“Show Me the Way” bolsters Stray + The Wild’s reputation as one of the most compelling alternative rock collectives in recent memory. Anchored by the core duo of vocalist AlexVndria and guitarist Alan Damien, “Show Me the Way” explores our individual and overall relationship with the planet and every living being inhabiting the earth. It’s a dark, intense musical ride produced by Mudrock, renowned for their work with Linkin Park, Godsmack, and Avenged Sevenfold, among others. It’s certain to garner a plethora of praise and notice for an act that has already made significant inroads with modern music listeners.
You can’t deny the track’s theatrical tilt. It opens with a brief sound effects-driven nod to atmospherics before launching into the tune. There are inklings of doom metal in the band’s treatment of the song without ever outright plunging into the standard detuned riffing we associate with that genre. Much of what separates “Show Me the Way” from such material is the far broader command of dynamics than the relatively narrow understanding exhibited by more heavily guitar-reliant contemporaries.
AlexVndria’s voice is the captivating force at the song’s heart. She’s the source for much of the song’s dynamic range as her vocals are capable of uplifting listeners on one hand while maneuvering us back into lower registers with near effortless aplomb. She isn’t a dominant presence throughout the song, Damien’s guitar playing plays a pivotal role, but she helps to define the performance. Her keen interpretation of the lyrical material is another key factor in the song’s success.
Damien’s guitar playing is definitely integral. He eschews the customary six-string heroics we’re accustomed to hearing in favor of a more texturized approach. Damien’s playing flares and raises the temperature at assorted points throughout the song, but the bulk of his focus falls on accentuating the heavy atmospherics that power “Show Me the Way”.
Stray + The Wild varies the arrangement rather than pursuing a single line of attack. Damien, the project’s chief songwriter, builds dramatic lulls amidst the song’s peaks that help hold the listener’s attention. Nothing, however, ever comes across as cheap or predictable. We are in familiar territory as listeners, no doubt, but AlexVndria and Damien put an individual spin on time-tested elements that set “Show Me the Way” apart from the pack.
Stray + The Wild has received well-deserved critical notice from several quarters. Prominent publications such as Rolling Stone have noted Damien’s considerable talents while others have spotlighted AlexVndria’s vocal gifts. “Show Me the Way” is timely, intelligent, and impassioned – it’s certain to increase the collective’s visibility as they continue expanding on past successes rather than contenting themselves with formula. Let lesser bands/artists embrace that approach. Stray + The Wild has worlds to conquer and “Show Me the Way” illustrates that their conquest is ongoing.
They are a mesmerizing force, and they aren’t going anywhere. “Show Me the Way” will be a hit with listeners young and old while reaffirming their talents for existing fans and making converts of newcomers to their art.
Garth Thomas