Entertainment – Joe Fuller: Soundtrack maestro John Carpenter begins his first ever UK tour at Brighton Dome

You will have probably heard John Carpenter’s music before, even if you don’t know it yet. Popular as both a film director and soundtrack composer, Carpenter wrote the ubiquitous Halloween’s Theme (Main Title) and composed music for Assault on Precinct 13, Escape From New York, The Fog and many more. He also created music for his first major film Dark Star: a curious sci-fi black comedy that I’d recommend if you’re a fan of things like Garth Marenghi or Silent Running.

2015 saw Carpenter take on a fresh challenge with the release of Lost Themes, his debut studio album of soundtrack-type music intended to stand alone. He enthused that “Lost Themes was all about having fun…. The plan was to make my music more complete and fuller, because we had unlimited tracks. I wasn’t dealing with just analogue any more. It’s a brand new world.”

Movie visuals should provide a fun thematic counterpoint

Lost Themes 1 and 2 (the follow up album released this year) are enjoyable, melodic listens that are clearly redolent of his earlier soundtrack work. After a US run of dates, Carpenter begins his first ever UK live tour at the Dome this Thursday. The full band is a family affair, including Carpenter’s son Cody Carpenter on guitar, John Spiker on bass, John Konesky on guitar and Scott Seiver on drums.

Reviews of the US shows have been positive, where Carpenter included performances of classic pieces along with projected film footage. The concert is therefore not only a unique nostalgic opportunity to see a soundtrack icon, but should be a great evening in its own right. The striking movie visuals should provide a fun thematic counterpoint too.

John Carpenter, Concert Hall, Brighton Dome,
Thurs 20 October, 7pm, £34.50, brightondome.org