7/10

It was a surprise to no-one that Netflix were planning a second season of their hit 80s-themed horror series Stranger Things, after the rave reviews and cult status the first series achieved. But aside from the monsters and retro feel of the show, the soundtrack was also one of the main talking points of the series. Produced by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the band S U R V I V E, the pair managed to recreate an almost John Carpenter sound of 80s synth and brooding percussion for its initial run, and now they are back to do it all again for the season two OST.

It is hard to say what the difference would be between this soundtrack and the one that accompanied the first series, mainly because once you are committed to rekindle the sound of a certain era, there isn't much you can do to expand on that. But what this new release seems to show is a far more softer approach than before. Rather than plenty of biting, percussive spikes, the pair have set themselves up with a more ethereal feel, opting for more strung-out keys and humble harmonies that create a far more subtle atmosphere.

Initially, it may sound less impactful when compared to the original release, but this all seems to indicate a more subtle shift in tone from the series. Less of the loud and aggressive build ups and more brooding atmospheric moments, which would work equally well for those unexpected frights.