Like probably many journalists out there, I eagerly watched the recently released Netflix documentary about Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh, co-directed by Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus. Cover-Up examines his story generally, but particularly some of his most controversial investigative journalism centered on U.S. military actions in Vietnam and other wars, in addition to big political stories. (I’m mostly talking about the My Lai massacre, but he also played a bit of an assist with Watergate, too.) One element of the doc that really stuck with me, though, was Maya Shenfeld’s captivating synth score.
The Berlin-based Shenfeld deploys a vast array of synth and electronic techniques in a way that is anachronistic to the mid-century focus of the film but which also works seamlessly to truly bridge the past to the present. Shenfeld’s synths have a Eurorack modular foundation and they’re blended a host of other elements, such as typewriter samples, guitar feedback, and live instruments like organ, brass and strings run through tape. The theme cue below, “Another Level,” showcases the buoyant movement of this mix of modular, organic, and sound treatments. The synths swirl around each other in a circular oscillation that taps into the suffocating and frustrating aspects of Hersh’s struggle to shine sunlight on government coverups. This structure builds and builds on top of itself before yielding to a distinct echo without resolution. (After all, even the biggest news break is only the tip of the iceberg with some of this nefarious stuff.)
Another score cue that really gets me is “Netherworld,” which deploys all of those techniques described above in a way that emphasizes foreboding but also trepidation and deceit. We’re in something and it’s not clear how to get out. The guttural drones and spectral synths pulsate in a realm of deep cover. An enterprising filmmaker could easily use this in a horror film.
You can get the entire album via Bandcamp. It’s also streamable via your favorite platforms. (I wish there was a cassette release. This is perfect for it. Put the tape in a manilla envelope stamped only with the words, “TOP SECRET.”)
