Strange Relations – “Ceremonies” (Stereogum Premiere)

Katie Essick

Strange Relations – “Ceremonies” (Stereogum Premiere)

Katie Essick

There’s a ritualistic element to going out, a reason for why we numb ourselves with alcohol, lose ourselves in the company of others. The “Ceremonies” of Strange Relations’ new song — the lead single to their upcoming new EP, named after the act of Going Out — refers to the drastic measures we take to, as the chorus puts it, “feel like [we] can’t feel enough anymore”: “We’ll drive around or hop the train to the kind of dive with taxidermy and a cash-only bar,” “Dig around for spare change to cover the door charge.” Vocalist Casey Sowa sounds detached and in transition, supported by a hazy stuttering beat and alluring bass licks. The Minneapolis trio evoke the atmosphere of a dimly-lit club with minimal instrumentation, leaving the listener to fill in the blanks with their own hushed experiences. Listen below.

Strange Relations’ Going Out EP is out 7/8 via Tiny Engines. Pre-order it here. Their 2015 debut LP, -Centrism, is out now.

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