Emerging as a force to be reckoned with on the indie music scene, Liverpool’s STR^NGE have officially launched their highly anticipated self-titled EP on October 2nd. Known for their eclectic fusion of psychedelic, rock, and indie sounds, the release sees the band delving into complex themes such as industry, existence, love, and politics. The EP, which marks a significant step in their artistic evolution, is led by the hard-hitting and cynically charged single, “The Length of a Cigarette.”
The lead track captures the very essence of STR^NGE’s genre-bending sound. With its vibrant and thought-provoking songwriting, “The Length of a Cigarette” immerses listeners in a haze of existential angst, underscored by the band’s signature combination of distorted guitars, punching drums, and a grounding bassline. The track’s lyrical depth—brimming with sharp, urgent vocals—culminates in a climactic instrumental break, leaving listeners with an intense emotional release during the final chorus.
Reflecting on the song’s themes, the band explains, “It’s cynical all the way through—focusing 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, ‘The Length of a Cigarette’ asks why anyone should care about these global crises when life, like a cigarette, eventually ends. Why bother when meaning itself seems unclear?”
The EP as a whole stands as a bold conceptual work, weaving together various musical genres while tackling profound issues. “It’s a sort of concept EP about industry, existence, love, and politics,” the band reveals. “Compared to our first EP in 2023, Let’s Leave the Greyhounds in the Slips, this one is more experimental and diverse. Lyrically, it’s more abstract—there’s a lot here for the listener to dig into and analyze.”
Fronted by Chrissy, a former drummer of The Mysterines, alongside bandmates James, David, and Leon, STR^NGE draw inspiration from influential icons such as David Bowie and Talking Heads. While their sound resonates with a sense of familiarity, they manage to deliver an unmistakably fresh and innovative experience, making their mark as one of the most intriguing bands on the rise.
The new EP promises to cement STR^NGE as an exciting new voice, blending poetic lyricism with cutting social commentary and daring musical experimentation.