Less than two weeks ago, Netflix gave us the gift that is the mystery-filled sci-fi series “Stranger Things” — and a little bit of Austin had something to do with it.
Photo via Netflix
From the “Goonies”-esque ragtag band of kids to Winona Ryder’s performance, the show quickly became a binge-watch favorite. But a major part of the show’s allure has to do with it being a major ’80s throwback. “Stranger Things” is riddled with sounds and tracks from the era, including The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You” by Foreigner, Modern English’s “I Melt With You” and, of course, that opening theme.
The score to the “Stranger Things” title sequence — which on its own already resembles the cover of a 1980s mystery novel — has captured people’s attention. And it turns out the men behind the eerie, synth-laden track are part of an Austin band named Survive.
Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein formed their duo in Austin in 2008 and got their first Hollywood gig composing the song “Hourglass” for 2014 action-horror film “The Guest.” They currently have a Facebook page and upload their work to Bandcamp. In 2015, Survive played at Levitation and Fun Fun Fun Fest. The band recently signed a deal for a new LP with Relapse Records, and the album is set to be released Sept. 30.
The Duffer Brothers, the creators of “Stranger Things,” asked Dixon and Stein to write all the original music in the first season. It’s not clear yet if they’ll return for later episodes or if Netflix will ever get around to releasing the soundtrack.
But here’s to hoping.
Check out what people have to say about the song on Twitter:
Watch Ryder talk about the smash hit show below.
