Album preview: Surrounded by Strangers’ LP Die By The Sword
With their latest LP, Die By The Sword, this post-punk outfit plunges deep into a dark, distorted world where tension and grit reign supreme. Produced by frontman Jake Merideth and the enigmatic VuotA, the album captures a sound as raw as it is haunting. The band channels the dissonant allure of their influences—think Joy Division, Jesus and Mary Chain, and the caustic undercurrent of VuotA's own style, who makes a memorable feature on the record as well.
I’ve listened to the album front to back a few times now, and it’s clear that Die By The Sword demands a full immersive experience. From the moment it opens with the track "Rapid Eye Movement," this bold opener headlocks you into the album’s visceral sound, combining piercing lyrics with hypnotic instrumentation. The chorus wraps around you with eerie urgency, "Bring me close to light / Push me from your side"—it’s a dizzying blend of melancholy and force.
But the real standout, as always for those of us who judge albums by track 5, is “Spontaneous Combustion.” True to its name, the song ignites with a slow burn, moody drums driving its tension, and guitars layered with effects that build to a blistering climax. The lyrics here carry a grim poetry, evoking the grotesque and the intimate in equal measure: “You’re taking half-doses / Of foil and rust / I’ll push your cadaver through, swamplands and sludge.” It’s a picture of decay and defiance, tied together by a growly, rasped delivery that feels as raw as the instrumentation.
As the track peaks, you can’t help but get lost in its haunting riff, one that sticks in your mind long after the song fades out. It's a perfect centerpiece for an album that feels like a walk through the darker recesses of the psyche—a journey you can’t help but take again and again.
Overall, Die By The Sword is a triumph for the band, weaving together the sounds of their influences while carving out a space that's uniquely theirs. VuotA’s production adds a haunting layer of depth, making this album a must-listen from start to finish. The LP’s release is coming up in a few weeks, with no official date yet announced.
They’ll also be taking the stage at the iconic Whisky a Go Go, and they have a split album release in the works with Narcotics Division, promising even more exciting sounds on the horizon. With shows lined up, these gigs are sure to be nothing short of electric. If this album is any indication, their live performance will be an experience you won't want to miss.
10/18 Cha Cha Dancing Gym, Huntington Beach
10/19 The Whisky, Hollywood
10/27 The Wayfarer, Costa Mesa