Flipping the relative inaction of
Chapters 4 and
5 on its head,
The Mandalorian: Chapter 6 stands as one of the best of the season, not only in terms of onscreen excitement and entertainment but also through
Ludwig Goransson's inventive score. Heavy with electronics and digital dread, this soundtrack installment delivers thrills, amplifies tension and dread, and even drops some welcome hip-hop energy into the Star Wars sonic galaxy. "The Gang" is a perfect example, thumping along an infectious beat that is punctuated with haunting strings and a fresh take on the Mandalorian leitmotif. Elsewhere, "Hyperspace" and "Nice Family" are urgent thrills that launch listeners headfirst into a rush of sonic anxiety before pulling back in a delightfully breathless fashion. With the longest runtime thus far,
Chapter 6 doesn't squander a moment and is also a series peak. Heading into the first season's thrilling conclusion,
Goransson delivers one last batch of surprises with a standout score to match an equally potent standalone episode. ~ Neil Z. Yeung