It’s always a eureka moment when you discover a new film or filmmaker that you believe will be the industry’s next big breakout. Sundance is known for bringing a plethora of both established talent and artists on the rise to its festival lineup, which is accessible to all via its virtual screening platform. As you’re watching from home, look deeper into these independent gems and you’ll find there is so much to be discovered sonically as well, like composer Jimmy LaValle and his score for the sci-fi horror film Something in the Dirt.

Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (Marvel’s Moon Knight), Something in the Dirt is described as an oddball, twisted talkie with supernatural tendencies. Using this as his reference, LaValle uses synthesizers and various tonal effects to bring a nuanced palette of textures and dense, evocative atmospheres to this sci-fi feature.

Cinemacy is thrilled to premiere “Is that Morse Code?” from Something in the Dirt.

Jimmy LaValle has been releasing music as The Album Leaf since 1999, and much like his synth-forward, electro-musical moniker, LaValle continues to explore the boundaries of sound in his film compositions. His music defies easy categorization, much like the minimalist composers and sound manipulators he considers idols like Philip Glass and Cliff Martinez. LaValle is carving out a niche in the music industry with his signature style that creates soothing melodies that are highlighted by jolts of unexpected dissonance. He continues to explore the unlimited horizons of sound and composition with his film soundtracks. 

To hear more of LaValle’s score, check out Something in the Dirt, opening this Friday at AMC Theaters.

This article was originally published on January 24, 2022, during the Sundance Film Festival