If you’re a regular Cinemacy follower, 1) thank you, and 2) you’ll know my public admiration and unwavering support of Icelandic composers.
Without sounding too dramatic, I have found their unique sound has the ability to evoke an emotional response deep down to my core. Atli Örvarsson (The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Rams) brings this soothing vibe to the new Apple TV+ thriller Defending Jacob. This limited drama series unfolds around a shocking crime that rocks a small Massachusetts town and one family in particular, forcing an assistant district attorney to choose between his sworn duty to uphold justice and his unconditional love for his son.
Self-described “Nordic Noir,” the airy and foreboding sound that Örvarsson creates in the track “Joan and Laurie” lays the groundwork for rich and thrilling development. The humble track relies heavily on simple strings and strong piano chords to create an otherworldly melody, which perfectly compliments the theme song composed by Icelandic multi-instrumentalist Ólafur Arnalds.
After a stint in Los Angeles, working alongside Hans Zimmer and scoring over 40 films and countless TV shows, Örvarsson suddenly had a gut instinct to leave Hollywood behind and reconnect with his familial roots. He returned to his hometown of Akureyri in the north of Iceland, an inspiring change that he says has become a “lifeblood for inspiration and a catalyst in the inception of his debut album.”
Defending Jacob, starring Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, and Jaeden Martell, premieres its first three episodes exclusively on Apple TV+ tomorrow, April 24th, with new episodes premiering weekly thereafter every Friday.
The Defending Jacob soundtrack will be released by Paramount Music on April 24th and is available exclusively on iTunes and Apple Music.
