Stray

Remember Stray? No? Neither did I, unfortunately. Despite the band straying around for over 40 years, I’ve been more or less oblivious of their existence. Until their current album ‘Valhalla’ (yes, current!) landed on my desk, that is. Hitting the strings hard and merciless, this is as good as it gets. In short, this one rocks!

But here’s for the longer version: Stray appeared on the rock circuit in 1966 (and dissolved in 1977), with guitarist Del Bromham bravely soldering on and playing in numerous restored Stray formations over the years. Now the time has come for Valhalla rising, with Del being the only original member in the new outfit that furthermore includes Stuart Uren on bass and Karl Randall on drums. Del and Stuart are also sharing vocal duties. Produced by Chris Tsangarides (Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore to name but a few), Valhalla features twelve scorching tracks played by musicians who put many a contemporary hard rock band to shame.

Let’s start with the opener ‘Move A Mountain’ – although not the most blistering number on the album (but good, oh so good) this one is an indication of things to come. And they certainly come fast and furious with ‘Dirt Finger’, a track that would set the very foundations of Valhalla’s temple ablaze, had it ever existed.

Things slow down a bit for the more melodious ‘1600 Pennsylvania Avenue’ (a famous address indeed…) only to get on the fast track again with ‘Free At Last’ – an admittedly brilliant track with fierce riff work and guitar solo to match. Unfortunately, it’s let down a bit with rather clichéd lyrics: “Free, free at last. Freedom is the thing that everybody in the world wants the most.” You don’t say!

However, ‘Harry Farr’ is on the redeeming side as far as lyrics go, a song about a 25-year old British soldier who was killed by his own troop during WW1 for apparent cowardice (but most likely simply too unfit to fight due to several health issues). A somewhat strange topic for a hard rock track, but the result are compelling and thoughtful lyrics.

Another standout-track is ‘Ghost Writer’ with its catchy chorus and a constant shift between a fast-beat n’ rough and more mellow n’ melodious composition and witty lyrics.

‘Rainy Day Blues’ has a distinct funk-soul intro and a slight funk vibe throughout. There’s even a bit of Santana and late Osibisa ringing through. This one is totally at odds with the rest of the album’s tracks – but it’s fantastic and one of my favourites.

Finally, ‘24/7’ is another blaster, while closing track ‘You’ is a somewhat on the dreamy side and very vintage 70’s sounding. Beautiful.

Shame that Stray never hit the big time in their day, for they should have. As to why it hasn’t happen for them, who knows. We only know one thing, namely that the rock biz is one of the most fickle and unpredictable ones around. On that remark, I do hope Del Bromham’s Stray will finally make the impact they should have made decades ago, and ‘Valhalla’ is the perfect album to do just that!