EA’S FIFA 18 ST IS SCHNUR TO BE HUGE: LISTEN

Even if you’ve never clapped eyes on a fútbol match or ferried a little one to soccer practice, odds are you’ll want to check out the FIFA 18 soundtrack from EA Sports. The 40-song playlist for the game (which hits worldwide for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on 9/29) is listenable below; it’s a truly global mix of influential music, including tracks from Lorde, The War on Drugs, alt-J, The National, BØRNS, Portugal. The Man, Avelino f/Skepta and Stormzy, Sir Sly, Mondo Cozmo, Slowdive, Kimbra, ODESZA, Rex Orange County and more. There's also exclusive score by Junkie XL for "The Journey: Hunter Returns."

Those who pre-order will have access to FUT (Ultimate Team) gear from Capital Cities, Glass Animals, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Bloc Party, Grouplove, Saint Motel and other outfits.

Needless to say, the music turns up the heat on an already kinetic playing experience. But even for confirmed non-gamers, the ST is a pretty cool way to sample a truly global, expertly curated selection of sounds. Check it out.

In a related story, EA’s Steve Schnur has once again been asked not to wear his cleats to the office.