Johnny Jewel
's soundtrack to
Daniela Amavia
's independent drama
A Beautiful Now
essentially functions as a sampler of the
Italians Do It Better
label. While
Jewel
himself contributes two tense instrumentals, much of the program consists of previously released songs or alternate versions by
Chromatics
,
Desire
, and
Glass Candy
. Of the
tracks, there's a drumless version of "Kill for Love," an eight-track version of "Shadow," and a few other selections from
Night Drive
Kill for Love
, and the
Shadow
EP, all of which seem cool, icy, detached, and minimalist. The
and
tracks are a bit more energetic and catchy, and closer to being danceable. The album isn't heavy on rarities, but as with any
IDIB
release, it's notable for its style and presentation, and how it establishes and sticks to a specific mood. ~ Paul Simpson