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‘Stranger Things’ Soundtrack To Be Unleashed, But Will That Killer Score Be Included?

By Zachary Volkert
Published on: 04:06 PST, Jul 28, 2016

Stranger Things‘ soundtrack of moody ’80s synths encapsulates the show’s universe so well, it’s no surprise that it’s become one of the trademarks of the series.

Perhaps none of these sounds are quite as iconic of Stranger Things as its brief thumper of a lead-in. After gobbling up the show’s short eight-episode run and feverishly praying for a second season, fans have sought out the hypnotic opening credits online through unofficial YouTube uploads and Spotify streams, but it now looks like there will be a Netflix-sanctioned soundtrack up for grabs soon.

Yet as is usually the case with such concise social media press releases, many questions are left unanswered about what exactly will qualify for the Stranger Things soundtrack. Will The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” cast version make the final cut? Will its haunting score even be included at all?

While those eager to get their hands on the Stranger Things soundtrack still have countless questions, at least one thing has been uncovered by Reddit fans and local media: the two members of Texas quartet S U R V I V E, who wrote the score.

Before joining the project, Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein were still working day jobs in Austin, Texas, even after scoring modest success with singles like “Hourglass.” Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers were intrigued by what they had heard and asked them to put together all the original music for their upcoming Netflix show’s soundtrack.

Like Stranger Things itself, the duo’s music has always had a brooding quality that feels like a lost Dario Argento soundtrack. As Stein told Noisey, that eventually led them into the specific world they wanted to conjure up with the score.

“We discussed having a classic tone and feel to the music for the show but being reserved enough that it wasn’t ’80s cheese, while offering a refreshing quality so that felt modern as well — which is one of the qualities that drew them to our music in the first place. Having a familiarity with classic synths works but with an overall modern and forward thinking approach.”

That description of the score should come as no surprise to critics who have both praised and smashed the show for serving up a hefty dose of nostalgia. Filmmakers from David Lynch to Steven Spielberg have clearly left their mark all around Stranger Things, and it seems logical for the soundtrack to follow up on that, Kyle told Noisey.

“Of course, the show has a lot of similarities to some very famous and influential movies that I think most people have seen, particularly at a young age. So it’s inevitable that there will be some aspect of nostalgia.”

Apart from the Stranger Things original score, several other ’80s tracks have received a massive boost from getting airplay on the series. Fitting in with the brooding tone of the show, Joy Division’s post-punk ballad “Atmosphere” made an appearance, as did lengthy experimental piece “Elegia” from the band’s later incarnation New Order.

What are you hoping to see on the Stranger Things soundtrack?

[Image via Netflix]

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