PASSING STRANGE – AFTERTHOUGHT – ALBUM REVIEW

With their new album release, Afterthought, Passing Strange have created a somber masterpiece full of absorbed soundscapes and introspective inflections. The Connecticut duo delve deep into their musical psyche to forge a record that is both singular in tone and a work of aural beauty. Passing Strange‘s music is dark and mysterious with an otherworldly feel. Their use of moody piano runs and pensive percussions is fearlessly exhilarating and positions them in a totally innovative symphonic space.

Passing Strange is comprised of Kate Mirabella (Vocals/Piano) and Anthony Paolucci (Drums). After meeting during an open mike night, Kate and Anthony formed the duo in 2017. Kate cites Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridges as some of her major influences. Whereas Anthony lists The Deftones and The Doors. Even though their tastes differ, their love of jazz, blues and indie rock solidified a unique bond. Passing Strange manipulates both their diversity and strengths to construct something peerlessly novel.

They dropped their first full length, Come Whatever Storms, in 2018 to rave reviews. The Water and the Woods followed in 2020. Afterthought  transports Passing Strange into a fierce new arena where the extremely personal lyrics enhances the haunting vocals and esoteric arrangements. Their creativity easily captures the listener with their strong songwriting and imaginative genre-bending musical stylings.

The opening composition on Afterthought is the delicate and ethereal “Ivory & Blue”. As soon as you hear Mirabella’s elegant and pensive vocals accompanied by her melancholy piano you realize there is something special here. Her tonal accents and timbre are breathtaking. When Paoluccii’s drum fills come into the mix, the songs takes on a new dynamic. More manic yet still fragile.

Throughout the record, Passing Strange append their spectral sound with lyrics that are deeply intimate and somewhat apprehensive. “Old Log Town” is a prime example. Mirabella’s voice carries a profound yearning for change and a new beginning. She appeals to her partner to join her.

so pack your things

we’re headed back to the coast

it doesn’t matter which one

any will get the job done at this point

pack your life

in the suitcase under my bed

you saw the other night

while we were drunk and laughing

we won’t be on that floor again

The piano refrains and percussions on “In The Summer When You’re Happy”  coupled with the forlorn lyrical mood creates an amazing haze of sonic refinement. All the while, the track holds a tension filled ambiance. The upbeat “Karen In The Daytime” blends their jazz influences with pop sensibilities. Kate’s voice runs supreme.  It’s impressive how many brazenly lush compositions Afterthought encompasses.

With Afterthought, Passing Strange have devised a textured work of extraordinary vision that manifests their talent and accomplished songwriting. They use their creativity to shape something totally remarkable and unrivaled. Again and again, Passing Strange infuse their imaginative music with tantalizing melodies and heartfelt choruses.

Afterthought is released on NeuroTronix Records and produced by Richard Demko.

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