Lord Huron's sophomore effort is filled with moments of eerie beauty. Strange Trails builds on the music of the band's debut, Lonesome Dreams, further settling into the Western themes and warm tones. The harmonized vocals, muted and consistent reverb, and slight twang to the electric guitars will please any fan of Fleet Foxes and My Morning Jacket. The band seems to have expanded its sound since the debut. It's more substantial as they have picked up more members and increased their instrumentation. This seems natural for a band that has formed out of what was largely a solo effort at the outset. Ultimately, Strange Trails is an aesthetically satisfying artistic statement. One that only further develops on repeated listens.

• opaque light blue colored double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold jacket w/ printed inner sleeves
• limited edition
• original release year: 2015
• music label: IAmSound Records 2024

reviewed by Le Haim 04/2015