Hailing from Mebane, North Carolina, Stray Owls is a dynamic trio known for their genre-blurring sound, rich with experimentation and a fusion of various instrumental textures. The group is made up of Jerry Kee, who plays drums, guitars, synthesizers, and mandocello; Scott Griffiths, who manages guitars, bass, vocals, and field recordings; and Matt French, a multi-talented musician on guitars, synthesizers, piano, and other instruments. United, they make up a team that flourishes through working together, merging their unique abilities to produce a sound that cannot be easily classified. Their focus is on the process as well as the end result, showing a strong dedication to pushing the limits of their music.
Stray Owls’ most recent album, “When The Going Gets Weird”, is a clear representation of the band’s growth and the difficult time it was made in. This album was created between August 2020 and January 2023, spanning three years, showcasing how the band adapted and broadened their creative techniques due to the pandemic. Their usual practice and recording sessions were disrupted, leading them to collaborate from a distance on song fragments while exploring different instruments and sounds.
This extended period of trying out different things led to a diverse and bold album in terms of sound. The first song on the album, “Hey Now, Now,” establishes the mood with a psychedelic sound, drawing the listener into a realm where conventional rock arrangements are replaced by instances of ambient landscapes, drone-like features, and surprising changes in instruments. Guitarist Matt French described the band’s approach to “When The Going Gets Weird” as similar to piecing together a puzzle without a reference image. The record’s lack of a set end goal resulted in a natural development, with new songs coming from a combination of collaboration and personal experimentation at home.
When The Going Gets Weird Album Track List:
Hey Now Now:
The song “Hey Now Now” by Stray Owls is an ideal introduction to their album, captivating listeners with its contagious energy right from the start. The song starts with an alluring sound that smoothly transitions into a memorable guitar riff, establishing the mood for the whole track. The strong bassline and energetic drumming give the song a sense of depth, propelling it forward with a lively rhythm that cannot be overlooked. Right from the start, it’s evident that this song is made to make you dance, mixing lively rhythms with a captivating beat.
In terms of vocals, the lead singer impresses with an outstanding performance, blending emotion and technical skill to engage the audience. Their enthusiastic performance enhances the music, suiting the upbeat instrumental accompaniment. The performance is highly engaging due to the emotive range and impressive vocal control, enabling the lyrics to resonate emotionally and energetically. The fusion of vocals and musical accompaniment generates a captivating energy that keeps the song feeling lively and vibrant from start to finish.
Musically, “Hey Now Now” combines edgy guitars, thumping bass, and energetic drums to form a fluid and unified music experience. The instruments enhance the carefree and uplifting feel of the song, creating a catchy anthem for the audience. Every component blends to create a song that exudes a mix of polish and spontaneity, filled with lively energy and motion. With its lively vibe, “Hey Now Now” is more than just a fantastic introduction – it’s a pivotal moment on the album that establishes the mood for what’s to come.
Moonlight Shadows:
The third song on Stray Owls’ most recent album, titled “Moonlight Shadows,” is a haunting and evocative piece that showcases the band’s skill in creating emotional music. The song opens with a gentle pace that establishes a reflective mood right away, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its introspective vibe. The detailed and personal instrumentation enhances the vulnerability of the track, establishing a close and intimate atmosphere. The standout feature is the vocal harmonies, intricately weaving through the song, elevating the emotional and introspective lyrics.
As “Moonlight Shadows” plays out, the band’s talent for creating moody sound environments is clear. The song possesses a sense of tranquil reflection, prompting the listener to delve into the emotional intensity the music creates. The song has a cinematic feel, with each note and harmony leading the listener on a journey through a world of emotions and thoughts. The speed of the track is slow and purposeful, giving space for each component to have an impact and be felt. It provides a profound opportunity for introspection and relating to the deep-seated feelings.
Taking inspiration from their previous rural, weirdo-folk style, “Moonlight Shadows” still feels like an evolution—darker and more intricate, suggesting the band has further explored their signature sound. The track cements Stray Owls’ position among modern folk musicians, demonstrating their skill in combining deep emotion with innovative elements. The outcome is a melody that stays with you even after it finishes, creating a deep emotional effect.
Ballad Of A Middleman:
The eighth track on Stray Owls’ album, “Ballad Of A Middleman,” showcases the band’s talent for creating personal, reflective music that resonates deeply with listeners. The music starts with an engaging tone that creates a calm, contemplative vibe, complemented by gentle percussion. The soft beat and calm musical accompaniment form a subtle background, highlighting the eerie vocal harmonies. The warm, emotive vocals combined with the subtleo musical arrangement create a tranquil atmosphere for listeners to reflect upon the song’s themes.
The singing in “Ballad Of A Middleman” is especially noticeable, conveying a feeling of vulnerability and honesty. The singer’s tone strikes a harmonious mix of gentle and powerful, creating emotional depth that resonates on a personal and universal level. By maintaining a deliberate tempo and demonstrating nuanced musical skill, “Ballad Of A Middleman” encapsulates the core of reflective folk music, encouraging deep reflection and emotional connection with each note and word. Stray Owls once again showcase their expertise in crafting immersive soundscapes that are both emotionally evocative and musically intricate. The song resonates with listeners, prompting them to relate their own experiences to the emotional journey depicted in the track, solidifying the band’s reputation as adept creators of meaningful and impactful music.
Scapegoats:
“Scapegoats” by Stray Owls is a deeply evocative track that draws listeners into its melancholic and contemplative atmosphere from the very first notes. The song opens with a simple, yet poignant rhythm that sets the emotional tone, laying the foundation for the introspective journey ahead. The moderate tempo invites reflection, creating space for each note to resonate. As the track progresses, subtle textures and understated bass lines emerge, enhancing the melodic role while maintaining a delicate balance. The minimal percussion plays a nuanced role, adding depth without overwhelming the sense of vulnerability in the instrumentation.
At the 1:47-minute mark, the song takes on a new layer of emotional intensity as the vocals are introduced. Delivered softly, the emotive voice immerses the listener even further into the track’s introspective world, blending seamlessly with the atmospheric instrumentation. Ultimately, “Scapegoats” showcases Stray Owls’ ability to craft a rich sonic tapestry that is as emotionally moving as it is thought-provoking. The atmospheric production and introspective lyrics work in harmony to create a track that resonates long after the final note fades, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of emotional depth. Through their expert use of minimal yet impactful instrumentation, Stray Owls succeeds in creating a song that invites personal reflection and exploration of the complexities of the human experience.
One of the defining qualities of “When The Going Gets Weird” is its unpredictability. The diversity of instruments used on the album further enhances its depth. Stray Owls venture beyond their typical setup of guitars, drums, and keys, incorporating less conventional elements like mandolin, dumbek, and ukulele, as well as the relatively rare inclusion of bass. These additions lend a fresh texture to the songs, pushing the band’s sound into uncharted territory. Despite the range of influences and sounds at play, there’s a coherence that ties the album together, making it not just a collection of songs, but an immersive listening experience.
Ultimately, “When The Going Gets Weird” captures Stray Owls at their most exploratory and reflective. The album is a response to the disorienting years of COVID lockdown, but it also embodies a refusal to take time—or the creative process—for granted. There’s a sense of patience in the way these songs unfold, suggesting that while the band was unable to meet in person for much of the recording process, they found a new rhythm, one that allowed the music to develop in its own time. With its mix of psychedelic rock, ambient soundscapes, and experimental touches, “When The Going Gets Weird” is an album that rewards close listening, revealing new layers with each play. It stands as Stray Owls’ most ambitious and accomplished work to date, showcasing their ability to expand their sound while maintaining the core of what makes them unique.
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