Settling the Score

With '28 Years Later' on the horizon, the boys revisit Danny Boyle's sleeper hit that reinvigorated the zombie genre. They discuss the film's production and budget challenges, the value of silence in creating tension, and how Murphy's minimalist, mood-driven approach changed horror scoring forever.Ev's score: 8.6 / Al's score: 8.1 / Ky's score: 8.2Musical term: Post-rockInstrumental Instrument: Electric guitarIf you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram.00:00 Introduction and 28 Days Later Hype00:32 Cast and Production Insights01:46 Filming Techniques and Challenges04:10 Inspiration and Story Origins05:15 Alternate Endings and Financial Success09:41 Score and Soundtrack Analysis21:04 Legacy and Cultural Impact26:59 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Every settler has a past, and every sinner has a future. Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Göransson have delivered what's sure to be one of the films of the year if not the decade, and we've got until sunrise to discuss it.Ev's score: 9.8 / Al's score: 9.7 / Ky's score: 9.3Musical term: Call and response (music)Instrumental Instrument: Dobro 1932 CyclopseIf you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram

Gondor calls for aid...and the Settlers shall answer. We're making our long-awaited return to Middle Earth to once and for all vanquish the One Ring. Carried to the summit of Mount Doom by Tolkien enthusiast Dr. Stanley Miller, we dissect what made Howard Shore's epic conclusion to the LotR trilogy a true masterpiece.Ev's score: 10 / Al's score: 9.9 / Ky's score: 9.9 / Stan's score: 9.9Musical term: DissonanceInstrumental Instrument: ShakuhachiIf you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram.00:00 Introduction to the Journey00:58 Welcoming Dr. Stanley Miller01:04 Partying in Hobbiton and Baltimore02:23 A Trip to Hobbiton04:10 Stan's Passion for Tolkien04:26 The Power of Storytelling06:49 Howard Shore's Musical Genius11:05 The Shire Theme Evolution13:04 Emotional Impact of the Music26:01 Lighting of the Beacons30:57 Final Reflections and Scores36:05 Conclusion and Fun Facts

Hot off its Oscar win, the boys discuss the structures, techniques, and collaborations culminating in 2024's Best Original Score.Ev's score: 9.5 / Al's score: 9.3 / Ky's score: 9.3Musical term: Tone ClusterInstrumental Instrument: Prepared pianoIf you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram.00:00 Post-Academy Awards Recap00:22 Unexpected Wins and Highlights00:44 The Brutalist: A Deep Dive01:35 Emotional Connections and Personal Stories02:17 Composer Spotlight: Daniel Bloomberg02:53 Filmmaking on a Budget03:24 Live Music on Set06:46 Intermission Insights08:36 Musical Analysis and Themes19:48 Architecture and Brutalism23:02 Final Thoughts and Ratings27:59 Closing Remarks

Welcome to the White Lotus, Settlers.  The guys take a trip to Maui with Cristobal de Veer's eery score in the Airpods. You know this one's gonna end with a bang.  Ev's score: 8.6 / Al's score: 9.3 / Ky's score: 9.2Musical term: PolyrhythmInstrumental Instrument: Voice of Cristobal Tapia de VeerIf you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram.00:00 Welcome to the White Lotus00:11 Reflecting on Past Seasons00:56 Mike White's Vision and Influence01:46 The Unique Filming Experience02:27 The Anthology Structure04:07 The Iconic Score05:44 Cristobal Tapia DeVere's Journey06:42 The Creative Process09:00 The Impact of the Score15:49 Season Two and Beyond20:10 Final Thoughts and Ratings

Before we get settling, does anyone want to get out? Cap is back, and the bros are celebrating by revisiting where it all began for the Falcon and the Winter Soldier with Henry Jackman's unique contribution to the MCU . Ev's score: 8 / Al's score: 8.3 / Ky's score: 8.6 Musical term: Atonality Instrumental Instrument: Screaming If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram

Every time you find yourselves here, Settlers, it's because you chose to come back. The boys share their theories for what the "work" actually is, draft their top Lumon employees, and continue their anti-temp crusade.

It's the most wonderful time of year, and the best way to spread holiday cheer is settling scores for all to hear. Happy holidays, settlers!

That's right settlers, it's time to try defying gravity on this one as the bros take a trip to discuss one of their favorite musicals, and the unique twists John Powell added for its adaptation to the silver screen.

It's been 40 years since the infamous words were first uttered: "I'll be back." The boys are back, discussing the seminal, stripped-down sci-fi film that put James Cameron (and Arnold) on the map. Ev's score: 9.1 / Al's score: 8.9 / Ky's score: 9 Musical term: 13/16 time signature Instrumental Instrument: MIDI If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram 00:00 Like we said...We'll be back 00:46 Diving into The Terminator 02:08 James Cameron's Vision 05:03 Casting Choices and Time Travel 07:10 Brad Fiedel's Iconic Score 16:46 Synthesizers and MIDI 20:15 Settling the Score

It's Ky vs Emperor Hans on this one as we travel back to Ancient Rome just in time for the follow up to Ridley Scott's epic. It's not all splendor and glory though as we uncover the deception and brutality hidden in this classic score. Ev's score: 8.5 / Al's score: 9 / Ky's score: 8.9 Musical term: Waltz (music) Instrumental Instrument: Duduk If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram 00:00 Ridley Scott's Return to the Coliseum 02:52 Historical Accuracy and Inspirations 08:18 The Cinematic Cavalry Charge Draft 12:04 The Brutality and Themes of Gladiator 15:39 Hans Zimmer's Iconic Score 18:35 The Duduk and Its Role in the Score 20:20 The Duality of Gladiator's Score 22:37 Hot takes on Hans Zimmer 23:12 Gladiators of the Caribbean? 25:19 Why this score cuts deep 33:08 The Waltz of the Gladiators 35:13 Settling the Score

Halloween is upon us, and the night is dark and full of terrors. It's time for our yearly roundup of the sounds that scared us in 2024! 00:00 Intro to the Scaretacular 01:47 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' 12:11 'Us' 18:12 'Talk to Me' If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on ⁠TikTok⁠ or ⁠Instagram

Settling is out there! Al is setting off the balloons for this one as the bros take a long awaited adventure to Paradise Falls. Ev's score: 8.8 / Al's score: 9.7 / Ky's score: 9 Musical term: Thematic transformation Instrumental Instrument: Muted Trumpet 00:00 We're back! 00:11 Hans Zimmer and the Great Baltimore Disaster 02:22 Dedicating the Episode 04:37 Analyzing the Emotional Impact of 'Up' 06:56 Pixar's Journey and Giacchino's Contribution 13:18 Musical Themes and Leitmotifs in 'Up' 17:59 Emotional Evolution of the Film 20:00 Partnership and Adventure 23:10 Hope and Thematic Transformation 25:36 Musical Techniques and Analysis 27:39 Nostalgia and Instrumentation 29:52 Scoring the Score If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram

Rule number one...never leave a fellow settler behind. We're going uncorked on this one as the bros bring on a special guest and Crashers extraordinaire to help settle their first ever R-rated comedy. Ev's score: 7.6 Al's score: 6.8 Ky's score: 8.0 Chuck's score: 7.6 Musical term: Pentatonic scale Instrumental Instrument: Irish bouzouki If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram

Ev takes the boys back to the “best year in film”, when Sam Mendes' directorial debut captured the zeitgeist of late 90s suburban America. It swept the awards circuit then...but how does it hold up 25 years later? Ev's score: 8.6 / Al's score: 8.5 / Ky's score: 8.6 Musical term: Vertical Time Instrumental Instrument: Tabla If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram.

The boys set out to make some core memories by diving into Michael Giacchino's emotional :) score for Inside Out. Ev's score: 8.3 / Al's score: 8.7 / Ky's score: 8.5 Musical term: Pastiche Instrumental Instrument: Glass bowls If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram.

We're thinking differently on this one Settlers as Ky changes the game by bringing us our first ever sports film. On the eve of a trip to our hometown ballpark Camden Yards we're taking a listen to Mychael Danna's 2011 hit Moneyball. Ev's score: 8.4 / Al's score: 7.7 / Ky's score: 9 Musical term: Ostinato Instrumental Instrument: Cello If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok

"Earn this...earn it." On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the boys and their uncle—former UNSECNAV Tom Modly—pay homage to Spielberg's Second World War epic, and to all who have served and sacrificed. Ev's score: 9.5 / Al's score: 9.1 / Ky's score: 9.4 / Tom's score: 9.8 Musical term: Rattenuto Instrumental Instrument: Trumpet If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram. Check out Tom's podcast here! 00:00 Special Guest Announcement 01:27 Tom's Book and Podcast 04:00 D-Day Anniversary Quiz 05:11 Opening Scene Analysis 07:21 Spielberg and John Williams Collaboration 15:20 Cinematography and Awards 23:22 Exploring Solemnity in the Soundtrack 24:24 The Role of the Choir and Human Voices 26:17 The Emotional Weight of the Score 30:21 Rattenuto and Restraint 34:33 Scoring the Score and Final Thoughts

Come on! The boys dissect modern cinema's most equilateral love triangle, and the Reznor/Ross techno masterpiece that propels it. Ev's score: 9.2 / Al's score: 9.1 / Ky's score: 8.9 Musical term: Electropop Instrumental Instrument: Synthesizer If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram. 00:00 Flashing the Settler Signal 00:47 A Cinematic Experience in Mexico City: Snacks, Sights, and Sounds 01:51 The Musical Journey of Ross and Reznor: From 'Social Network' to 'Challengers' 08:32 Exploring the Heartbeat of 'Challengers': A Techno Score Analysis 20:34 The Emotional Core of 'Challengers': Classical Music and Its Impact on the film 31:45 Final Thoughts and Settling the Score

One. Way. Out. The rebellion is brewing in this one as Ky celebrates May the 4th with the best body of work to come out of the Star Wars universe in the last decade. Ev's score:  / Al's score:  / Ky's score: Musical term: Diegetic music Instrumental Instrument: Beskar Bell Basement Pipes If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on Instagram and TikTok.

Without a good rock, a garden is just a place of growing. Without a good score, a show is just a place of mediocrity. Ev leads the boys to the shores of feudal Japan, exploring how the Ross brothers turned traditional Japanese instruments into modern tools of emotional and psychological expression.

"You are not prepared for what is to come." The boys dive deep into the sands of Arrakis, discussing the old and the new in Dune: Part Two. Ky feels the sand on his face, Ev obsesses over unconventional instruments, and Al hits us with his best Loire Cutler impression. Ev's score: 9.7 / Al's score: 9.7 / Ky's score: 9.4 Musical term: Double Harmonic Major Scale Instrumental Instrument: Duduk If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok or Instagram 00:00 Kicking Off with a Banshee Cry 00:12 Hoverboard Sandworms and TikTok Trends 01:07 Diving Deep into Dune Part Two 02:12 Skipping the Intro Course: Advanced Dune Only 04:22 The Power of Pure Image and Sound 04:54 Drafting the Top Shots of Dune 12:56 The Unique Soundscape of Dune 28:21 Hans Zimmer's quest for love 34:48 Final Thoughts and Scores

Hollywood's biggest annual awards event is upon us, and the race for Best Original Score is tight! The bros entertain the idea of an STS emcee, give their takes on the nominees, and build a podium of their own. 2023 gave us some strong candidates, but there can only be one… Ev's pick: Killers of the Flower Moon / Al's pick: Killers of the Flower Moon / Ky's pick: Oppenheimer If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠.

Strings, percussion, brass, woodwinds...long ago the four sections of the orchestra live together in harmony, but everything changed when the brass section attacked. Only Jeremy Zuckerman master of all four sections could stop them... Ev's score: 9 / Al's score: 8.5 / Ky's score: 8.5 Musical term: MIDI Instrumental Instrument: Duduk If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok

It's hard to Settle into a place like Saltburn. The boys don Shakespearean chic and indulge in Anthony Willis' synthy, strung-out musical maze. Ev's score: 8.8 / Al's score: 8.2 / Ky's score: 8.7 Instrumental Instrument: Moog synthesizer If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠.

Barbie has a great day every day, Settlers only have a great day when they get to talk about Barbie. Ky has the boys moving and grooving for this one as they leave the real world behind for Barbie-land to discuss Mark Ronson's triumph...just in time for awards season.  Ev's score: 9.4 / Al's score: 9.1 / Ky's score: 9.5 Musical term: Disco Instrumental Instrument: Yamaha CS-80 If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok

Legend has it when Santa Anas blow, all bets are off. Anything can happen. It's a holiday scoretacular y'all!! The bros are curling up by the fire and cupping a warm hot chocolate for this one just in time to get you in the holiday spirit. Ev's score: 7.4 / Al's score: 7.9 / Ky's score: 6.2 Musical term: Interpolation (popular music) Instrumental Instrument: Musical keyboard If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on Instagram and TikTok.

"Can you find the wolves in this picture?" Ev's score: 9.4 / Al's score: 9.2 / Ky's score: 9.4 Instrumental Instrument: Harmonica If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on Instagram and ⁠TikTok.

The bros are stuck in the TVA on this one as Ky guides them through the past, present, and future of the MCU's newest scoring sensation, Natalie Holt and the MCU's best project in years. Settling For All Time. Always.  Ev's score: 8.7 / Al's score: 8.4 / Ky's score: 9 Instrumental Instrument: Theremin If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok

Most podcasts have sponsors. We have...dragons. Al takes the boys (+ special guest Rob Haus) to Berk as they visit John Powell's soaring score for HTTYD. Ev's score: 9 / Al's score: 9.4 / Ky's score: 9.5 Musical term: Pedal tone Instrumental Instrument: Bagpipes If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics on TikTok

“A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man.” Ev takes the boys back to their roots with an intimate look at Francis Ford Coppola's enduring masterpiece. Ev's score: 9.4 / Al's score: 9.2 / Ky's score: 9.3 Musical term: Reorchestration Instrumental Instrument: Trumpet If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics @ instagram.com/settlingthescorepod. Tired of our brotherly banter but still hungry for more scores after the episode? Tune in to our Settled Score playlist!

Give me the keys "Bros", give me the keys!! It's unsettling the score this week as the boys celebrate Jordan Peele and Michael Abels' latest accomplishment, Nope, by revisiting the duos breakout phenomenon...Get Out. Ev's score: 9.2 / Al's score: 8.6 / Ky's score: 9 Musical term: Gospel Horror Instrumental Instrument: Ukulele If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics @ instagram.com/settlingthescorepod. Tired of our brotherly banter but still hungry for more scores after the episode? Tune in to our Settled Score playlist!

What a bunch of A-Holes. The bros journey through the epic score and chart-topping soundtrack that made Guardians of the Galaxy the surprise success story of the MCU's phase two. Ev's score: 7.9 / Al's score: 8.2 / Ky's score: 8.1 Musical term: Horn of doom Instrumental Instrument: French horn If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics @ instagram.com/settlingthescorepod. Tired of our brotherly banter but still hungry for more scores after the episode? Tune in to our Settled Score playlist!

Ev pushes the bros to their physical and psychological limits with this Nick Cage cult classic.

Son, your ego is settling scores your body can't cash! Maverick is back and the lads figured there was no better time to fly straight into the danger zone of soundtracks. This one has more hits than a game of shirtless beach volleyball so we called in a wingman. We're talking all things Top Gun with a very special guest....F35 Flight Lead Capt. Zachary Modly. Ev's score: 8.2 / Al's score: 9 / Ky's score: 8.6 / Zak's Score: 8.7 Musical term: Soundtrack Instrumental Instrument: Charvel If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify and opt-in to get notified when we drop future episodes. Better yet, get in touch and keep up with our score-settling antics @ instagram.com/settlingthescorepod. Tired of our brotherly banter but still hungry for more scores after the episode? Tune in to our Settled Score playlist!

We’re three brothers keeping in touch through the songs, scenes, and sounds of our favorite films. Each episode, we’ll be taking you—and each other—on a journey down the rhythmic rabbit hole. Join us in Settling the Score. You can find full episodes (which include songs from the movies we discuss!) on Spotify.