"Falling from Grace" released November 25, 2016
1. Caroline (SF mix)
2. Emily Bronte
3. Vital Signs
4. Frozen
5. Lost in Space
6. Honey
7. Falling (SF mix)
8. Don't Give Up On Me
Mixed and mastered by Charlie Nieland
Caroline and Falling mixed by the band, mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover image: Joy and Sorrow 12" tondo, oil on copper, 2011 by Carrie Ann Baade
Layout and design by Paul Fellowes
Published by Cherry Red Songs
Reviews:
Textura
Strata Florida's identity solidifies with the guitar-heavy pop of “Vital Signs” and full-on density of “Don't Give Up On Me,” whose simulated strings lend it a rather Sgt. Pepper-ish air. Don't be surprised if you're reminded of early New Order when a forceful bass line muscles its way to the forefront of “Emily Bronte,” all the better to power this midtempo paean to Wuthering Heights' creator, and don't be surprised either if you sometimes struggle to decipher the words when the vocal delivery is so breathy and the arrangements so rich in detail and atmosphere. Dreampop devotees should perhaps anticipate being seduced all over again.
Primal Music 4/5
There’s an air of invincibility surrounding Strata Florida’s music that is both enthralling and addictive all at once. Louise Trehy draws her listeners into every single track with her distinctive ethereal vocal style whilst instrumentally the band create well though out, layered soundscapes that act as a sonic conduit to deliver dreamy shoegaze & post-punk inspired sound. Recommended!
Soundblab 9/10
Trehy’s double-pronged attack of ethereal arrangements and soft, breathy vocals washes over the listener as soon as ‘Caroline’ slows out of the speakers, an almost hallucinogenic, wah-wah musical backing floating across the room. Scintillating shards of slicing guitars crystalize across your synapses as ‘Vital Signs’ continues to remind of vintage Cocteaus – one can almost imagine Robin Guthrie hiding in a corner ripping off one of his patented, heavily-treated guitar lines, as Trehy again delivers dreamy vocals throughout. Once again, an uplifting, spiritual high is generated, the perfect tonic for cleansing life’s maladies.
The Big Takeover
While Strata Florida’s new album flourishes with varied instrumentation and musical styles, Trehy’s breathy, sky-high vocals continue to grace the dreamy compositions
1. Caroline (SF mix)
2. Emily Bronte
3. Vital Signs
4. Frozen
5. Lost in Space
6. Honey
7. Falling (SF mix)
8. Don't Give Up On Me
Mixed and mastered by Charlie Nieland
Caroline and Falling mixed by the band, mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover image: Joy and Sorrow 12" tondo, oil on copper, 2011 by Carrie Ann Baade
Layout and design by Paul Fellowes
Published by Cherry Red Songs
Reviews:
Textura
Strata Florida's identity solidifies with the guitar-heavy pop of “Vital Signs” and full-on density of “Don't Give Up On Me,” whose simulated strings lend it a rather Sgt. Pepper-ish air. Don't be surprised if you're reminded of early New Order when a forceful bass line muscles its way to the forefront of “Emily Bronte,” all the better to power this midtempo paean to Wuthering Heights' creator, and don't be surprised either if you sometimes struggle to decipher the words when the vocal delivery is so breathy and the arrangements so rich in detail and atmosphere. Dreampop devotees should perhaps anticipate being seduced all over again.
Primal Music 4/5
There’s an air of invincibility surrounding Strata Florida’s music that is both enthralling and addictive all at once. Louise Trehy draws her listeners into every single track with her distinctive ethereal vocal style whilst instrumentally the band create well though out, layered soundscapes that act as a sonic conduit to deliver dreamy shoegaze & post-punk inspired sound. Recommended!
Soundblab 9/10
Trehy’s double-pronged attack of ethereal arrangements and soft, breathy vocals washes over the listener as soon as ‘Caroline’ slows out of the speakers, an almost hallucinogenic, wah-wah musical backing floating across the room. Scintillating shards of slicing guitars crystalize across your synapses as ‘Vital Signs’ continues to remind of vintage Cocteaus – one can almost imagine Robin Guthrie hiding in a corner ripping off one of his patented, heavily-treated guitar lines, as Trehy again delivers dreamy vocals throughout. Once again, an uplifting, spiritual high is generated, the perfect tonic for cleansing life’s maladies.
The Big Takeover
While Strata Florida’s new album flourishes with varied instrumentation and musical styles, Trehy’s breathy, sky-high vocals continue to grace the dreamy compositions
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Made of Stars Released: 03/25/14.
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'Made of Stars' Album Reviews 2014 (click on title for full review)
Leonardslair
'Amongst such FX-saturated tunes, the relatively spare ‘Hang On’ emerges as a moment of warped beauty'
Textura.org
'Strata Florida digs into its ragged, guitar-heavy shudder like a band newly hatched in some teenager's basement'
Allmusic.com
"ten tracks full of haunting melody and sonic experimentation that expand the boundaries of the genre"
Side-Line Magazine
"Made Of Stars" The sound is a bit darker and definitely inspired by elements of shoegaze and dream-pop music.
DOA
"Louise updates the dream-pop template by lacing her direct, catchy song structures with rock and bass guitars, electronic zips and blips, and other sonic textures. The result is a standout album for the avid fan and casual listener alike."
Rebel Noise
Made Of Stars connects Swallow's satisfying dream-pop style with a more guitar-oriented sound, while Trehy's dreamy vocals remaining the luscious aural attraction.
Style of Sound
The debut album, Made Of Stars, contains strong elements of her former Swallow past, embracing a dream pop / shoe gaze style with a more guitar-orientated sound. Of course, Trehy’s sensual voice highlights the affair, making the debut Strata Florida album a pleasure to listen to.
Soundblab
"...a full-throttle, Spectorish wall of sound pumped up to about 15. It’s as close to liturgical pop music as I’ve heard all year" 8.5/10
IKON
DRÖMPOP WITH A GUITAR-DRIVEN SOUND Published March 27, 2014 at 12:03 pm by ROGER BENGTSSON (translated by Google!)
"The mixture of drömpop and a more guitar-oriented sound with ten beautiful songs.Clearly fond of Au Naturel where the guitars almost pulling a hårdrockigare hold while Louise's ethereal voice keeps the dreamy pop intact. Even Automatic is one of those song that does not really want to stay away from consciousness once you heard it. And the two last songs: the title song and Lost In The Shadow gives a perfect ending. Hopefully it will not take twenty years until the next album." Rating 4/5
Deadly Music!
"Only her second album in 20 years (the first with Swallow), Made Of Stars fits firmly within theshoegaze/dreampop firmament. You will hear elements of the likes of Cocteau Twins(obviously!) and Lush, as well as touches of the old Kate Bush and a dash of originality in Louise’s vocal performance and the production to give the album wings."
Drowned in Sound
"...they say all good things come to those who wait, and this most definitely ranks alongside anything she's released in the past."
This Is That Song
"As good as each of the songs is, I strongly suggest listening to the whole album in one sitting. Listen on big speakers through a proper stereo setup. Listen on a good set of headphones. Whatever. Just listen to the whole thing. And not through your laptop speakers or a cheap set of earbuds. While I was certainly anticipating the album very much, I knew that sometimes this leads to disappointment. I got an advance copy of Made of Stars a couple of weeks ago, and I’m really happy with the album. I’ve just been waiting for the rest of the world to finally be able to get their ears on it."
To purchase the album please visit www.saintmarierecords.com
Leonardslair
'Amongst such FX-saturated tunes, the relatively spare ‘Hang On’ emerges as a moment of warped beauty'
Textura.org
'Strata Florida digs into its ragged, guitar-heavy shudder like a band newly hatched in some teenager's basement'
Allmusic.com
"ten tracks full of haunting melody and sonic experimentation that expand the boundaries of the genre"
Side-Line Magazine
"Made Of Stars" The sound is a bit darker and definitely inspired by elements of shoegaze and dream-pop music.
DOA
"Louise updates the dream-pop template by lacing her direct, catchy song structures with rock and bass guitars, electronic zips and blips, and other sonic textures. The result is a standout album for the avid fan and casual listener alike."
Rebel Noise
Made Of Stars connects Swallow's satisfying dream-pop style with a more guitar-oriented sound, while Trehy's dreamy vocals remaining the luscious aural attraction.
Style of Sound
The debut album, Made Of Stars, contains strong elements of her former Swallow past, embracing a dream pop / shoe gaze style with a more guitar-orientated sound. Of course, Trehy’s sensual voice highlights the affair, making the debut Strata Florida album a pleasure to listen to.
Soundblab
"...a full-throttle, Spectorish wall of sound pumped up to about 15. It’s as close to liturgical pop music as I’ve heard all year" 8.5/10
IKON
DRÖMPOP WITH A GUITAR-DRIVEN SOUND Published March 27, 2014 at 12:03 pm by ROGER BENGTSSON (translated by Google!)
"The mixture of drömpop and a more guitar-oriented sound with ten beautiful songs.Clearly fond of Au Naturel where the guitars almost pulling a hårdrockigare hold while Louise's ethereal voice keeps the dreamy pop intact. Even Automatic is one of those song that does not really want to stay away from consciousness once you heard it. And the two last songs: the title song and Lost In The Shadow gives a perfect ending. Hopefully it will not take twenty years until the next album." Rating 4/5
Deadly Music!
"Only her second album in 20 years (the first with Swallow), Made Of Stars fits firmly within theshoegaze/dreampop firmament. You will hear elements of the likes of Cocteau Twins(obviously!) and Lush, as well as touches of the old Kate Bush and a dash of originality in Louise’s vocal performance and the production to give the album wings."
Drowned in Sound
"...they say all good things come to those who wait, and this most definitely ranks alongside anything she's released in the past."
This Is That Song
"As good as each of the songs is, I strongly suggest listening to the whole album in one sitting. Listen on big speakers through a proper stereo setup. Listen on a good set of headphones. Whatever. Just listen to the whole thing. And not through your laptop speakers or a cheap set of earbuds. While I was certainly anticipating the album very much, I knew that sometimes this leads to disappointment. I got an advance copy of Made of Stars a couple of weeks ago, and I’m really happy with the album. I’ve just been waiting for the rest of the world to finally be able to get their ears on it."
To purchase the album please visit www.saintmarierecords.com