Straylings – How Long (2024)
Pysch-folk duo Straylings have taken an enthralling turn with the release of their new single ‘How Long’. An unmistakable homage to the Eagles’ classic ‘Hotel California’, the track weaves its magic through a hypnotic acoustic guitar and Dana’s ghostly, Stevie Nicks-tinged vocals.
Building on the psych-folk sound the duo established on their previous releases, ‘How Long’ doesn’t just echo the rock stylings of the 60s and 70s – it resurrects the very spirit of that era with a swagger that feels both vintage and vital. Born in a basement studio nestled between Madeiran banana groves, the track transformed from a stubborn guitar riff into something altogether more haunting when a modulated piano motif cracked the code.
As the band notes, the song has “somewhat of a colorful journey”, balancing darker themes of disconnection and power struggles with a “feel good element” in the drums and bass. This contrast creates a captivating duality where the listener is drawn into Straylings’ atmospheric soundscape while also finding moments of cathartic release.
By tipping its hat to the golden age of rock while reimagining it through a contemporary lens, ‘How Long’ proves that sometimes the longest journeys lead to the most satisfying destinations. It’s a tantalizing preview of Straylings’ upcoming third studio album Call Back Your Name, which is sure to further cement the duo’s reputation as purveyors of rich, immersive psych-folk that both honors the past and boldly moves forward.
Find out more about Straylings on their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
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