Strange Trails (studio album) by Lord Huron

From buzzdainer 08/28/2021 17:23

The first time I listened to Strange Trails back in 2015, I could have sworn I'd heard every song on it before, and even felt like I could have sung along. That's how immediately agreeable this indie folk album is. Sometimes an album that's so familiar has a tendency to lose its appeal quickly, since it might be based on a formulaic approach, or on well-worn melodies and tropes. I can't deny that there's something of a middle-of-the-road feel to Ben Schneider's pacing, melodies, and lyrics. At the same time, I think he hones those qualities to such perfection that the album as a whole feels fresh, exciting, and immediate, even after many listens. There's such an evocative quality of these lines from "Meet Me in the Woods" that reminds me of cool summer nights and young love: "I have seen what the darkness does / Say goodbye to who I was / I ain't never been away so long / Don't look back, those days are gone / Follow me into the endless night / I can bring your fears to life / Show me yours and I'll show you mine / Meet me in the woods tonight."

Love this album. I was drawn in at the record store by the cover, not knowing a thing about the band. I liked it from the first listen which is so great when you take a line on an unknown record. It's a consistent album and a great relaxed listen from start to finish.