La Strange
The Relief EP by the band La Strange a.k.a. Brent Garland is an aptly named cathartic release that, with its intense pace, thrusts the listener into the raw, unleashed creative psyche of a man on the singular mission to riddle out, through his music, his connections and place on this plane. Its’ lack of production serves to further add to the immediacy of this high energy, no holds barred, creative musical exploration. Despite the deliberate oxidation of this self produced piece, there is never the sense that the artist is anything but professional and has the utmost concern for producing the highest quality art he is capable of. This is evidenced by the “Beck” like virtuosic way in which all the instrumentation for The Relief EP was played by Mr. Garland. The listener is given the sense that this is the first time the artist has allowed himself to create without the consideration of fellow band members. The effect, as employed through cleverly balanced lyrics, tightly laced rhythms and harmonies, clean intent filled songs an EP that is a beautifully unified spotlighted vision from one man.
Dean’s former effort was the three-piece band The Dig Angees. Never having been signed, the trio prided themselves on the stir they created using only their music in an industry over run with trends, gimmicks, and “PR machines.” However, Dean’s new project is very different. From spending five years in an unsigned band to getting signed before his first show, Aqui Estamos Records is stepping in to give Dean the means to a new approach. As the sole song-writer of La Strange, he is hiding nothing with an EP so raw you will think it’s still alive.
The Relief EP will be available 02/05/2011
