- Released: 2020
- Origin: Brooklyn, New York
- Label: Woodsist
- Best Track: Before They Pass By
I sometimes worry that I’m going against the spirit of this project by sticking largely to music that I would have listened to anyway – punk, post-punk, shoegaze, noise rock and general indie. Often, I start to listening to an album and quickly think “this isn’t for me”, and turn it off. Really, I should listen to it all the way through and give an honest review, whether I liked it or not.
This is my thinking behind persevering with the new 11th album by folk-rockers Woods. Normally, Strange to Explain is not a record I would’ve given much time to, but I thought it merited more than a cursory listen and by sticking with it, I feel I’ve discovered some moments of beauty.
I really like ‘Before They Pass By’, with its hypnotic keyboard. The title track sounds familiar, but I don’t think I’ve heard it before – I think it just has that effect because it’s instantly catchy and memorable.
Overall, it’s a laid-back, relaxing album, without being a bland or boring one. I consider this blog a personal journey and an education, so it’s important I keep listening outside of the box.
