Straylight Run
The New York band is currently looking for a label to sign with, having ended their stint with Victory Records, with whom they released three different albums; Straylight Run, Prepare to Be Wrong (an EP), and a live album. The band has reported that a new album is finished, slated for release in the spring of 2007.
Anytime you include siblings in a band, you can be sure that an interesting dynamic will be created and projected into the work and on stage. In the case of Straylight, the tension is even more unique as the brother and sister team of Michelle and John Nolan tag team the duties of vocals and piano work. The result is an eclectic range, running from the melodious (if pretentiously titled) “Existentialism on Prom Night” (probably the best sample of the two putting out a track and matching their voices), the hoarse shouts of “Hands in the Sky (Big Shot)” (which features John), and the brand new “The Miracle That Never Happened” (Michelle, singing over instrumentals that are just a little too close to “Seasons in the Sun” for enjoyment).
If Straylight can stick to the formula which helped them sell albums with “Existentialism..” then they should have no problem expanding their audience. There is such a thing as experimenting too much, however.
At lease they have a semi- nice band name. They remind me of the A Fire Inside spin off band, Blaqk Audio. Since Blaqk Audio is a nice band, that is a compliment. What I find refreshing about this band is the fact that their album cover is unique, has a art like dark effect and is deep in meaning. Good job!
“Existentialism in Prom Night?” Now there’s an interesting - if rather bizarre - bit of mental imagery. At least it wasn’t “Freudian Slips in Prom Night,” which isn’t too far-fetched thematically speaking, considering that there are a lot of sexual undertones to Prom Night as it is.
I also like the sound of this band, which strikes me as being edgier than some of the pap that passes for pop music these days. And the cover art…while it certainly doesn’t rival any of Peter Max’s classic covers from the late 60s…is still eye-catching.
I have always found that when siblings are in bands together, there is just a chemistry like no other, and it shows in the music. The same goes with these guys. I had no idea that they were brother and sister at first, but after listening again, it all makes sense. Anyways, enough about that; this band is awesome ! Brilliant piano work and awesome vocals all the way. I can’t get enough. I want to hear more and more. Please keep doing what you are doing Straylight Run!