In the series' first "standalone" episode, the Mandalorian and his companion seek sanctuary on the secluded planet Sorgan, home to a village of krill farmers in desperate need of a hero. As the first installment to break away from the introductory trilogy's Nevarro narrative,
Ludwig Goransson's
The Mandalorian: Chapter 4 score also makes a split, adding appropriately folk-based elements to complement the temporary pastoral setting. With acoustic guitars and harps, the calm "Off the Grid" and warm "Can I Feed Him?" bring wistful nostalgia and heart to the otherwise fast-paced and swaggering series.
Goransson is also sure to insert the Mandalorian theme here and there, further grounding the show's signature sound even when he's experimenting with new elements for each episode's specific planetary setting. The most exciting moments naturally mirror the episode, with the thrilling one-two punch of "Camp Attack" and "Spirit of the Woods" penetrating the orchestral swell and martial percussion with jagged synths and urgent beats that sound as if
Underworld dropped in to DJ a festival in the Sorgan woods. As the gorgeous "Mando Says Goodbye" closes the episode and soundtrack installment,
Goransson continues his run as the unseen MVP responsible for a bulk of the show's personality. ~ Neil Z. Yeung