Lee Ranaldo - The System (Original Soundtrack Album) Lee Ranaldo

Lee Ranaldo reimagines The System, expanding and reconfiguring his soundtrack for Joris Postema's documentary of the same name into a standalone album. Originally released in a more film-focused form in 2025, this edition incorporates previously unreleased material written and recorded for the film, presenting the music as both a return to Ranaldo's drone-based experimentation and an immersive instrumental work in its own right.

Scored for a documentary following three climate activists, The System balances themes of hope and despair through Ranaldo's expansive guitar work. Joined by collaborators including Jim Jarmusch, Leila Bordreuil, Brian Chase, and Yonatan Gat, the album moves between meditative drones, acoustic passages, and richly textured improvisations across pieces including Tajikistan (Nice to Meet You), Berlin Blockade, Bergelmir, Instruments of Violence, and a closing interpretation of Cool Water.

Blurring the boundaries between film score, instrumental guitar album, improvisation, and ambient composition, The System transforms its cinematic origins into a deeply atmospheric and cohesive listening experience.