Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is a new video game from French developer Don’t Nod. Since I’m not much of a gamer, I can’t tell you anything about that, aside from that it’s narrative-driven and about grown women in 2022 reconnecting with a secret from their 1990s teenage past. What I can tell you about, though, is the soundtrack, which, like the game was released in two parts, the second of which dropped this week. And, really, the reason I’m telling you about the soundtrack is because 3/4 of Chromatics— Ruth Radelet, Nat Walker and Adam Miller— reunited to contribute five songs to the Lost Records soundtrack album. 

This is first music from the three former bandmates since Chromatics broke up several years ago. The collaboration also resulted in a sound that is very much within the vibe of their old group. “Dreamers” veers into Twin Peaks terrain, albeit closer to when Julee Cruise sings “Rockin’ Back Inside My Heart” on the Roadhouse stage than Chromatics’ own appearance in The Return. At least, this is how “Dreamers” plays out for the first three-and-a-half minutes. Then it takes a sharp turn towards Rosemary’s Baby for two more delightfully disturbing minutes. 

On “The Wild Unknown,” the band brings in a shimmering 20th century indie aesthetic, think Mazzy Star with hints of Jesus and Mary Chain and The Smiths on “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want.” It’s a near-perfect song to at last call and my favorite of the trio’s Lost Records contributions. 

Meanwhile, “A Place Like Home” is an atmospheric number, where Radelet hums across an otherwise instrumental track. “Without a Trace” is its inverse, where minimal music lends an extra-creepy quality to Radelet’s voice. 

“The Veil,” the video for which was recently released, is the song that’s most similar to Chromatics, with a melancholic pop feel that recalls fan favorites like “Cherry” and “Shadow.” Instrumentals for “Dreamers,” “The Wild Unknown,” “Without a Trace” and “The Veil” are also included on the album.

Montreal-based duo Milk & Bone also contributed heavily to the soundtrack. Their work here is closer to a straightforward score with six atmospheric tracks that blend synthwave with references to 1990s electronic music. “Moonlight” is probably the best example of that fusion, with its chill out room vibe. 

Also included on the soundtrack is Nora Kelly Band, whose retro-rockin’ “See You In Hell” I can only assume is related to the ‘90s teen band in the video game. It’s very reminiscent of bands like Veruca Salt and Bettie Serveert, heavy, but not quite as punk as the groups more commonly associated with Riot Grrrl. 

Overall, Lost Records is a solid soundtrack album, but the songs from Ruth Radelet, Nat Walker and Adam Miller put it over the top and I do hope that we’ll be hearing more from the trio. 

Liz O. is an L.A.-based writer and DJ. Read her recently published work and check out her upcoming gigs or listen to the latest Beatique Mix. Follow on Instagram for more updates.

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