If, like us, you’ve spent the last week trying to binge watch the second season of Stranger Things, you may be reminded of one of the reasons why we all love it so much – the soundtrack. Created by the experimental instrumentalist group, Survive, Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon‘s nostalgia-laced tape shines with retro synths, mysterious sci-fi melodies, and everything in between. The Stranger Things OST truly is an ode to the iconic films and producers of the 80s VHS-era.
If you’ve just about listened to the Netflix hit’s soundtrack more than you can handle, here’s a list to begin your path of discovery into more things you will undoubtedly fall in love with.
Tangerine Dream – ‘Love on a Real Train‘
Pioneers of the electronic music scene, Tangerine Dream, delivered a number of incredibly moving and memorable scores for films throughout the ’80s. One of the group’s most renowned by far is their hypnotic ‘Love on a Real Train‘ from Tom Cruise‘s comedy Risky Business.
Disasterpeace – It Follows OST
Taking influence from horror films of the late ’70s and ’80s, Disasterpeace undoubtedly nailed his score for It Follows. From delicate airy pieces to unnerving arpeggiators filled with dread, It Follows still stands as a commendable throwback to retro-cinema and the soundtracking by Disasterpeace captures the vibe perfectly.
Vangelis – Blade Runner OST
Although the Greek composer won an Oscar in 1981 for his soundtrack to Chariots of Fire, his soundtrack for Ridley Scott‘s Blade Runner is still helmed as some of his best work. An incredible body of work, Vangelis‘ gorgeous synth-scapes and bluesy brooding backdrops create a truly otherworldly feel which fits perfectly with the dystopian sci-fi flick.
John Carpenter – ‘Night‘
Possibly the most influential artist on this list is the master of horror himself, John Carpenter. The iconic director and composer scored many of his own films and gifted the world; The Fog, Christine, Halloween, Escape From New York and Assault on Precinct 13, to name a few. ‘Night‘ shows Carpenter using VR technology to “take over” a faceless, futuristic driver. Watch as he makes his way through the night streets of Los Angeles before the climactic ending scene.
Mitch Murder – Kung Fury OST
Johan Bengtsson, better known by his stage name Mitch Murder, is a Swedish musician who sounds like he’s been teleported here from another decade. After popularising the synthwave genre with his soaring melodies and punchy basslines, he was approached by David Sandberg to help with his retro-flick, Kung Fury. Bengtsson’s almost cheesy style 80s influenced production blends perfectly with Sandberg’s ode to vintage cinema making the pair a dream team for the genre.
Futurecop! – The Lost Tapes
Another electronic artist producing ’80s soundtrack influenced beats is Futurecop!. The Manchester-based artist will swallow you up, spin you around, and spit you back out covered in brightly coloured nylon pullovers and leg warmers. For more like Futurecop! be sure to check out Com Truise, Gunship, Timecop 1983 and Miami Nights 1984.
Kavinsky – ‘Protovision‘
Kavinsky is best known for his progressive synth-heavy tracks such as ‘Pacific Coast Highway‘ and ‘Night Call‘, the latter taken from the Drive soundtrack. His video for Protovision plays on this retro high-energy and follows a gritty car chase through the streets, alleys, and bridges of Los Angeles. The video climaxes with a fitting The Terminator-style twist.
Sinoia Caves – Beyond The Black Rainbow OST
Beyond The Black Rainbow is the second release from Black Mountain‘s Jeremy Schmidt under his Sinoia Caves alias. The hazy work acts as a soundtrack from the cult sci-fi film of the same name. The music gives sly nods to Goblin and John Carpenter and perfectly captures that nostalgic ambience.
Clint Mansell – San Junipero OST
Taken from Charlie Brooker‘s post-humanism drama Black Mirror, San Junipero is a love story which spans numerous time periods. As a great deal of the episode takes place in 1987, the soundtrack is filled with a beautiful blend of organic sounds and luscious synth melodies.
