The Strange on iChannel
Recent Reviews:
By: Mark BeneventiHarderbeat.com
The Strange - The Strange, self released
This is one of the best CDs of the year. The music (mixing elements of Tears For Fears, Coldplay and The Beatles) is assured and well written without ever reaching beyond natural limits. Incorporating dynamic range, scattering raucous drums against the strings and using odd, haunting chord progressions like Buddy Holly and Prince before them, The Strange immediately separate themselves from everyone in the genre. Additionally, Brent McKay is one of contemporary rock’s best vocalists, making Chris Martin (Coldplay) sound like shattering glass. Punctuating this seven-song gem are highlights “Shadows†and “Hero In Me,†which is one of 2006’s best songs.
By: Kim Evans - Contributing Writer
Popularunderground.com
Does seven tracks make for a good CD? Generally I would say no, but after listening to The Strange, that changed my mind. Founded on the basis of influence from Pink Floyd and Led Zepplin this record is easy to listen to and almost has a calming effect as well. There are solid vocals and talented instrumentals. The music itself sounds a lot like Radiohead mixed with Zepplin and some Floyd. That's quite a combination! Add in some Bono sounding vocals and voila! I present you, The Strange. Overall Rating 9 out of 10.
Suggested Listening: "Tomorrow" and "Sideways"
BY BRIAN McCOLLUM
FREE PRESS POP MUSIC CRITIC
The Strange
Detroit rock trio
"The Strange"- Self-released
Deftly treading a line between high-flying art-rock and classic rock's more organic, pastoral environs, the Strange have delivered a sophomore album that could -- and should -- bring new attention to the Detroit threesome.
A liquid, languid mood dominates the album, but a tense current rides beneath these seven tracks to give the proceedings a visceral edge. This is a trio of gifted players -- drummer Erik Nordin, guitarist Nathan Murphy and outstanding vocalist Brent McKay -- who deliver a skilled and polished performance without descending into wankery.
"The Strange," recorded and mixed in Detroit, St. Louis and Nashville, clearly was envisioned and executed with pristine precision. But the record steers clear of the sterility to which so many similar projects succumb. Although there's a modern sheen to the production that recalls the work of Radiohead, this is a band with a distinct ear for the '70s -- the rustic side of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd circa "The Wall," Queen with the pomp just reined in.
The result is a sturdy body of songs such as the chilly but folksy "Shadows," the trippy pop of "Tomorrow" and album standout "Texas," a limber, multicolored affair laced with evocative lyrics.
The disc includes a top-end video for "Texas," directed by Detroiter Anthony Ernest Garth, best known for his work with the White Stripes.
BLUE ALBUM IN STORES NOW!
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