Liverpool-Based risers STR^NGE release the hotly anticipated, debut self-titled concept EP (October 2nd). Delving into industry, existence, love and politics, the EP showcases the band’s unique blend of psychedelic, rock and indie.
Led by the cuttingly cynical and punchy lead single ‘The Length of a Cigarette’, the single captures the vibrant and genre-bending songwriting that characterises the band’s sound. A poignant exploration of existential angst through poetic lyricism, the track delivers some pointed, urgent and word heavy vocals over a wall of distorted guitars, punching drums and grounding bass. Growing throughout, the track reaches an explosive instrumental break before ending on a climactic final chorus.
Reflecting on the single, the band explain: “‘Cynical all the way through – focussing on the absurdity of life and our complacency while the ridiculous surrounds us. As oil companies dredge up sales, cartels funnel drugs through blood-stained jungles and media companies slap fear-inducing titles on articles they publish for Man to stare wide-eyed in panic at as he sits complicit in it all, ‘The Length of a Cigarette’ is supposed to ask the listener why they should bother at all to be bothered when a lack of clear meaning in their own life is present. Why should the listener care at all about any of these things when, like a cigarette, eventually they’ll end up dead and discarded?”
Continuing to speak about the EP: “It’s a sort of concept EP about industry, existence, love and politics. I suppose it’s our proper debut, in a way. Compared to our previous first EP in 2023, “Let’s Leave the Greyhounds in the Slips”, we’ve decided this time to toy with a few different genres and styles. Lyrically, it’s more out there and abstract on some tracks with a lot of stuff that the listener can dig into and analyse.“
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Formed by Chrissy, former drummer of The Mysterines, alongside members James, David, and Leon, STR^NGE draws inspiration from iconic artists like David Bowie and Talking Heads. Their music creates a familiar yet refreshingly new experience for listeners.
Playing sold-out headline shows across Liverpool and also recently headlining the ‘Joy’ stage at Future Now festival and opening for the likes of Demob Happy at the Arts Club in Liverpool, STR^NGE have built a glowing reputation as a live band. Having already gained some great coverage from the likes of Earmilk, New Noise, Psychedelic Baby Mag and Backseat Mafia, the band have built a reputation for both the sonic approach and their high octane live shows.
