‘Selene’ perfectly illustrates themes, mood of film ‘Moon’

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5 stars out of 5

Music producer Max Tannone’s newest project “Selene” is an adventurous undertaking that achieves all its goals.

“Selene” is a five-song EP inspired by Duncan Jones’ film “Moon” and, after listening to the record a few times, it is clear that Tannone and collaborator Richard Rich knew exactly what they were doing. The film is about Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), who suffers an identity crisis while nearing the end of a three-year solitary tenure working at a helium-3 mining plant on the moon.

The hip-hop project starts with the ambient “You are Here,” which sets the EP’s tone perfectly. It starts with the lyrics “This is the new life, just like the old life” repeating several times with droning piano, making for a tense beginning to an overall tense record.

The lyrics “You are Here” are a summation of what happens in the film, and Tannone samples Sam’s robotic companion’s voice saying “I’m here to keep you safe, Sam.” The album could not have a better opening.

Oftentimes when a band, musician or producer tries to pay homage to another pop culture entity, it can be trite, but Rich and Tannone capture the film’s essence unbelievably well.

Throughout the entire EP, the music leaves listeners uncomfortable but, because of Tannone’s smooth beats and rhythms, bobbing their heads as well. It weaves in and out of sporadic rapping over subdued music and samples of sounds from the film in a way that achieves the movie’s tension.

The record’s best track is “My Sheep Dolly” which focuses on Bell’s struggle with his personal dilemma of whether or not his three-year stay on the moon was worth it. Piano and heavy drums rule the track while the lyrics reveal the film’s twist.

Overall, this EP is excellent on all levels. While it could stand alone from “Moon,” the connection adds a dimension to the project that may not have been noticed otherwise.

If the listener has enjoyed the film and digs hip-hop, this record will not disappoint.