Score Sample: Nerve (2016)

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My love of film music spreads beyond the normal orchestral scores that I highlight on this blog regularly. Don't get me wrong, those make for my usual listening. But I do shake things up when a good jazzy score, or full electronic score comes around and catches my ear. Last year was a great one for electronic scores influenced by classic 1980s film scores composed by folks like Harold Faltermeyer or Tangerine Dream. I already highlighted the dark and retro score for The Neon Demon, which is well worth checking out if you enjoy this style.

The score to Nerve by Rob Simonsen falls along the same lines, but takes things in a more upbeat and fun way. It's got a bit more of a techno dance beat behind it, reminding me of some similar tracks from Daft Punk's work on Tron: Legacy. But Simonsen drops the Hans Zimmer inspired action cues and focuses on some excellent thematic tension and suspense cues. These are all done in that signature 80s style, and as I mentioned the score has motifs that reappear and change depending on the situation. It is a very accomplished work, and really addictive to listen to.

Here is a taste. The opening track entitled Game On composed by Rob Simonsen, from his very entertaining score to Nerve.

For a bonus, the same tune extended with lyrics performed by White Sea. The track is called Let's Play.