Advertisement

Deftly treading a line between high-flying art-rock and classic rock's more organic, pastoral environs, the Strange have delivered a sophomore album that could -- and should -- bring new attention to the Detroit threesome.

A liquid, languid mood dominates the album, but a tense current rides beneath these seven tracks to give the proceedings a visceral edge. This is a trio of gifted players -- drummer Erik Nordin, guitarist Nathan Murphy and outstanding vocalist Brent McKay -- who deliver a skilled and polished performance without descending into wankery.

"The Strange," recorded and mixed in Detroit, St. Louis and Nashville, clearly was envisioned and executed with pristine precision. But the record steers clear of the sterility to which so many similar projects succumb. Although there's a modern sheen to the production that recalls the work of Radiohead, this is a band with a distinct ear for the '70s -- the rustic side of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd circa "The Wall," Queen with the pomp just reined in.

The result is a sturdy body of songs such as the chilly but folksy "Shadows," the trippy pop of "Tomorrow" and album standout "Texas," a limber, multicolored affair laced with evocative lyrics.

The disc includes a top-end video for "Texas," directed by Detroiter Anthony Ernest Garth, best known for his work with the White Stripes.

The Strange will host a CD release party at 8 p.m. Friday at the Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward, Ferndale. 248-544-3030. $7.

Contact BRIAN McCOLLUM at 313-223-4450 or mccollum@freepress.com.