Straylings, Wallpin
During June last year, we saw the highly anticipated release of Straylings debut EP which gained them high praise from the likes of Steve Lamacq and Kramer. They have a very experimental way of recording and trying to capture the natural ambiance of places such as hallways and basements. After a Summer of hard work they have completed their debut album ‘On Foreign Grounds’ out on March 5th.
Sam Bell (R.E.M, Regina Spektor) and John O’Mahony (Metric, Alberta Cross) had the duties of mixing the record. ‘Entertainment On Foreign Grounds’ is a beautifully transcendental mix of sound with reverb- drenched guitars sitting alongside fast paced beats and stifling vocals.
Bahraini/Austrian songwriter Dana Zeera had moved to the UK in 2001 and soon started his way round the open mic night circuit and raw live scene of North London – a very distant atmosphere from the Middle Eastern landscape she grew up in, with its lonely U.S Navy radio station and Filipino karaoke bars. London born guitarist Oliver Drake eventually took a huge interest in her music and they started to collaborate. Having previously toured and recorded for some years with Rough Trade signing, The Veils, it is a very intriguing combination.
Their latest single ‘Wallpin’ is mysterious yet unforgiving, they add an elegance to the hard hitting rhythm section throughout while Dana’s voice keeps you gripped throughout with a beautifully thought out melodies and an above par tone. The track is free to download here.
Straylings play the Camden Barfly on January 14th. Give them a like on Facebook and you’ll get a free download of another of their tracks ‘On It’s Way’.
Words by Teto Parvanov.
