Album Review: Bambara – 'Stray'

If you love the Gothic and gloom in rock n’ roll, then Stray is the album for you.

Athens, Georgia gloom-punks Bambara have just released their latest album Stray. It’s a cinematic affair, particularly in the guitar work, as it has the same vibe as a classic Spaghetti Western soundtrack. From the opening track ‘Miracle‘, you hear early Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds as its sets the Gothic tone for the album. It’s a fantastic opener. Later tracks such as ‘Ben & Lily’ could be included on Tender Prey. It’s intense.

Stray is not all doom and gloom, however. The previously released ‘Serafina’ has plenty of drive and the constant delivery of the poetic lyrics is in the same ballpark as Yowl’s darker tracks. ‘Death Croons’ follows the same formula. Whilst sounding fresh, ‘Death Croons’ could also have been released in the early 80s alongside Theatre of Hate. It’s a timeless sound that will never get old.

Words by Matthew Brocklehurst

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