10 years ago the French-Canadian filmmaking trio RKSS released their film, Turbo Kid. An ode to 80s post-apocalyptic B-movies, it was a fun nod to movies like Metalstorm, Steel Dawn, and Mad Max but with the light-heartedness of BMX Bandits, Explorers, and E.T. Over the top gore that was more ridiculous than offensive, and a great Michael Ironside chewing up scenes like a master character actor.
Beside loving the nostalgia, Evil Dead-level gore, and quite poignant acting at times, the score sealed the deal. The Montreal-based electronic duo Le Matos made a driving, epic, and very danceable score to the film, giving the proceedings a beating heart courtesy of all-analog synths and drum machines. 10 years later and the album still sits in infamy as an all-timer for those struck by the music(me included.)
10 years later and Le Matos has returned to the world of the “Wasteland” with a new Turbo Kid soundtrack, this time for Turbo Kid the videogame. Outlands put the classic scrolling game out last year, and now Le Matos has made their score to the game available digitally. They have returned to the world of Turbo Kid giving us the classic feel of the film, but with new twists and turns. Propulsive, engaging, and another classic electric/analog music journey.
If you grew up in the 80s you’ll probably know the feel of Turbo Kid. Radiation-damaged monsters going after those who survived the blast. Evil warlord enslaving folks and making them entertain him in bizarre gladiator fights. Young kid obsessed with old technology squireling them away in his bunker. Then kid falls in love with a beautiful robot as she helps him in his adventures. Pretty typical stuff.
The videogame sees Turbo Kid running around the wasteland, brought back in the form of an 80s side-scrolling adventure. A little Metroid, a little Castlevania, but with a far better score. Le Matos captures the feel of their previous work, but never repeat themselves. “Super Turbo Kid” is the opening salvo, and you get hit with epic synth sweeps with a touch of melancholy. 80s disco flourishes rhythmically give everything forward propulsion. “Ride Or Die” has a disco vibe, but none of that “Disco Sucks” shenanigans. Giorgio Moroder would be proud. “Tour De Trash” has a driving drum part that allows for Le Matos build to a big crescendo.
If you’re familiar with the original Turbo Kid S/T you know what to expect coming in. If not, think of artists like Daft Punk, MSTRKRFT, Jean-Michel Jarre and Aphex Twin. That is the sonic world Le Matos works in. “Narc” is gritty and tough, while “The Other Side of the Wasteland” build over six incredible minutes.
Not into post-apocalyptic 80s movies? Or NES side-scrolling videogames? No problem, because Le Matos’ Turbo Kid Original Game Soundtrack will pull you in regardless. It’s another amazing album from Le Matos, and the wasteland.
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