With their cinematic new record on the way, SAFIA share their top film soundtracks

2 August 2019 | 1:21 pm | Caitlin Medcalf

With their cinematic second record, 'Story's Start Or End', set to come to us next Friday, SAFIA share their top film soundtracks.

Canberra three-piece SAFIA are gearing up for the highly-anticipated release of their second record, Story's Start Or End. It's set to be coming to us in full next Friday, with four singles from the record already out and into the world.

It's been two and a half years since we heard their debut record, Internal, and since then, SAFIA have been on a journey of self-discovery, marked by immense growth and a willingness to dream big.

The singles we've heard so far indicate some of their most confident work yet. 'Starlight' sees vocalist Ben Woolner's voice shine in all of its vocoded, heavily controlled glory. 'Resolution' is the more cinematic of the bunch, offering up what I believe to be SAFIA's strongest and most impactful sound yet.

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'Think We're Not Alone' focuses on the space of sound, the reverb and delay effects embedded within the arrangement giving a big-room effect. 'Runaway' sees them build on the playful pop sounds explored in their debut, but still employing the cinematic sound techniques they've driven home throughout the record.

It's set to be a huge release, so to get to know some of the more cinematic influences SAFIA hold close to them, we asked them to put together a list of their favourite film scores. Take a look below.

Interstellar: Hans Zimmer

I could easily compile an entire list with only Hans Zimmer scores. However, if I had to pick one it would have to be Interstellar. His ability to capture the fragility & vulnerability of the human condition alongside the beautifully violent expanse of space & time is jawdropping.

Social Network: Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

The magic in this soundtrack comes from its simplicity. Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross effortlessly lull you into a false sense of security with their hypnotic use of space, tension & release.

Swiss Army Man: Andy Hull & Robert McDowell

This soundtrack is stunning. The whole thing is created using only vocals, it is raw & euphoric all at the same time & it will leave every hair on your body standing upright.

Bird Man: Antonio Sánchez

For me, it's the soundtrack that makes Bird Man such a compelling film. It draws you in from the first moment & doesn't let go

Red Dead Redemption 2: Woody Jackson

I know it's technically not a film score but this soundtrack certainly deserves to be in this list. Anyone who's played through the game will know just how spine-tingling it can get.

Image: SUPPLIED

Words by CAITLIN MEDCALF

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