By Matt Wake
“Pale, Pale Moon” might be the rawest recording Brittany Howard’s ever released. The song is on the soundtrack for hit horror movie “Sinners.”
“Pale, Pale Moon” begins as cathartic country blues, with just Howard’s hot howl and jagged slide guitar. Gradually, the track unfurls into what sounds like a field recording of some eerie ritual.
Howard, an Athens native who rose to fame last decade with rock band Alabama Shakes, cowrote “Pale, Pale Moon” with Swedish producer Ludwig Göransson, known for his work with Childish Gambino, Rihanna, Adele and Kendrick Lamar.
On her Instagram, Howard described the genesis of “Pale, Pale Moon”: “Ludwig flew to Nashville last March, and within just a few hours, this song was created. That original demo we recorded (with some Ludwig special sauce) is now out on the official soundtrack, and I couldn’t be prouder of it.”
In “Sinners,” actor Jayme Lawson’s character, a singer named Pearline, is shown singing “Pale, Pale Moon.” Howard lauded Lawson for, “bringing this song to life with a stunning performance.” She added, “Go check it out, Sinners is a work of art.”
“Sinners” is the latest film from “Black Panther” and “Creed” director Ryan Coogler. It’s topped the U.S. box office its first two weeks in theaters.
“Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as brothers named Smoke and Stack. Set in post-war Mississippi, the plot involves vampires and blues music.
In addition to Howard, the “Sinners” soundtrack boasts roots music icons like Cedrick Burnside, Rhiannon Giddens, Bobby Rush and Buddy Guy. There are also contributions from Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell and, the film’s female lead, Hailee Stanfield.
Howard has won Grammys both as a solo artist and with Alabama Shakes. Earlier in the band’s career, the Shakes’ music appeared in notable films including “Silver Linings Playbook” and “12 Years a Slave.”