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The Beach

Motion Picture Soundtrack

(Sire Records)

The new school Brit-pop invasion reigns supreme on the official motion picture soundtrack for the "The Beach," teen heart-throb Leonardo DiCaprio's latest film.

The album is characterized by various imported electronic acts, including Leftfield, Underworld, Faithless and UNKLE, all of whom put forth some commendable mini-symphonies.

The exceptional soundtrack is ushered in by the ambient, swarming urban rhythm of Leftfield's "Snakeblood" - a somewhat dark, but ultimately pleasant dance track that sets the tone for the film.

Other high points on the album are Moby's melodious, diffusive "Porcelain," also found on his most recent release, Play and New Order's new single "Brutal."

Underworld's "8 Ball" also helps set the film's tone, with a driving, harmonizing bass line grooving slowly behind singer Karl Hyde's radiant voice.

Another worthy mention includes an intense dance remix of Blur's "On Your Own." UNKLE contributes "Lonely Soul," an acid jazz/symphonic opus on which the vocals are executed by the Verve's Richard Ashcroft.

However, though perfect within the context of the film, some tracks (most notably All Saints' "Pure Shores" and Sugar Ray's "Spinning Away") could have been omitted completely, as they drag down the overall tone of the soundtrack.

"Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience," DiCaprio states on the album's closing track, "Beached," performed by Orbital.

It's good advice for all potential listeners, as the techno pop invasion that characterizes the soundtrack is nothing less than completely absorbing.

-Barry McGuire