Alexandre Lessertisseur's original score for Return is released via Plaza Mayor Company. In this animated adventure, the Young oryx Hardy returns to his home to protect his family and the peace of the desert...

The score for Return is a beautifully realised album, bringing together a combination of African styles and modern orchestral soundtracks. The result is an endearing and timeless collection of themes that work incredibly well as a standalone listening experience. The score contains 25 tracks (52 min, 33 sec)

Discussing the project, Lessertisseur says: "It was a terrific gig. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the handmade drawings which give Return this special charm. I fell in love with the story. I wanted to emphasize the African flavour of the movie, but I also wanted a classical orchestral score. So I decided to blend mostly African percussions and voices with a more traditional film orchestra formation. I had fun playing Djembe and Talking drums, that I used to play when I was younger."

It's surprisingly diverse for a score that sets out to create memorable Africa vibes. It manages to steer well clear of the standard cliches and pitfalls of evoking the feelings of a foreign land. I loved how Lessertisseur approached this score, and F.A.M.E'.S Orchestra's performance is memorable and one you'll want to return to time and time again.

8

Darren Rea