Classic Soundtracks, Vol. 1

Classic Soundtracks Vol. 1 is Spindrift’s fourth studio album. Still, from Sasha Vallely’s haunting woodwind solo in the opening “Japexico” to the Ennio Morricone–inspired closer “Red Reflection,” the largely instrumental 2011 offering plays more like the collected soundtracks to various imaginary films. Led by singer/guitarist Kirpatrick Thomas, the band takes a less experimental approach than on Spindrift’s earlier recordings. “Space Vixens Theme” leans on vintage electric guitar tones, with Vallely’s nonverbal cooing and campy, squiggling, analog keyboard sounds creating something that'd feel at home next to the 1968 score to Barbarella. “Hellbound” makes good use of baritone guitar and delayed lap-steel notes; when played with galloping rhythms, it makes for a fetching spaghetti western number. When Thomas and Vallely sing together in tunes like the psychedelic “Theme from Confusion Range,” they sound like The Raveonettes’ Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo harmonizing over a track recorded by Friends of Dean Martinez. Sprawling over eight minutes, “Theme from Drifter’s Pass” is a mini-epic.