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Description
Lord Huron's *Strange Trails* (2015) is a deliberate, if sometimes uneven, sophomore step into the realm of cinematic indie folk-rock. It is the album that fully coalesced the band's signature sonic palette: reverb-drenched electric guitars, a percussion-heavy backbone driven by Mark Barry's instinctive rhythm, and Ben Schneider's baritone vocals, all wrapped in a melancholic atmosphere that borders on post-apocalyptic romance. The title itself feels like a directive, guiding the listener through a landscape of existential wanderings, which is precisely the vibe the album captures, though it is not without its own distinct melancholy.
While often grouped with the likes of Bon Iver or The Lumineers, *Strange Trails* maintains a certain grit and atmospheric density that sets it apart. It leans heavily into a blend of indie folk and alternative rock, with an edge that prevents it from slipping into the saccharine. Critics noted its ambitious scope, if its songwriting was occasionally reliant on strong melodic hooks rather than deep narrative depth. Despite this, it remains a fan favorite and a solid entry on vinyl, capturing the late 2010s indie boom with a moody authenticity. The album was produced by Greg Kurstin, among others, adding a polished yet organic sheen to the recordings.
Lesser-known, the album's title track and lead single, "Who Knows Where Time Goes," features a theremin that hovers between ghostly and futuristic-a nod to the band's interest in vintage electronics and atmospheric textures. Another curiosity: the album was recorded in various studios around Los Angeles, giving it a slightly dispersed, road-worn feel. The collaboration with producers like Ben Minkowicz and the involvement of session musicians helped push the sound beyond the bedroom-pop confines of their debut.
Though not as universally acclaimed as their 2021 opus *Long Lost*, *Strange Trails* remains a significant chapter in Lord Huron's discography, a transitional artifact that bridges their early lo-fi charm with their later, more expansive soundscapes. It is an album that rewards repetition, especially when rendered in its full dynamic range on vinyl, where the warmth of the analog medium complements its atmospheric tendencies.
[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Huron)
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