strfkr's 'never the same' projects listeners into a new realm
By Sophia Denison
Ramping up excitement for their prospective sixth studio LP, STRFKR dropped the single “Never the Same” on February 28. The single marks the group’s first release of the year, excluding their feature on “Stay Forever” by Whethan, which was released on January 10.
The group’s initial, and still most popular, single “Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" was released back in 2008. Since then, STRFKR has produced an impressive and expansive discography. Their unique astronomical sound continues to captivate a thriving audience even after over a decade of creating music. Even as the aesthetics and preferences of the indie scene change at an overwhelming rate, STRFKR has stuck to their energized ambient baseline that they continue to modernize and innovate with each release.
Although there are no radical deviances from STRFKR’s respectable sound with “Never the Same”, this song does summon a portal into their next collective. Details of the group’s release plans are yet to be announced, yet fans speculate about a possible album release to go along with the band’s recent tour announcement with Undercover Dream Lovers.
The first verse of “Never the Same” establishes the melodic theme and places the listener onto their planet. A more carefree chorus closely follows with the lyrics “What I don’t know about love” playfully sung. Suddenly, listeners are practically projected into another realm as the instrumentals ramp up and are flung into a more dynamic second verse. The charged energy of this verse leading to the resolving chorus leaves listeners excited for the new era of STRFKR, with speculations of what new perspectives the group will grasp onto in 2020 and confidence that the group will keep hold of their old style.
STRFKR’s poetic and punctual lyrics are able to resonate with just about everyone. Extraterrestrial sensations weaved together with topical discussions about loving and losing, living and dying, and learning and growing make STRFKR’s music so universally appreciated, with “Never the Same” included. The single confirms that STRFKR’s music has not lost its admired character; rather, it is ready to be matured to match the modern era once again.