Stray

BAMBARA - Stray
Critic Score
Based on 12 reviews
2020 Ratings: #340 / 871
User Score
Based on 239 ratings
2020 Rank: #290
Liked by 14 people
February 14, 2020 / Release Date
LP / Format
- / Label
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CRITIC REVIEWS

90
God Is in the TV

With Stray, the trio who comprise of twin brothers Reid and Blaze Bateh, singer/guitarist and drummer respectively alongside William Brookshire on bass have scaled a new zenith of creative excellence lyrically, conceptually and sonically.

80
PopMatters
Haunting and deeply evocative words are sewn into a dark tapestry of atmospheric, brooding goth meets post-punk on an album that lingers like the rough outline of an aging scar.
80
AllMusic

The production gives everything a hazy, ethereal glow, but it makes all of the blazing guitar riffs and pounding drums resonate, rather than washing them out. Easily the band's most accomplished album to date.

80
Loud and Quiet

On album number three, Bambara have gotten heavier than ever. Stray is ice cold, and sharp as a knife’s edge.

80
Clash

Engrossing, dark and irresistible, ‘Stray’ is a grandiose effort from an adventurous group, who just keep getting better all the time.

80
Uncut
An intoxicating blend of surf-rock guitar and the blussterous post-rock drama of forefathers such as Lift to Experience; a bewitching blend that makes death's ominous presence feel that much closer.
80
Upset

Far from easy listening, but never less than captivating.

76
Paste

Stray’s grisly fiction is positively spine-tingling, and their gothic post-punk underscores both its ominous, slow crawl and short-tempered fire.

75
Under the Radar

It’s all sex, death, and sordid decadence on Bambara’s fourth full-length. Stray smartly builds on the style and intensity of 2018’s underrated Shadow on Everything by adding nuance and new ideas.

60
DIY

Bambara stay firmly on a strong but fairly predictable path.

60
Kerrang!
The Athens, Georgia trio channel Cave’s dark majesty, as well as the dirtiest sounds of early Swans.
fakeplasticrose
NR

don't actually know why i keep forgetting to use this site lmao
anyway this album slaps, seeing them live in may

andiov1
89

I almost missed this one, Stray is among one of the best post-punk albums I've heard to come out this year, with BAMBARA creating a sound like if Iceage and early Swans were infused together through unholy means to make this great bluesy, noisy mess.

Favorties: Miracle, Sing Me to the Street, Serafina
Least Favorite: Made for Me

usedtobe
87

A ferocious, often arresting post punk record that packs a solid wallop, leaving a dark and ominous atmosphere within its path. This familiar yet strongly imitated sound, vocal and instrument wise has been given a fresh take and with generously muscular melodies. Glad I didn't missed this.

Heinos
87

A dark brooding atmosphere full of Bambara's best work, gorgeous and heavy. Some minor mixing issues, but nothing near the level of their previous album.

echoeinwaves
80

amei a atmosfera do álbum, apesar de algumas letras serem um pouco fracas eu amei o estilo dos vocais e gostei muito dos instrumentais durante todo o álbum. acho que se ele fosse um pouco mais ''barulhento'' eu gostaria um pouco mais em alguns pontos o álbum perde um pouco do apelo mas no geral é um projeto muito sólido

MYEYEHURTS
85

Dark but beautiful atmosphere. Reminds me of Nick Cave.

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Track List

1Miracle
4:57
2Heat Lightning
3:25
3Sing Me to the Street
4:19
4Serafina
3:00
5Death Croons
4:08
6Stay Cruel
5:19
7Ben & Lily
3:41
8Made for Me
4:21
9Sweat
3:56
10Machete
5:17
Total Length: 42 minutes

Year End Lists

#74/Rough Trade
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Added on: October 2, 2019