Strangers In A Strange Land - Strangers In A Strange Land (2023) Hi-Res

Strangers In A Strangers Land is Paul Kopf and Alec Palao. Friends for over two decades, the duo have been bandmates in different acts, but ultimately could only rely on each other to create music that has some lasting meaning.

Strangers is thus a recalibration that draws upon the time-tested precepts of strong melody, lyrical integrity and a solid groove. They happily admit that the sound they create breaks no new ground; in fact, if anything, Strangers intentionally purvey the old-school rock and pop mannerisms they both hold so dear - because it’s the only way these two know how.

On this new album, recorded during the pandemic, it is largely all their own work. For drums, Paul and Alec enrolled the assistance of their pals Clem Burke (Blondie) and Prairie Prince (Tubes, Rundgren). Occasional instrumental and vocal support is lent here and there by musical compadres such as Jonathan Lea, George Cole, Marc Capelle, Sarah Voynow, Tom Griesser, Alison Faith Levy and others, but always under Alec and Paul’s direction. String arrangements are by the redoubtable Dina Maccabee. And both ‘Broken Tambourine’ and ‘Poison Chalice’, previously released as singles in 2020, were produced by the legendary Shel Talmy (Kinks, Who, Bowie).