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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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"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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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"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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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'

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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

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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

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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

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

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.

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

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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: 9.2

Musical term: Polyrhythm

Instrumental Instrument: Voice of Cristobal Tapia de Veer

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00:00 Welcome to the White Lotus

00:11 Reflecting on Past Seasons

00:56 Mike White's Vision and Influence

01:46 The Unique Filming Experience

02:27 The Anthology Structure

04:07 The Iconic Score

05:44 Cristobal Tapia DeVere's Journey

06:42 The Creative Process

09:00 The Impact of the Score

15:49 Season Two and Beyond

20:10 Final Thoughts and Ratings

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: 9.9

Musical term: Dissonance

Instrumental Instrument: Shakuhachi

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00:00 Introduction to the Journey

00:58 Welcoming Dr. Stanley Miller

01:04 Partying in Hobbiton and Baltimore

02:23 A Trip to Hobbiton04:10 Stan's Passion for Tolkien

04:26 The Power of Storytelling

06:49 Howard Shore's Musical Genius

11:05 The Shire Theme Evolution

13:04 Emotional Impact of the Music

26:01 Lighting of the Beacons

30:57 Final Reflections and Scores

36:05 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: 9.3

Musical term: Tone Cluster

Instrumental Instrument: Prepared piano

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00:00 Post-Academy Awards Recap

00:22 Unexpected Wins and Highlights

00:44 The Brutalist: A Deep Dive

01:35 Emotional Connections and Personal Stories02:17 Composer Spotlight: Daniel Bloomberg

02:53 Filmmaking on a Budget

03:24 Live Music on Set

06:46 Intermission Insights

08:36 Musical Analysis and Themes

19:48 Architecture and Brutalism

23:02 Final Thoughts and Ratings

27:59 Closing Remarks

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: 9.3

Musical term: Call and response (music)

Instrumental Instrument: Dobro 1932 Cyclopse

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00:00:00 The Boys Are Back (And Kai's Got a Sword)

00:01:38 A Score That Demands to Be Settled

00:03:48 Box Office Heat & Cinema Score History

00:06:00 Ryan Coogler: Name Brand Director Status

00:10:12 Enter the Juke Joint: Premise & Setup

00:18:45 Ludwig Göransson Did Not Come to Play

00:28:30 The Devil Went Down to Mississippi

00:36:22 Music as Weapon, Soul as Stake

00:46:00 Vampires, Culture Wars & Who Gets Invited In

00:50:00 Final Scores: Settling Sinners

It's lights out and the STS car is attacking in the turns on this one as we break down how Joseph Kosinski's formula for summer blockbusters just delivered another podium finish.

Ev's score: 8.1 / Al's score: 8.3 / Ky's score: 8.4

Musical term: Ostinato

Instrumental Instrument: Electric guitar

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I'm simply saying that settling finds a way...Jurassic Park is back and we've resurrected a dinosaur of a score from the past. This awe inspiring work from the Tyrannosaurus himself, John Williams, has broken containment and is on the loose.

Ev's score: 9.1 / Al's score: 9.2 / Ky's score: 9.3

Musical term: Suspended chord

Instrumental Instrument: French horn

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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: 8.2

Musical term: Post-rock

Instrumental Instrument: Electric guitar

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00:00 Introduction and 28 Days Later Hype

00:32 Cast and Production Insights

01:46 Filming Techniques and Challenges

04:10 Inspiration and Story Origins

05:15 Alternate Endings and Financial Success

09:41 Score and Soundtrack Analysis

21:04 Legacy and Cultural Impact

26:59 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Wait, Grandpa, you’re telling me that the composer for The Princess Bride is also a four time Grammy award winning classic rock legend?! Inconceivable!

Ev's score: 9.4 / Al's score: 9.4 / Ky's score: 9.4

Musical term: Borrowed chord

Instrumental Instrument: Synclavier

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1. Introduction and Childhood Memories
2. Personal Connection and Production History
3. Comedy and Storytelling Style
4. Character Development and Hero's Journey
5. Cast and Characters
6. Mark Knopfler and the Score
7. Musical Analysis and Score Rating
8. Closing Thoughts and Wrap-up

A mother would move heaven and earth for her settlers, and as the bros broach father / uncle-hood they'll do just that. We herald the return of Michael Giacchino with a score worthy Marvel's first family.

Ev's score: 8.7 / Al's score: 8.9 / Ky's score: 9

Musical term: Staccato

Instrumental Instrument: Choir

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Some of what we will tell you is fact. Some is not, but it is all true. The bros have created a monster with this one...

Ev's score: 8.7 / Al's score: 9 / Ky's score: 8.9

Musical term: Adagio

Instrumental Instrument: Silver violin

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00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:18 Hollywood Drama and Streaming Debate

01:20 Theater Experience vs. Streaming

02:41 Guillermo del Toro's Vision05:36 Gripes and Critiques

11:16 Composer and Score Discussion

17:54 Meta Narrative and Themes

22:25 Analyzing the Leitmotif

23:34 The Role of the Violin

24:10 Character Dynamics and Symbolism

27:14 Casting and Performances

30:02 Musical Themes and Score Critique

34:39 Final Thoughts and Ratings

39:56 Closing Remarks and Future Content

This one scores out of 11. RIP Rob, thank you for all you gave us.

Ev's score: 10.3/11 / Al's score: 9.3/11 / Ky's score: 9.6/11

Musical term: Mixolydian mode

Instrumental Instrument: Bass guitar

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00:00 Introduction and Settler Updates

00:16 Baby Settler and Calming Scores

01:07 Feature Presentation: Spinal Tap

02:45 The Genius of Spinal Tap's Satire

04:04 Improvisation and Comedy in Spinal Tap

05:27 Musical Authenticity and Commitment to the Bit

06:01 Favorite Moments and Characters

06:59 Musical Techniques and Cultural Impact

15:09 Scoring the Movie

20:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The world needs a hermit in the woods as much as a settler on the microphone. The bros take a trip out west to delve into Bryce Dessner’s ethereal score for Train Dreams.

Settlers have a purpose. If you think that's some kind of blessing, it's not. It puts us Settlers at a huge life disadvantage. It means we have an obligation to breakdown Daniel Lopatin and Josh Safdie's Oscars Supreme.

Ev's score: 8.9 / Al's score: 8.7 / Ky's score: 9.1

Musical term: Polytonality

Instrumental Instrument: Prepared piano

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We all float down here settlers. That's right check behind you for balloons because we're headed into the storm drain for this one. The bros get in the spooky spirit with a trip to Derry to discuss the highest grossing horror film of all time.

Ev's score: 8.3 / Al's score: 8.5 / Ky's score: 8.5

Musical term: Polytonality

Instrumental Instrument: Choir

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Episode new! Amaze, amaze, amaze!

In preparation for Disclosure Day the bros have been contacted by the US Army to decode the anomoly that is Jóhann Jóhannsson's epic score for the 2016 phenemenon Arrival.

Ev's score: 9.1  / Al's score: 8.8  / Ky's score: 9.0

Musical term: Multiphonic

Instrumental Instrument: Vocoder

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