North Carolina’s Stray Owls unveil their latest visual for ‘Scapegoat’, a track from their long-gestating album ‘When the Going Gets Weird’, and it’s a hypnotic dive into their expanded sonic identity. Known for weaving together rural folk elements and experimental indie-rock, the trio have taken their sound to new heights with this project. Blending intricate textures, unorthodox instrumentation, and deeply introspective themes, this song is an absolute gem.
‘Scapegoat’ unfurls with a Meddle-era Pink Floyd energy, channelling swirling guitars and layered harmonies with the contemporary feel of acts like The Black Angels. The accompanying video mirrors this mood perfectly- an abstract and emotionally resonant visual narrative that captures the unease and contemplation at the heart of the track.
Visually, the video is a kaleidoscopic journey, a vibrant swirl of layered imagery that embodies the song’s psychedelic mood. At its core, the band are seen performing live, their presence intercut with and overlaid by striking visuals of nature. Distorted trees, abstract outdoor structures, and floral-like patterns flow in sync with the music, creating an immersive experience. This interplay of natural elements and dynamic visual distortions evokes the sensation of a creative, progressive jam session unfolding in real time, deeply influenced by and in harmony with the surrounding environment. The result is an uplifting sensory experience that engages both listeners and viewers alike.
Their ability to navigate between intimate, folk-tinged moments and explosive post-rock crescendos is masterful, and ‘Scapegoat’ encapsulates this dynamic beautifully. This video is a complement to the music, and an extension of Stray Owls’ philosophy of embracing the unknown and letting creativity take flight. If this track is any indication, Stray Owls are a band whose layered sound and evocative visuals demand to be experienced on repeat.
