Straylings’ latest single, How Long, provides a haunting and engaging entry into their forthcoming album, Call Back Your Name. The track opens with textured guitar lines, layered with tremolo that blend seamlessly into Dana Zeera’s ethereal vocals. Drawing on folk-rock influences, How Long balances a classic sound with a contemporary vibe, building to a warm instrumental finale that feels both timeless and fresh.
After re-emerging with their summer release American Kid, Straylings have crafted How Long as a reflective yet invigorating piece. The acoustic guitar and Dana’s Stevie Nicks-inspired vocals evoke the essence of the 60s and 70s rock, even nodding to the iconic feel of the Eagles’ Hotel California. What began as a simple guitar riff evolved in a basement studio among Madeiran banana groves, transforming into a moody composition when a modulated piano motif brought unexpected depth.
Lyrically, How Long explores themes of disconnection and power dynamics, juxtaposed by uplifting rhythms from the bass and drums. Straylings’ decision to emphasize this contrast underscores their talent for creating music that resonates emotionally without losing its sense of warmth.
The duo, made up of Bahraini songwriter Dana Zeera and British guitarist/producer Oliver Drake, is known for its richly textured soundscapes that include reverb-drenched guitars and Middle Eastern-inspired narratives. Since their 2018 album, Wild Medicine, the band has taken time to refine their sound in a self-built countryside studio. The upcoming album promises to carry forward the pair’s distinctive style, blending the psychedelia of Fairport Convention with the folk echoes of Mazzy Star.