A lot is different in the world of Strange Ranger since their last album, 2019’s Remembering the Rockets. Moving to NYC/Philly from Portland, they have once again changed things up and picked up a lot of synthesizers along the way. Recorded in a cabin in upstate New York, Pure Music sounds like an entirely different and much more interesting band, one that embraces very modern recording techniques while mining the past. We’re talking a record where M83 and My Bloody Valentine meet The Dream Academy and Steely Dan, filtered through current Top 40. It’s a unique combo that gives you songs like “Blush,” that smashes together the smoothest of sax with crashing, crushing guitarwork. You can listen to the whole thing below.
We asked the band’s Isaac Eiger to tell us more about Pure Music, and he made us a list of 10 influences, including Gregg Araki films/soundtracks, Talk Talk, recording software, and more. Read his list and commentary below.
STRANGE RANGER’s ISAAC EIGER – 10 INSPIRATIONS BEHIND ‘PURE MUSIC’
Youtube
Everything you want is on there.
Logic Pro X
I’m not gonna pay for an Ableton update every year are u crazy??
Beautiful Songs
Listened to many of these while writing and producing the record.
The Public Transit System
Rare that you have nothing to do but think. Esp applies to underground trains where your phone’s not gonna work.
@Lekon_v
IG belonging to this photographer who lives in Northern Russia. Check it out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq70Afhper7/
Mysterious Skin
A classic no doubt + amazing soundtrack thought about it a lot making the album.
Talk Talk – Spirit of Eden / Laughing Stock
They made these albums by recording hours and hours of improvisation and editing those takes down to the most impactful few seconds. we worked at a similar pace.
Sicko sludge
When you work late into the night it’s important to stay alert. There are many ways to do this but Fred’s signature combination of grainy french press and mid shelf brandy is among our favorites.
Getting out of the city
Healthy to do once in a while.
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Strange Ranger play album release shows at NYC’s DROM on August 4 with Nourished By Time & special guests; and Philly’s Johnny Brenda’s on August 5 with Snoozer and Full Body 2. They’ll then head out on tour starting August 31 in Richmond. All dates are below:
STRANGE RANGER – 2023 TOUR DATES
Fri. Aug. 4 – New York, NY @ DROM ✧
Sat. Aug. 5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s ♡
Thu. Aug. 31 – Richmond, VA @ The Camel
Fri. Sep. 1 – Durham, NC @ The Pinhook
Sat. Sep. 2 – Atlanta, GA @ 529
Sun. Sep. 3 – Pensacola, FL @ The Handlebar
Tue. Sep. 5 – Denton, TX @ Andy’s
Wed. Sep. 6 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk
Fri. Sep. 8 – Phoenix, AZ @ Linger Longer Lounge
Sun. Sep. 10 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Resident
Mon. Sep. 11 – San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside
Tue. Sep. 12 – Reno, NV @ The Holland Project
Thu. Sep. 14 – Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall
Fri. Sep. 15 – Seattle, WA @ Vera Project
Sun. Sep. 17 – Missoula, MT @ The Showroom
Mon. Sep. 18 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
Tue. Sep. 19 – Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
Fri. Sep. 22 – Chicago, IL @ The Hideout
Sat. Sep. 23 – St. Louis, MO @ The Sinkhole
Mon. Sep. 25 – Indianapolis, IN @ Healer
✧ w/ Nourished By Time & special guests
♡ w/ Snoozer, Full Body 2