Seattle-based band What Strange Beasts present a stirring rock sound on their new single “Scattered Skies.” The dynamic production features soaring vocal harmonies and hooky structural surprises, strengths that are quickly evident. Twangy guitars and steady percussion make for an unassuming initial accompaniment, until the vocals transition into a stellar hook.
This “quiet part out loud,” sequence resonates with the haunting vocal harmonizing, leading thereafter into a wordless vocal sequence that cohesively drives back into the verses. The ensuing “never goes too far,” vocal plays with similar power, this time escalating into an infectious bridge that emphasizes “you are not alone.” The prog-rock feeling in this section compels, especially as the twinkling keys emerge. A soaring guitar line dances alongside melodic vocal harmonizing for a stellar finale to this success from What Strange Beasts.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of January 2023’ Spotify playlist.
