By Sarah O’ Hara
Every once in a while an album comes along that within the first few minutes, you know it’s going to become a classic. Strange Days by The Struts is one of those albums.
Strange Days is classic rock ’n’ roll. It’s energetic, it’s captivating and you cannot help but move to the rhythms (and guitar riffs) of its non-stop sing along anthems.
Opening with the titular track ‘Strange Days’, this collaboration with Robbie Williams captures sentiments that are sure to resonate with lots of people. “Science fiction I believe, has become reality”, sings Luke Spiller in a track that reminds us that the smallest of things, like the feeling of happiness you get from hearing your favourite song, is what makes everyday special. The vocal harmonies of Williams and Spiller blend together brilliantly, producing an anthem that is sure to become of this year’s must hear songs.
Then again, this entire album is a must-hear.
There are voices in rock music that are iconic. You know them as soon as you hear them. Singer Luke Spiller is no exception. Having first heard him sing on ‘Sailing’ from Mike Oldfield’s 2014 album Man on the Rocks, Luke has a voice that is both powerful and captivating, and the songs on Strange Days are some of his best performances yet.
‘All dressed up (with nowhere to go)’ has the beats and sing along-hooks of a classic glam rock song, reminiscent of bands like The Sweet. It’s a catchy, feel good song – so much so, I haven’t stopped singing it since I heard it.
This feel good vibe continues through the album, particularly with The Struts interpretation of Kiss’ ‘Do you love me’, which sits within the album perfectly, and personal favourite ‘I hate how much I want you’.
‘I hate how much I want you’ features Def Leppard’s Joe Elliot and Phil Collen. It’s a song that belongs in a stadium, filling the air with glorious guitar riffs and audiences singing at the top of their voices. It sounds just as great turned up on the stereo, but it is a track that is sure to be a fan favourite at future concerts.
The band are joined by another rock icon, Rage against the Machine’s Tom Morello, for heavier rock song ‘Wild Child’ and Albert Hammond Jr for the eighties indie style track, ‘Another Hit of Showmanship’. The variety of songs on the album keeps you wanting more, demonstrating the band’s excellent songwriting and phenomenal musicianship.
Gethin Davies’ percussion in ‘Am I talking to the Champagne (or talking to you)’ creates an atmospheric vibe, that blends well into Jed Elliot’s sublime bass playing and the blues of Adam Slack’s guitar. The song has a cinematic feel and would sit well in a scene for a major television series.
Strange Days is The Struts finest album to date and one that cements them as one of Rocks most exciting and dynamic bands.
So why not turn on Strange Days, turn it up and enjoy the sound of one of this years must hear albums? Long live Rock ’n’ Roll!
