I would like to introduce you to a musical band that has become a true discovery for me. Strange Plants is a band that emerged in Halifax, Canada, as a side project of former members of the alternative country group “Hot Mondy.” Followers of 70s psychedelic rock and modern musical trends, these guys deliver a sound that perfectly combines elements of funk, psychedelia, and alternative rock. Inspired by giants such as Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and MGMT, they are not afraid to experiment with textures and sound, playing with minimalist approaches and analog technologies. To date, Strange Plants have released several singles anticipating their debut album “Strange Plants,” scheduled for release on June 8, 2025. It is full of creative discoveries and unexpected twists, and despite a unified mood, it features a vivid diversity of musical styles. Its playlist includes 12 tracks, and, to be honest, I do not have a single favorite – each one hooks me in its own way. If you, like me, are getting acquainted with this band for the first time, I recommend not rushing – give each track a chance, listen to the whole album. Well then, I suggest getting to know these “strange plants” a little better.
The album opens with the track “Tell Me All Your Secrets (Pt.1),” a slowly unfolding melody with soft guitar riffs and atmospheric synthesizers that evoke associations with early Pink Floyd. The musical structure dynamically develops its psychedelic world, filling the space with mystical tension. It is an intriguing introduction that encourages you to keep listening. Following the first part comes “Tell Me All Your Secrets (Pt.2)” – a more expressive and emotionally rich recording. In this song, Strange Plants boldly play with contrasts and sound textures, incorporating elements of funk and psychedelic rock. In the vocals and intense orchestral accompaniment, Strange Plants avoid worn-out clichés, creating bold and inventive musical spaces where rhythmic and melodic moments harmoniously overlay one another.
In contrast to the first two tracks, “Dance So Real” is a dynamic song where the band experiments with dance motifs and psychedelic rock. It can be perceived as a more modern version of what rock classics did with electronic sounds. Here, the powerful rhythm and bright accents create a more saturated sound. I would like to note the exceptional attention to detail and arrangements on this album. Everything is very well thought out: overlays, processing, and nuanced sound textures. Like in one of the most eccentric songs, “Horseshoe Smile.” The melody, balancing on the edge of absurdity and philosophical reflections, criticizes idealized digital images. The song features complex harmonies and moments where recording techniques, analog sounds, and experimental elements reach their peak.
In turn, “Hot Tonight” is a lighter track, with elements of retro rock and a certain dance energy. Strange Plants easily switch between restrained psychedelia and lively, almost rock-and-roll sound. This is a dynamic moment in the album, which stands out from the more atmospheric previous tracks. Special attention should be paid to the density of the guitar lines, which, despite their thick and rich character, do not overload the sound but instead lead into a state of meditative trance. In the slower parts, the lead guitars blend into the psychedelic atmosphere, combining melodiousness with drawn-out phrasing, as heard in “When the Stars Fall,” an atmospheric track that feels detached from reality.
Using echo guitars and synthesizer sounds, the band creates a feeling of cosmic emptiness and space. Here, a calmer moment on the album is evident, where the music becomes an image. The melancholic “Dreamin’,” built on simple chords, shows Strange Plants experimenting with minimalism and repeating phrases, much like The Beatles and Pink Floyd did in their best years. However, the track “5th Avenue Andy” sounds more jazzy and bluesy than most of the songs on the album. It features a sharp change of mood, where the psychedelic element meets classic rock forms. Guitar improvisations and vocals recreate the atmosphere of an era when musicians experimented and dared to create something new.
The brighter and richer “Feeling Lighter,” with a whirlwind of sounds and emotions, blends psychedelic elements with pop-rock. It seems that the guys decided to unleash all their colors at full power. “Shock of Color” stands out with its warm, airy sound and sincere acoustic atmosphere, with an emphasis on minimalism, but the influence of Pink Floyd in terms of atmosphere and a sense of detachment from the world is also noticeable here. One of the peaks of the album becomes “Lifeline” – a dark, philosophical rock ballad with sharp tempo changes and choral outbursts, adding drama and inner tension. The final track, “Rain,” unites all the themes and moods of the album. It is an epic finale, with multilayered sound textures and rich vocal harmonies. The album ends in such a way that it leaves you in a state of reflection, and the last drops of rain symbolize purification.
Despite the clear influence of the old school, the album “Strange Plants” captivates with its lively and fresh musical explorations. It sets a starting point, a benchmark balance for the band’s creative development – without a harmful drift into stereotypical music. After listening to the album, you are left standing in the rain of their final notes, renewed and inspired, eagerly awaiting what they will create next.
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