From Bat Noises to Bargain Bin Bangers: The Unexpected Soundtrack of What We Do In The Shadows
Let's talk about What We Do in the Shadows. Beyond the hilarious mockumentary format and the lovable, if incompetent, vampires, there's something special humming beneath the surface. It's the music!
You might not immediately think of the soundtrack when you picture Nandor's exasperated sighs or Laszlo's topiary artistry. But trust me, it's there, often working its magic in the most unexpected ways. It's not just background noise, it's a character in itself.
The Frighteningly Funny Scores
A big part of the show's charm is its use of classic horror movie tropes. Think spooky organ music, dramatic strings, and chilling choirs. This is where composer Mark Mothersbaugh truly shines.
Mothersbaugh, known for his work with Devo and films like *Rushmore*, brings a quirky, slightly off-kilter sensibility. He blends genuine horror elements with a wink and a nudge, perfectly mirroring the show's comedic tone.
Imagine Nadja floating menacingly... but the music is just a *little* bit too theatrical. That's the sweet spot! The music amplifies the absurdity.
The Deep Cuts and the Deliberately Cheesy
The licensed music choices are equally inspired. You’ll hear everything from forgotten 80s synth-pop to dramatic classical pieces.
Sometimes, it's used for pure comedic effect. Picture a vampire nightclub scene set to a surprisingly upbeat and utterly inappropriate pop song. It's brilliantly jarring!
Other times, the music serves a more poignant purpose. A melancholic song during a moment of vampire introspection can suddenly feel surprisingly heartfelt.
The Nadja Doll's Musical Musings
Let's not forget the Nadja Doll. It is a conduit for Nadja's spirit and a source of endless amusement. And she sings!
Her musical outbursts, often snippets of old folk songs or operatic arias, are both hilarious and strangely touching. It's a reminder of Nadja's long and eventful life, crammed into a tiny porcelain body.
It adds another layer of depth to the character. It makes the audience appreciate the depth of Nadja's character.
Beyond the Gags: Music as Emotion
What's truly remarkable is how the music in *What We Do in the Shadows* can sneak up on you emotionally. Beneath the laughs and the vampire shenanigans, there are moments of genuine connection between the characters.
The music subtly underscores these moments, reminding us that even immortal creatures crave friendship, acceptance, and maybe just a little bit of human (or, well, animal) connection.
"It's not just about the jokes. It's about the characters, and the music helps us understand them better."
So, next time you're watching Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson get into their usual misadventures, pay attention to the soundtrack. You might be surprised by what you discover.
From the ridiculously over-the-top scores to the perfectly chosen needle drops, the music in *What We Do in the Shadows* is an integral part of what makes the show so special. It elevates the comedy, deepens the characters, and even manages to tug at your heartstrings a little bit. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find that obscure 80s song from the vampire orgy scene... for research purposes, of course!
