Trent Reznor Atticus Ross Challengers Mixed OST Boys Noize Review

Boys Noize remixes Reznor and Ross' film score into a thrilling 28-minute DJ set, creating a unique dance album experience.

Boys Noize has taken Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' pulsating score for Luca Guadagnino's latest film Challengers and transformed it into a mesmerizing 28-minute DJ set that is nothing short of extraordinary. In this seamless mix, the German-Iraqi DJ, producer, and songwriter has crafted a dreamscape of dance music that captivates listeners at every twist and turn. This collaboration between the artists has resulted in one of the most unique and exceptional dance albums of the year.

Reznor and Ross specifically chose Boys Noize to reinterpret their score into an album, and the result is a blend of their signature industrial sound, cinematic synth sequences, and moments of both clarity and darkness. The relentless pace of Challengers [Mixed] almost creates a barrier between the listener and the emotional depth of the score, but Reznor and Ross' more delicate elements still manage to shine through with powerful impact.

One track that showcases this emotional intensity is "L'oeuf," a haunting piece where side-chained synths envelop a solitary piano line in an ominous glow. As the synths intensify and overtake the piano, the listener is enveloped in a dizzying experience akin to a drug-induced haze. Then, "Challengers" bursts in with an energy akin to a jolt of adrenaline, pulling the listener back onto the dance floor.

These transitions throughout Challengers [Mixed] elevate the album beyond a mere film score or dance compilation. If the film's techno-infused ecstasy was meant to mirror the back-and-forth intensity of a tennis match, Boys Noize's dynamic tempos feel like the match is being played at lightning speed, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

Listening to Challengers [Mixed], it becomes evident that Reznor and Ross have found a remarkable creative partner in Luca Guadagnino. The duo described their collaboration with the director as one of their most fulfilling experiences as artists, building on their previous work together on Guadagnino's film Bones and All. With Challengers now added to their repertoire, Reznor and Ross have once again pushed the boundaries of their sound, infusing the original score with an electrifying and primal energy.

Reznor revealed that Guadagnino challenged them to create a score based on "unending homoerotic desire," a directive that led to a powerful and evocative result. Critics have praised the bombastic nature of the score, noting its ability to enhance the on-screen sports action without overshadowing it. This collaboration between Reznor, Ross, and Boys Noize has yielded a truly exceptional and immersive musical experience that transcends traditional boundaries and captivates listeners with its emotional depth and raw energy.

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