The Struts’ “Strange Days”: Album Review
“These are strange days / in many strange ways,” are the words crooned in the title track of the album. They’re right - these are indeed some strange days. But, the inspiration for these lyrics comes from more than just the pandemic that continues to loom over the world. Lead singer Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies have created another musical masterpiece in the form of their third LP. “10 songs recorded in 10 days with some of our greatest musical heroes”, as stated in the album announcement post on the band’s Instagram.
Though there are many guest features on the album, they never overshadow the charismatic figure that leads the band. After all, it would be rather difficult to claim the spotlight with Luke Spiller in the room. The boys have managed to evolve their sound, while still staying true to their Brit-rock roots. But make no mistake, this strictly remains The Struts' show, and this album provides a welcome reprieve from these strange days.
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| The official cover of "Strange Days" |
The following track, “All Dressed Up (With Nowhere To Go)” illustrates the feeling I personally understand all too well after being trapped in the house for nearly eight months.
One if the notable tracks is “I Hate How Much I Want You” featuring Phil Collen and Joe Elliott of Def Leppard. Though the phone call intro between Luke and Joe is a little cheesy and cringe-worthy, the actual song itself rocks pretty hard and it undeniably catchy.
From the very first opening note of “Wild Child”, it’s immediately evident that Tom Morello is on guitar. If you listened to enough of Tom Morello’s work as I have (please see: Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and his solo work as ‘The Nightwatchman’), you know the unique sound of what is quintessentially a Tom Morello guitar solo. The song is inherently heavier than what The Struts are typically known for, as Morello rises to the occasion with an aggressive guitar-bashing that hasn't been seen since the Audioslave days. Nonetheless, Luke’s voice adapts perfectly, and the support of Jed on bass and Geth on the drums rounds the whole track out quite nicely.
One if the notable tracks is “I Hate How Much I Want You” featuring Phil Collen and Joe Elliott of Def Leppard. Though the phone call intro between Luke and Joe is a little cheesy and cringe-worthy, the actual song itself rocks pretty hard and it undeniably catchy.
From the very first opening note of “Wild Child”, it’s immediately evident that Tom Morello is on guitar. If you listened to enough of Tom Morello’s work as I have (please see: Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and his solo work as ‘The Nightwatchman’), you know the unique sound of what is quintessentially a Tom Morello guitar solo. The song is inherently heavier than what The Struts are typically known for, as Morello rises to the occasion with an aggressive guitar-bashing that hasn't been seen since the Audioslave days. Nonetheless, Luke’s voice adapts perfectly, and the support of Jed on bass and Geth on the drums rounds the whole track out quite nicely.
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| Photo via The Struts' Instagram |
Though there are many guest features on the album, they never overshadow the charismatic figure that leads the band. After all, it would be rather difficult to claim the spotlight with Luke Spiller in the room. The boys have managed to evolve their sound, while still staying true to their Brit-rock roots. But make no mistake, this strictly remains The Struts' show, and this album provides a welcome reprieve from these strange days.
The Struts' Strange Days: 10/10
Listen to "Strange Days" below:
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