Strange Ranger’s New Song “Living Free” Off Remembering the Rockets

Photo Credit: Melissa Brain

Photo Credit: Melissa Brain

Strange Ranger gives a glimpse of upcoming album Remembering the Rockets with their intimate newly released single “Living Free.”

The Philadelphia-via-Portland-via-Montana band has had an ever-changing sound across a dozen albums over the last ten years, which never fail to encapsulate new genres and sonic textures. Now, they are back with an expansive and well-thought sound full of nostalgia and searching for answers.

The indie post-punk band kicks it into high gear throughout “Living Free” as they explore the true depth of closeness. Propelling the song forward, a steady drum beat is present through the entirety of the track, serving as an anchor behind an intensely atmospheric thread. With soothing melodies, the stunning piece is unanimously regarded as a peak on the album, and couldn’t be done without the band’s ability to combine hypnotic synths with unparalleled lyrical realness.

A focal point of Remembering the Rockets is the topic of ecological collapse, especially in the eyes of an aspiring parent. Vocalist and guitarist Issac Eiger states, “So much suffering and horror is coming if we don't seriously restructure our entire society, and I just really hope we get it together. I want to be a dad more than basically anything, and it's unclear if that'd be an OK decision to make.”

Eiger writes a majority of lyrics and pulls from his own perceptions, conveying the anxieties and uncertainties of adulthood and subsequently, a fading childhood. Despite the cold reality of the message, Strange Ranger is able to exude a lushly smooth melody and a simple drum loop that circulates throughout the song, creating a captivating, light rhythm.

With upcoming shows dotted through the United States, Strange Ranger isn’t a band to miss out on. Check out their new song below and be sure to pick up Remembering The Rockets, out July 26th.