline. Perhaps Yoda's theme in case he makes a cameo (which I doubt, but who knows)

 

This sounds great! And for my ear, 2:42 in the first video sounds quite close to Kylo Ren's theme...

[GerateWohl 5,918]

1 hour ago, Stark said:

Having only listened to the OST, I would say that the style and vibes have been nailed, but I can’t hear much of a story in the music, so far.

That's probably because there is not much of a notable story in the show so far.

[DarthDementous 1,424]

12 hours ago, Stark said:

It’s worth noting Moody has been working with Abels for several projects now, so we are to an extent lucky that he managed to get onto this project!

Having only listened to the OST, I would say that the style and vibes have been nailed, but I can’t hear much of a story in the music, so far.

Ah I did not realize that, was wondering what lead to his involvement. They make a pretty good team, and very fortuitous that Abels ended up on a Star Wars project

[Gabriel Bezerra 628]

The score in tonight's episode was action-packed and thematic to some extent, can't wait to hear it on the album.

[Jay 42,358]

In episode 2, I noticed a theme that was very similar to the separatist motif from Attack of the Clones . I think it was introduced when Osha picks up the empty vial of poison. What does it represent?

[rpvee 933]

Kylo’s theme is definitely clearly quoted at the end of episode five, and I’m quite excited about what that could mean.

[Trope 1,185]

1 hour ago, rpvee said:

Kylo’s theme is definitely clearly quoted at the end of episode five, and I’m quite excited about what that could mean.

Smylo is related to Kylo?

[tomsmoviemadness 4,234]

I also heard it in other parts of the episode.

I don't think it's quite a full on quote, but it's definitely inspired by it.

 

Music was really great! Great string, percussion and choral work throughout!

[paleo 78]

Is there any news on when the album will finally become available for purchase? In other words, do I have to beg them to take my money? ;-)

[Manakin Skywalker 5,644]

Yeah the Kylo Ren motif popped up in an earlier episode too, and then multiple times in episode 5. Each time one of the notes is changed though, so it's not a direct quote, until the end of episode 5 where there is an actual direct quote. I think they're just repurposing it as a "Sith" theme of sorts, which is a really odd choice.

 

Continuing to use and expand upon that "Sith mystery" motif I mentioned in a previous post would've been a much better choice IMO.

 

EDIT: Unless there's a story reason for it.

[Luke Skywalker 2,180]

Maybe kylo rens helmet is based on this new sith characters helmet?

[Gabriel Bezerra 628]

The latest speculation is that he isn't really a Sith, but the first Ren. But I hope they won't.

[Luke Skywalker 2,180]

Didnt he said he was a sith?

 

i would prefer him to be a ren, because in 100 years there cannot be he, mae, plagueis, palpatine and maul as a continuous lineage of fully trained sith lords….

 

[Gabriel Bezerra 628]

38 minutes ago, Luke Skywalker said:

Didnt he said he was a sith?

He said the Jedi would call him a Sith, it's semantic, he's a Sith until proven otherwise.

[Manakin Skywalker 5,644]

1 hour ago, Gabriel Bezerra said:

The latest speculation is that he isn't really a Sith, but the first Ren. But I hope they won't.

 

Isn't the character "Ren" from the comics the original? I've never read them so somebody correct me if I'm wrong 

 

Or they could just retcon that if they really wanted to I suppose.

 

EDIT: Alright according to Wookieepedia he wasn't the original "Ren", he just took the name from someone else.

[Meredith McKay 7,843]

2 hours ago, Manakin Skywalker said:

 

Isn't the character "Ren" from the comics the original? I've never read them so somebody correct me if I'm wrong 

 

Or they could just retcon that if they really wanted to I suppose.

 

EDIT: Alright according to Wookieepedia he wasn't the original "Ren", he just took the name from someone else.

His name was Riann; he inherited the ship from the previous Dread Knight Ren, just as someone will inherit it from him. The man he inherited it from was not the real Dread Knight Ren either. His name was C'omarr Bund. The real Ren has been retired 15 years and living like a king on the planet Alderaan.

[DarthDementous 1,424]

9 hours ago, Luke Skywalker said:

Didnt he said he was a sith?

 

i would prefer him to be a ren, because in 100 years there cannot be he, mae, plagueis, palpatine and maul as a continuous lineage of fully trained sith lords….

 

If he is actually a Sith then at the very least he's not a Banite Sith

He's not interested in the Grand Plan(tm) and basically just wants freedom of religion. Possibly a result of some schism that happened in the lineage of the Banite/Rule of Two Sith where an apprentice (or maybe even a master) went off to just live their life instead of getting involved with this plot of galactic domination

That is heavily based off the original canon though, of which the showrunner is familiar with and a fan of, I have no idea what the state of the Banite Sith is in the new continuity other than Darth Bane was in fact a person that existed who created the Rule of Two

[Tydirium 1,437]

21 hours ago, paleo said:

Is there any news on when the album will finally become available for purchase? In other words, do I have to beg them to take my money? ;-)

 

Maybe you and I are some of the only people interested in buying the album, lol. I’m a little surprised more people aren’t wondering what’s up with this.

[paleo 78]

Yeah, strange. I'm checking everyday, as I don't much like streaming services.

[rpvee 933]

Someone noticed another possible Williams inclusion:

 

 

[Jay 42,358]

On 25/06/2024 at 10:12 PM, Jay said:

In episode 2, I noticed a theme that was very similar to the separatist motif from Attack of the Clones . I think it was introduced when Osha picks up the empty vial of poison. What does it represent?

 

I guess no one replied to this because it's not a recurring theme?  I didn't hear it again in subsequent episodes at least.  So I guess it was just a fun nod to AOTC's score?

[Jay 42,358]

Holy cow, the music in episode 5 was definitely the best yet! So much action writing for the many lightsaber battles! It was the first episode that made we want to listen to the music outside the episode asap.

 

If the next three episodes are full of excitement too, the second album's gonna be pretty fun!

 

I still haven't had a chance to hear any of the first album yet.

[crocodile 9,168]

Interesting. I was looking for a purchase option and it seemed to have disappeared from Qobuz. Only streaming option is available. It's not available from other vendors either. I wonder why? 🤔

 

Karol

[Laserschwert 571]

Maybe they identified an error and went back to re-submit it? Some other releases would have benefited from something like that.

[Manakin Skywalker 5,644]

It's been unavailable to purchase on all sites from day one, as I mentioned in an earlier post.

[Tydirium 1,437]

1 hour ago, Manakin Skywalker said:

It's been unavailable to purchase on all sites from day one, as I mentioned in an earlier post.

It was actually available on day one; I had it in my cart on Qobuz. They later removed it.

[crocodile 9,168]

1 hour ago, Manakin Skywalker said:

It's been unavailable to purchase on all sites from day one, as I mentioned in an earlier post.

It was available here. It was £20+ but I decided to wait until payday.

 

Karol

[Manakin Skywalker 5,644]

39 minutes ago, Tydirium said:

It was actually available on day one; I had it in my cart on Qobuz. They later removed it.

 

Really? Huh, they must've removed it within several hours because by the time I checked it was streaming only.

 

Hopefully that indicates that it was indeed an error, but then why would it take this long for them to correct it?

[crocodile 9,168]

I wonder whether that has something to do with the album/track credits.

 

Karol

[Hego-Damask-II 65]

On 27/06/2024 at 12:42 PM, rpvee said:

Someone noticed another possible Williams inclusion:

 

 

I remember noticing that parallel when I saw the episode.

[Tydirium 1,437]

1 hour ago, Manakin Skywalker said:

 

Really? Huh, they must've removed it within several hours because by the time I checked it was streaming only.

 

Hopefully that indicates that it was indeed an error, but then why would it take this long for them to correct it?

 

Starting to wonder if the error in their view, was making it available to purchase, to begin with. What if this is meant to be a streaming-only release? 

[Stark 682]

Maybe they’ll have one big album to purchase after both volumes release?

[Gabriel Bezerra 628]

Oh my

 

EDIT: Ah... Just saw that it was already posted in that other thread...

[thestat 496]

Man, that Moody track is something. Great to hear he's working with Abels.

 

It would be good to know what the exact balance is between Abels and the assistants, my Spotify credits everything to Abels but clearly there are other concerns here. Is it the case that Abels has composed the melody lines and orchestrators fill in or are they doing factory production in the Balfe way?

 

A lot of the composition sounds very Abels, but, yes, there are several tracks that fit with that Moody sound which is fucking amazing.

 

Nothing here sounds Balfe'd unlike Obi Wan, where we discovered that the Balfe minions had gone in and polluted the show with banality. The Acolyte is interesting in its composition, not always agreeable, but at least it's music!

 

Does

 

[29944 32]

22 hours ago, thestat said:

It would be good to know what the exact balance is between Abels and the assistants, my Spotify credits everything to Abels but clearly there are other concerns here. Is it the case that Abels has composed the melody lines and orchestrators fill in or are they doing factory production in the Balfe way?

On Spotify, if you click on the three dots next to a given track and click "Show credits," it will tell you who wrote it.

[DarthDementous 1,424]

I really enjoy this dirge-like part here. According to the Spotify credits this one was written by Michael Abels and Miguel Bezanilla who has worked as an additional composer on his most well-known projects like Nope:

 

[Edmilson 10,434]

Just listened to the album last night. It's... okay. Nice, competent orchestral music that once again proves that Abels (and his apparently large team) is a very competent composer. It doesn't exactly sound "Star Wars-y", sometimes I thought for a second that I was listening to the score for an adventure movie set on Middle East or whatever... But I'm glad Abels wasn't told to just try to replicate Williams.

 

That said, the score is never more than just fine. It's okay but it didn't wow me at any point. Pleasant to listen to, but nothing epic or anything.

[DarthDementous 1,424]

10 hours ago, Edmilson said:

Just listened to the album last night. It's... okay. Nice, competent orchestral music that once again proves that Abels (and his apparently large team) is a very competent composer. It doesn't exactly sound "Star Wars-y", sometimes I thought for a second that I was listening to the score for an adventure movie set on Middle East or whatever... But I'm glad Abels wasn't told to just try to replicate Williams.

 

That said, the score is never more than just fine. It's okay but it didn't wow me at any point. Pleasant to listen to, but nothing epic or anything.

 

This doesn't sound like Star Wars to you? 

 

[Meredith McKay 7,843]

Sounds like TLC/KOTCS