HOUDINI Magazine

Album Review: Hollywood Cult by Filmmaker

Dark & Synthwave veteran Filmmaker dropped "Hollywood Cult" on Feb 4th. As a long time fan of Filmmaker, I thought it was hightime I sat down and gave this release a proper review.

A1 - Secrecy 00:00

Off jump, the album thrusts us into a dramatic scene, dark and oscillating, as if life or death hangs in the balance. "Secrecy" resonates with an energy akin to that found in games like Hitman Contracts or Wipeout – it’s simultaneously fresh, boasting a Y2K, dark techno ambiance, while comfortably nesting remnants of synthwave, reminiscent of 80s John Carpenter-inspired synths. Although synthwave has always been a genre deeply rooted in the past, it’s evident that the pastiche 80s style emblematic of 2010s synthwave has been transcended. FILMMAKER continues to innovate within the genre, artfully combining classic elements with a bold, contemporary edge.

A2 - Holy Wood 04:22

The relentless energy seamlessly flows from the first track into "Holy Wood." Here, even with blood-soaked hands from the opening massacre, there's a palpable sense of a deeper darkness lurking in the shadows. The track is a hypnotic blend of head-bobbing loops and thrashing flangers, crafting an ambiance fit for a dark, underground club scene. If one were to color grade this track, it would be painted in shades of pale grey-blue and washed-out tile green, perfectly capturing the seedy underbelly of a place that's both foreboding and irresistibly lust-filled. "Holy Wood" is a definitive thumper, continuing the album's journey into the depths of FILMMAKER's tantalizing darkness.

A3 - Generational Trauma 10:00

This track shifts gears into a more ambient space, where those Y2K synths really shine, and yet, it's undeniably funky. There's a grooving baseline that keeps you moving as the spacey synths carry you forward in the setting. With its high peaks and drops, the track avoids feeling too repetitive, while the "juicy" backing beat fills your ears. If there's a killer in this scene, he's not far off, lurking just beyond your trail, but there's a sense of distance. The creature is there, stalking its prey. The heartbeat-like bass underpins this feeling of being pursued. As the closing track for the first side of this four-sided record, "Generational Trauma" leaves us with our hearts racing, pausing just long enough to catch our breath. But make no mistake, FILMMAKER keeps the marathon running.

B1 - Western Malice 14:23

"Western Malice" is unequivocally a track of combat and unbridled action—it’s brutal and veers on the barbaric. The deep, guttural flangers on the synths are relentless, driving the track into your consciousness like a stake through a vampire's heart. These synths are not just layered; they’re heavy, and their leveling immerses you deep into the track's core. If "Generational Trauma" offered a moment to breathe, "Western Malice" plunges you back into the fray without mercy. The lurking dangers and the secrets you've stumbled upon in this narrative now seem to be life-threatening. Cut throat track.

B2 - Shocking Therapy 18:43

In "Shocking Therapy," the Korg synthesizers are the true workhorses, delivering a potent performance without overstaying their welcome. The track features a juxtaposition of airy, almost nougat-like synths with sharp, pointed, piercing counterparts. This pairing operates much like thunder and lightning, the duo driving the track to push your adrenaline levels ever higher. The interplay of these dueling sounds ensures that the song retains a sense of freshness and dynamism while providing more of that darkness that's wrapped itself around us.

B3 - Vessels Wine 22:35

This track offers a brief lull, a small space of calm after the storm of "Shocking Therapy," as if our cyberpunk gladiator has momentarily conquered the beast. However, this brief moment of triumph is swiftly torn away by the entry of high-energy drums and jarring industrial hits, thrusting you back into the thick of action. The spacey, airy synths from "Shocking Therapy" return, but now in a more high-energy form. Paired with industrial-inspired drum patterns, the track feels like a brutalist building where the bass thumps on, even as the walls are painted in shades of crimson.

C1 - Peacekeeper Ripper 27:29

"Peacekeeper Ripper" introduces a jungle influence that makes me want to scream, "Blood bath!" The arena-like energy is palpable and unmistakable. It's cinematic in how it immerses you into the energy of the song, making it quintessentially a FILMMAKER track. Yet, this track wouldn't be out of place in a high-octane game like Unreal Tournament, where high speeds and heavy weapons reign supreme. A standout on the album, FILMMAKER continues to push boundaries while masterfully honing the echoes of past warriors.

C2 - Criminal Rite 31:33

"Criminal Rite" comes across as somewhat crushed in its production. It's not a bad track, but certain elements feel a bit too "sharp" for my taste, and this persists even after turning down the volume. Interestingly, no other track on the album had this effect on me. The almost screechy quality makes it the only skip on the album for me.

C3 - Spirit Harvest 36:03

"Spirit Harvest" feels like a refined version of "Criminal Rite," with the staticky hits present but executed much more effectively. The industrial elements of the track adeptly paint a scene in deep browns, giving it a distinctly "rusted" feel. It's reminiscent of a rave set in the industrial dream sequences of Nightmare on Elm Street, complete with fog, abstract lighting, and a sense of liminality amidst mechanical decay. This track sounds like something enduring that has begun to decay. The leads are commendable, though the track doesn't quite match the 'danceability' of the others — not necessarily a detriment, as the second half reintegrates this aspect to some extent. It's an atmospheric, humid track that almost suffocates you, and the heavy breathing around the midpoint further immerses you in this humid, oppressive atmosphere.

D1 - Elite Dungeons 42:18

"Elite Dungeons" unmistakably signals a shift from the album's first-half rave vibes to something more akin to a riot in its second half. This track takes a more traditional route in the realm of synthwave, yet it undeniably remains a banger. The name aptly captures the debaucherous ambiance the track conjures. It’s evident that any club where this track would resonate is far from ordinary. The intensity of the synth loops in "Elite Dungeons" is almost punishing, flogging the listener like a cat o' nine tails, which fittingly complements the scene it sets.

D2 - Two Sets of Rules 47:07

In "Two Sets of Rules," the use of claps and thumps imparts a more organic quality to the track, setting it apart from the C side's industrial edge. It's as if you've been transported into the belly of a machine, witnessing its inner mechanisms intertwine with a kind of foreign biotech mixture reminiscent of the darkest nightmares imagined on distant planets. While synthwave often channels the spirit of Carpenter, this track seems to draw inspiration from Giger's realm. And once again, the Korg synthesizers are put to excellent use, infusing the track with a bio-sexual energy that's both heavy and danceable.

D3 - No Fetish Without Evil 50:40

The strings in this track add another layer of 'humanity' to its relentless journey into an amalgam of organic and technological frenzy. This human touch creates a striking juxtaposition when compared to the rest of the album's more mechanical and synthetic tones. The track features Gabber-esque drums that transition into harp-like string-backed synths, creating a unique and compelling auditory experience. It's short and punchy, making it a track you'll likely find yourself wanting to replay, I know I did.

D4 - Hanging Finale 53:54

Our closing track acts as a release valve for the occassionally overwhelming energy of the album's brooding rave. Lights are back on. The stains on the walls are no longer neon lit by the backlights of the dungeon. The vinyl body suit is sweaty, the make up is smeared. A fitting end to a high intensity album.

Hollywood Cult is out now on all major streaming platforms, but I recommend you pick up the album on bandcamp, give it a listen, it comes highly recommended.

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