The riveting self-titled debut album from Strange Plants showcases the Halifax-based duo’s penchant for dynamic, melodic productions — spanning from the funky rock charisma of two-part opener “Tell Me All Your Secrets” to the psych-folk intrigue within “When the Stars Fall” and the spirited orchestral-laden synth-pop in “Lifeline.” The project comes via Travis Flint and Matt Brannon, who were formerly members of alt-country act Hot Mondy. They recorded the album in little over a week at Creative Workshop Studio with multi-instrumentalist Robbie Crowell (Sturgill Simpson, Deer Tick), who contributes in melding the project’s admiration for old-school recordings with sharp productions that echo modern rock and pop’s eclectic range.
Opening the album with an epic sense of momentum, “Tell Me All Your Secrets” dazzles across its two acts — the first a largely instrumental, free-flowing psych-rocker. Stylish guitars and quaint synth touches adorn an expressive vocal element, conjuring shades of Robert Plant in its passionate soaring. The second part embraces a funkier immediacy, enamoring particularly during a title-touting hook that invigorates in its charismatic vocal beckoning and head-nodding rhythmic backing. The final minute enthralls with its sweltering vocal passion and electrifying guitar work. The ensuing “Dance So Real” also exudes a compelling rock mood and is especially exemplary of Strange Plants’ knack for striking tonal shifts. An ardent throwback rock envelopment shifts seamlessly into a starry-eyed illumination, where effervescent keys and tender guitar lines intertwine with gorgeous allure.
Another standout arises in the album’s third single. “Horseshoe Smile” struts a jangly charm in its guitar work and driving bass pulse — resembling a Prefab Sprout-esque nostalgia in its initial drive. The hooky, approachable production ascends with tactful precision, into the “read all about it,” vocal ascension and “don’t wanna ever come out,” hook — infusing both a ’70s psych-pop blissfulness and anthemic sophisti-pop flair. The memorable production combines within a modern thematic lament, critiquing the prevalence of digital personas and the need to draw attention through hyperbolic performance in our internet age. Shades of The Beatles show enjoyably as well, once the vintage brass-y flourishes enter in the second half; it makes for another fantastic production from Strange Plants. “The absurdity of life shows up a lot in our songs, and this one wears that proudly,” Brannon says.
“Dreamin'” further displays Strange Plants’ immersive sound, balancing ghostly vocal backings and brass-y sophistication within a powerful vocal lead that “keeps dreamin'” with aspirational hauntings. A rousing rock buzz instead takes hold on “Feeling Lighter,” where soulful vocal responses and cathartic “shaking the rust,” depictions propel with radiant infectiousness. A beautiful finale, “Rain” closes with caressing warmness — exuding a fluttering chamber-folk glow as smitten lyrical sentiments — “kiss your lips, touch your hair,” — evolves into a soaring swell of serene vocal layers. From both emotively subdued introspections like the finale to the multitude of infectious rock and pop cohesions throughout, Strange Plants presents a captivating listening experience.
