Oh, you really thought that “Brat summer” was dead? Well, according to English record producer Alexander Guy Cook, it’s time to commemorate the era that took over the summer of 2024 through electronic music.
“The Moment,” a mockumentary focused on a rising pop star navigating fame and industry pressures, was released in New York City and Los Angeles on Jan. 30. Directed by Aidan Zamiri, the film stars names such as Charli XCX, Kylie Jenner and Rachel Sennott, amongst others.
Alongside the theatrical release, A24 Music released “The Moment (The Score),” the picture’s soundtrack crafted by Cook, professionally known as A.G. Cook. As a pillar in the hyperpop space, he has worked on many notable projects within the genre.
Beyoncé’s “ALL UP IN YOUR MIND,” horsegiirL’s “Obsessed” and, of course, Charli XCX’s “BRAT” had some of Cook’s magic worked into them. Naturally, as the founder of record label PC Music, he was the perfect fit for the film’s distinct yet iconic sound.
The album opens with “Residue,” which was featured in the film’s teaser back in November. The fast and heavy beats combined with a humming ring presents itself as a modern yet distinct electronic song.
Two minutes into the song, the now-familiar tune transforms into a relaxed swaying of sound that makes you feel like you are in the clouds. However, with the help of a synthesizer, rotating strobe and galactic energy, the track closes smoothly and brings the listener to the mesmerizing world of “The Moment.”
“Depth,” the following track, stands on its title. Echoes, an ever-evolving melody and hints of a falling star make you silent while reflecting on one’s lived experience. This track reminds me of a mindfulness meditation built for electronic music lovers.
If you thought “The Moment (The Score)” was just a quiet reflection of the film, “Momentism” flips that assumption on its head. Heavy thuds, heartthrobbing beats and a section that is surprisingly heavily metal-influenced set you back to reality while pushing through your feelings.
Similar sentiments are expressed through “Fraud,” “Don’t Sleep” and “Offscreen – The Moment (The Score).” However, what makes all of these tracks stand out is how they play around with beats, sounds and executions of what we know as electronic music.
Whether it’s a club-style track that makes you want to forget all of your worries on the dancefloor or listening to a dreamy song while at home, Cook offers up a diverse selection of distinguished electronic sounds fit for anyone. Needless to say, he wants you to have your own moment.
“Dread – The Moment (The Score)” closes out the tracklist, and rightfully deserves to. Introduced to the world at the end of XCX’s Coachella 2024 performance, the song samples Icona Pop’s “I Love It,” while inserting dramatic sounds to the otherwise pop-forward hit.
Repetition allows the audience to clearly resonate with the complexities of pop-stardom and of life in the spotlight. From “I don’t care” to “Love it (Love it), love it,” the concept of dreading something you truly love is a hard balance. Yet, Cook conveys this reality beautifully through movie-ready art.
Out of the ten tracks, Cook took on roles as producer, mixing engineer, arranger and instrumentalist. The album serves solely as an instrumental accompaniment to the film, which is a nice touch to view the world of “Brat” through a different perspective: that of a moviegoer.
For this being Cook’s first film score, “The Moment (The Score)” is quite literally the definition of electronic music. It allows you to let it loose, reflect in silence and keep on dancing on and off the silver screen.
Let’s just say, when I listen to this album, I’m in “The Moment.”
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