Big Black Delta’s Cinematic Inspirations

Immersive compositions from film score history...

Big Black Delta comes with a certain pedigree.

A project spearheaded by Jonathan Bates, he first came to attention as frontman of Mellowdrone before joining M83's live band.

Big Black Delta has been an ongoing passion, with each album seeming to occupy a daring, highly suggestive world of its own.

The project's fourth album – aptly titled '4' – is out now, and it comes as Big Black Delta finds viral fame, following the use of 'Huggin' & Kissin' on the first season of Netflix series The Sinner.

Brooding synth undulations with a warped sense of pop potential, '4' has a cinematic use of sound. Clash spoke to Jonathan Bates about his film score inspirations.

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James Horner – 'Main Title From Aliens'

The chromatic, descending melody into the rising theme of Ripley's Redemption is one of the most melancholy, scary pieces of music. Knowing it’s the calm before the storm heightens it’s effect.

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Harold Budd – 'Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord / Butterfly Sunday'

One of the most beautiful, calming pieces of music. It doesn’t ask anything from you, but if you pay attention, you’re rewarded with all the fractals tone and choices. Everyone I’ve ever played this record to is sold on its utility in calming you.

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Alessandro Cortini – 'Perdere'

Ale and I have Ben close for a while, and knowing him and his story, listening to this record is like sitting in on a therapy session. It’s voyeuristic and you wonder if you’re allowed to be listening to it.

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Haruomi Hosono – 'Platonic'

Fucking jam. If you sit still listening to this, the video tape it and send it to. Cause I won’t believe you otherwise.

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Jean Sibelius – 'Opus 76:2 Etude'

Granite cornerstone of composition is what jean Sibelius is to the world. We are so lucky as a species to have a record of his counterpoint.

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John Tavener – 'The Lamb'

One of the most visceral and psychosomatic songs I’ve ever had the privilege of digesting. The mirroring ascent/descent of the opening melody is one of the most delicious things my minds eye has ever seen. As it takes to you to the limit of discomfort, the bass comes and carries you away on a cloud of safety.

I’ve listened to every version of this composition, and it never disappoints.

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Big Black Delta's new album '4' is out now.

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