Updated November 2017:
STRAYLINGS
'Umpteenth'
New Digital Single Released: 17 November
Label: Deadpan Records
Listen to Umpteenth via Soundcloud
Connect with Straylings via:
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Straylings are Bahraini/Austrian Dana Zeera (vocals/piano/rhythm guitar) and Englishman Oliver Drake (formerly of Rough Trade signing The Veils on guitar/bass/synths).
In 2012 the duo released their debut album ‘Entertainment on Foreign Grounds’ which was hailed as “stunningly bold” (D.I.Y), “full of glaring drama…grandiose and empowering” (Clash), “magnetic” (Guitarist Magazine) and “exotic and enigmatic” (R2 Magazine); with comparisons to PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, Mazzy Star and Jefferson Airplane. Whilst at radio Straylings found fans in the BBC’s Steve Lamacq (“fantastic”) and Huw Stephens, plus renowned US Producer Kramer amongst others.
The release of the debut album was followed by a self planned 18 months exile for the duo, living purposely outside of music. With the intention of having an unforced creative process, allowing inspiration to unfold in its own time and to avoid succumbing to the industry machine of pushing records out every couple of years.
Now Straylings return with new single ‘Umpteenth’ which proves beyond doubt that rest periods are the gold of creation. ‘Umpteenth’ is distinctively recognisable, with the Middle-Eastern influences brought to bear by Zeera, married to the arrangements of Drake which combine electric piano, fuzz-guitar and synths into a psychedelic wrap from which Zeera’s enigmatic vocal floats spectrally. It's a sound which draws to mind Grace Slick, elements of Aladin Sane-era Bowie, with a little conjuring of The Doors’ organ infused spirit.
Written, produced, recorded and mixed by the duo, ‘Umpteenth’ is released as a digital single on 17th November via Deadpan Records, with Straylings second album expected early 2018.
Press contact – Hannah Gould PR: hannahgould@hannahgould.co.uk | 07974 000415