June last year saw the release of The Straylings’ debut EP gaining them praise from Steve Lamacq and Kramer amongst others. Now, after a summer of cabin fever, recording in hallways and basements, Straylings have completed their debut album.
With Sam Bell (R.E.M, Regina Spektor) and John O’Mahony (Metric, Alberta Cross) at the mixing desk, Entertainment On Foreign Grounds is a swirling enchantment, with reverb-soaked guitars sitting alongside rolling, restless beats and sultry, unyielding vocals.
Bahraini/Austrian songwriter Dana Zeera had moved to the UK in 2001 and was soon drawn to the open mic nights and raw live scene of North London – a far cry 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 arrived at her doorstep having previously toured and recorded for some years with Rough Trade signing, The Veils.
Self contained, mysterious – they add an elegance and restraint to an aesthetic touched upon by bands like My Morning Jacket and Calexico, while their forceful melodies and controlled feedback bears witness to the likes of PJ Harvey and even Grinderman at times.
Give them a thumbs up here: www.facebook.com/straylings – your ‘like’ will be rewarded with a free download of the track ‘On It’s Way’.
Get another free download of their track ‘Wallpin’ here:
