Hannah Peel has had a varied career. Her hands are in the background of our Facebook header; turning the handle of the music box on which she cranked out covers of 80s synthpop. She has performed with John Foxx as part of The Maths. Whole other audiences know her for Ulster-inspired pop, as a Radio 3 presenter, or as part of The Magnetic North.
Peel’s sweet spot is, increasingly, as a composer for television and film. Her commission for the Netflix film, Midwinter Break successfully sits between the glacial restraint of soundtracks for Nordic noir and the evocative Snow Falling on Cedars. Like both, it leans on atmosphere over incident; teasing memories from the darkness.
Like James Newton Howard’s soundtrack for Snow Falling on Cedars, Peel’s score explores closeness and distance. The cues often feel like they’re tracing something just out of reach. The shapes are hauntingly familiar but far from comfortable.
Midwinter Break is a fine addition to Peel’s show reel, but it also works as music for reflection. Sit still and let this be your mirror.