Stray Owls just dropped their latest bang, “Scapegoat,” a track that gives us a taste of what to expect from their upcoming album, When the Going Gets Weird. This North Carolina trio, comprised of the protean Matt French, the beat dynamo Jerry Kee, and the eclectic Scott Griffiths, has roasted up something special here.
“Scapegoat” is like a crazy mashup of early Pink Floyd‘s trippy vibes and Neil Young‘s raw, heartfelt storytelling. From the outset, you’re hit with this swirling guitar riff that draws you in. French’s vocals are intense, as he sings about the struggles of modern life and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. His words are deeply relatable you can’t help but feel it in your gut. It’s like he’s speaking for all of us, you know?
This track is a real showcase of what each band member brings to the table. Kee’s drumming? It’s tight and punchy, giving the song a solid foundation. But he doesn’t stop there – he throws in some cool stuff like mandocello and xylophone, which really spices things up. Griffiths is pulling double duty on guitar and bass, and he nails it. His melodies weave in and out of the psychedelic vibes like they were made for each other. And when his vocals blend with French’s? Man, it’s like a crazy rollercoaster – haunting one minute, uplifting the next.
The production is on point too. Kee handled that at Duck Kee Studios, and he knocked it out of the park. There’s all these layers of drones and sound collages that make you feel like you’re floating in space or something. And when Brian Sink’s piano kicks in? Chef’s kiss. It adds this classy touch to the more chill parts of the song.
Stray Owls have truly outdone themselves with this track. Their new album, When the Going Gets Weird, is a wild ride from start to finish, and “Scapegoat” is the perfect example of what these guys can do. It’s adventurous, it’s cohesive, and it’s got that special something that makes you want to hit replay.