Emotional, Methodical Rock

The ‘Motorcycle Jesus’ Original Soundtrack serves as the backdrop for the relatively unknown musician, Boots’s, self-directed titular 30-minute film; the soundtrack is a blend of rock and methodical melodies.

Boots became widely known because of his collaboration with Beyoncé on her self-titled album in 2013, but before then he was the frontman of bands such as Blonds and Stonefox.

In the film, Boots, also known as Jordan Asher, is seen traveling through desert wasteland and fighting to survive the ruined world around him.

The soundtrack is composed of five songs: “Mercy”, “I Run Roulette”, “Suicide Games”, “Only”, and “Teen Reader”. These songs fill the emptiness that envelopes his world and perfectly capture his stream of consciousness.

Boots uses “Mercy” to create a powerful reflection of one’s expectations of life versus its reality. It starts off by lulling listeners into submission and evoking the calm, but as “Mercy” continues the storm rages and takes over. An onslaught of guitar and a warped beat dominate, taking your ears as prisoner.

“I Run Roulette” is a high intensity track that resonates the most with the rock music genre. Its beat resembles that of the band AWOLNATION: fast-paced and imprisoning listeners. Chaotic is the first word that comes to mind when you listen to this song or watch ‘Motorcycle Jesus’.

The song “Suicide Games” begins with a blend of industrial instrumentals that are a bit overwhelming, but as it builds momentum the beat steadies and integrates the electric guitar. This song focuses on the emptiness within a person and feeling separate from others because of it.

Slowly “Only,” invades your mind. Similar to “Suicide Games”, “Only” alludes to isolation. The piano playing throughout the song is gentle yet sharp, it really makes listeners focus on the lyrics. Boots’ vocals are ethereal and raw, which make “Only” that much more intense.

“Guess we better run, run, run away” Boots sings in the chorus of “Teen Reader”. This track has more of a relaxed sound although the lyrics do not match that. “Teen Reader” talks about some of the many things that can ruin the world: violence, addictions, and technology. These things can create a wasteland that only a few people can survive.

The soundtrack for ‘Motorcycle Jesus’ is the perfect vehicle through which Boots’ deep, soulful voice makes itself known to listeners. The songs work together as a whole and can each stand on their own. This multi-talented musician creates and evokes emotions through five songs that some artists struggle to explore through a full length album.