Review by: Bob Alderdice
This is my first taste of Portland’s, The Estranged and I’m really enjoying it. They play broody yet driving post-punk which, to me, sounds like something between Red Dons and The Cure. (I think that’s what it is, anyway “” I’m not too hot on genres: it’s all just “punk’ as far as I’m concerned.)
For me, this album is a real “grower’, not just because I’m enjoying it more with each play, but because I feel like I’m hearing more of it every time. There are some really interesting elements to these songs and it takes a few listens to really appreciate just how much craftsmanship has gone into them. Looking at The Estranged’s Bandcamp page, I can see that they experimented with a few things musically: the use of a bow on guitar, feedback loops, piano, farfisa, backwards guitar, female back-up vocals, etc.
The album is a real gem throughout but the standout track for me has to be “Hide’. It’s one of the more upbeat tracks on the album, and the drumming (which is probably one of my favourite things about this record) really gives a sense of impetus. I love the keyboard sounds on this song as well, and I suppose this is where The Troggs influence which the band mention shines through. It’s a belter!
I’m really pleased that I’ve managed to stumble upon this lot; I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for more of their records in future.