THE STRUTS - ‘Strange Days’

 

Being a fan of The Struts, I was a bit wary of what this album would sound like on the basis of the three pre-released songs, two of which suggested a change in musical direction. It could have gone one of two ways, either chasing safer mainstream and potential mass market appeal and airplay or building on what they do best – unashamedly good and glittery glam rock. Having listened to the album a number of times now, I’m relieved to say that ‘Strange Days’ definitely finds The Struts doing what they do best and in all their glory.  

 

Album opener and title track ‘Strange Days’ takes the form of a duet with Robbie Williams. Pre-released in early September, this reflects on the strange times in which we all find ourselves and is the most muted and safest song on the album and in which Luke and Robbie trade lines. It’s a slow grower and what becomes instantly clear is that one benefit from being forced off of the road has been that Luke’s voice has had time to recover from a very demanding tour schedule in recent years. As the song progresses, so does the strength of his vocal performance and, in doing so, overshadowing his higher profile collaborator. 

 

‘All Dressed Up (With Nowhere To Go)’, with it’s ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Hot Legs’ vibe, saxophone breaks and big, building chorus brings The Struts back into more familiar territory. With Luke moderating the pace of the song, like so many on display hear it was written to be played live and involve crowd participation. Befitting Luke’s larger than life on stage persona, their cover of Kiss’s ‘Do You Love Me?’ couldn’t fit the band better and is a question which will be asked of and answered by fans in venues on the road worldwide once touring is able to return. Not allowing the anthemic pace to drop, ‘I Hate How Much I Want You’ follows and in which The Struts are joined by Joe Elliott and Phil Collen from Def Leppard for a massive glam romper-stomper. Throw Slade, Mott The Hoople and Queen in a blender with a touch of Def Leppard and it might have come out something like this. With the repeating start to the chorus, this was made for call and response crowd participation in a live setting. One listen before walking the dogs and I was walking through the woods with a massive smile on my face and singing along with the old favourite already going through my head.  

 

‘Wild Child’ starts off with a Rage Against The Machine feel. Maybe confusing on a Struts album, but not surprising given that Tom Morello plays on this song, and finds Luke channelling his inner Ian Astbury in what sounds like a homage to The Cult. ‘Cool’ provides more of the expected Struts sound formed by heavy guitar riffs, a grooving bass line, solid drum beat and Luke’s vocals building up to a climax before holding back and returning. At 6 mins 22 seconds, and the longest track on the album, this was written for extended crowd participation. ‘Burn It Down’ provides an unexpected and welcome surprise. Offering a departure from glam sing-alongs, and showing their rock credentials, this wouldn’t have sounded out of place on the ‘The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion’ and also tips it’s hat to ‘Exile on Main Street’ – era Stones.  

 

Continuing the change of style ‘Another Hit of Showmanship’ with it’s jangly guitar intro, driving beat and vocal delivery has more of an ‘80’s The Smiths vibe before developing into a Killers style of sound. As the first track from this album to be pre-released, back in August, this presents a different sound, but is a good song in it’s own right and will work it’s way into your consciousness. 

 

The bass intro to ‘Can’t Sleep’ signals a return to Struts territory, before album closer ‘Am I Talking To The Champagne (or Talking To You)’ surprises again with a late night lounge feel during which this very sensual and soulful song draws you in through some great vocals, guitar work and more sax breaks with a bass line bubbling just below the surface. Very difficult to describe, but also very, very good. Let’s just call it their James Bond song. 

 

‘Strange Days’ is itself a bit of a strange album. The first two songs to be released are the most mainstream, suggesting a label desire to secure airplay. But they are not representative of the album as a whole, which feels rockier. ‘Strange Days’ is also notable for the number of collaborations – Robbie Williams, Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Tom Morello and Albert Hammond Jr. (The Strokes). While all of these artists bring something of their own, The Struts don’t actually need other named artists. Their music and ability is more than enough on their own. Luke’s vocals are very strong throughout as is the high quality of playing from Adam Slack (guitar), Jed Elliott (bass) and Gethin Davies (drums). 

 

Is it as good an album as ‘Everybody Wants’ and ‘Young & Dangerous’? Only time, repeated listening and hearing it on the road will tell. But, my initial answer would be yes and in different ways.  

 

So, dig out your spandex, find some glitter and get strutting. And if you haven’t listened to The Struts before or have been sitting on the fence, jump in and have some fun.  

 

As an antidote to these difficult times ‘Strange Days’ will lift your mood. Without a doubt, the most fun album to have emerged during COVID-19.