Strange Plants are out with their highly anticipated debut album. The self-titled album features the compelling work of Travis Flint and Matt Brannon, from the alt-country band Hot Mondy. The record was recorded in just over a week using mostly analog music equipment. The music is a true fusion of genres, sounding quite timeless, each track feels unique yet fits together as one album. The record opens with the song, Tell Me All Your Secrets, Pt. 1, featuring an electronic-sounding beat, fuzzy synths, western guitars, and rock n’ roll guitar solos. This is just a sample of what is to come. The record expands far beyond this initial sound. Rock the Pigeon is excited to share our favorite tracks from this incredible record.
Horseshoe Smile takes us back to the glory days of classic rock. The song has the warm feel of tape. The guitars drift with just the right amount of distortion, while the vocals sit on top of the track, feeling raw and organic. Horseshoe Smile is about fake people. You know, those types of people that curate their lives to seem perfect on the internet, but really they are completely different people in real life. The lyrical content draws the listener in, but the music is what keeps the listener hooked in tightly. The guitar solos are psychedelic, twisting through the sonic space of the studio. When the horn solo happens, the song shifts into a grand feeling. There’s a sense of happiness. I think it’s because the band knows they are being as real as it gets.
Dreamin’ is immediately captivating because of the guitar riff. It’s staccato, played in a captivating rhythm, high up on the neck of the guitar. The drums and bass join in, adding an extra layer of rhythm to keep the song interesting. The vocals come in, delivering the verse with emotional intensity. Just before the one-minute mark, the song takes an unexpected turn into a psychedelic meets alt-Americana moment that truly makes me want to move my body to the groove of the music. The psychedelic feeling is freeing to listen to. This is one of my favorite moments on the entire record.
Hot Tonight is a true rock n’ roll track, complete with gritty sounding vocals and a catchy vocal melody. This is definitely the most catchy song on the record, making it a great single to push to radio stations. This song is written about a summer breakup. The heartbreak causes mental chaos, making it hard to sleep, and even harder to function. This song carries the spirit of heartbreak and longing. The guitar riffs are equally catchy as the vocal melody. The guitars are a response to the vocal. The call and response solidifies the track, making the listener understand that every musical part was well considered in the recording process. Be sure to stick to the end of the track for the fuzzy guitar solo which leads to the explosive chorus, delivered with the ultimate sense of urgency.
The last track that we wanted to highlight is Shock of Color, which carries a similar tune. One of the main instrumental components of this track is the organ. The song opens with a soft delivery, showcasing great storytelling in the lyricism. The song has a chaotic chorus section. It’s something that rocks the listener, momentarily taking them into the headspace of the songwriter who is singing about grief, specifically the loss of childhood friends. This song honors them but also depicts the feelings that grief often leaves us with, which could often be, peace, mental chaos, sorrow, longing, and gratitude.
Strange Plants have gifted the world an amazing record. Listen to it now:
Written by Ryan Cassata
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