Stray From The Path‘s Tom Williams guides us via the creation of the band’s newest launch, ‘Clockworked’, out now through Sharptone Data.
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On April 4th, 2002, Tom Williams skilled one thing that has caught with him to at the present time. The placement was the legendary Sahara in Syosset, a hotbed for underground hardcore and metalcore bands to thrive within the coronary heart of Lengthy Island. The event was the stacked line-up of Poison the Nicely, American Nightmare, Eighteen Visions, Codeseven, Each Time I Die, and Anterrabae, a real who’s who of American turn-of-the-millennium heaviness. And for Tom, it was what Codeseven did on the finish of their set that struck the deepest chord. On the time, their album ‘The Rescue’ was but to be launched, however as the ultimate chords of their set rang out, vocalist Jeff Jenkins pulled out a handful of copies and began to throw them to the group in entrance of him.
Serving as a likelihood for these current at that second to carry onto and expertise one thing bodily that the remainder of the world didn’t have entry to, it’s a gesture that, 23 years later, within the period of instantaneous gratification and technological dependancy, could really feel a littlealien to many. Nevertheless it’s for this very purpose that Tom thought it was time to duplicate such magic. And it’s why over the Slam Dunk Competition weekend, Stray From The Path’s new album ‘Clockworked’ was available for purchase at merch, in addition to copies being thrown out throughout the band’s chaotically good units, an entire week earlier than it was scheduled to be surprise-released. Spontaneous, thrilling and punk as fuck.
“Once I was a child, I heard ‘Change (In The Home Of Flies)’ on the radio or noticed the video, and that was it,” Tom hammers dwelling. “I then bear in mind shopping for ‘White Pony’ on the day it got here out, and that was once I listened to the document, too. And I consider the individuals who caught these Codeseven albums and what a particular expertise it was and the way I’ve by no means forgotten it. And I really feel like whenever you roll albums out now, there simply isn’t that pleasure since you already know that it’s coming. That’s why we wished to do one thing totally different. It felt like there needed to be a brand new and enjoyable strategy to launch data, and this felt like it.”
The urgency that has accompanied this rampant rollout is mirrored brilliantly in what the album represents, too. A caustic and unrelenting takedown of contemporary complacency and how we now have all sleepwalked into feeling like that is how issues needs to be, it finds Stray at their most unforgiving, unstable and seething. A shared consensus on what so many people are feeling and a rallying name for as soon as once more not staying quiet within the face of injustice, the necessity for the band to be this unrelenting has by no means been extra vital.
THE SOUND
From the get-go, chaos has at all times been the Stray From The Path mannequin. Creating soundscapes that resonate with no matter course heavy music is heading at that second in time while additionally managing to sound like completely no one else concurrently, ‘Clockworked’ isn’t any totally different. Selecting up the place 2022’s ‘Euthanasia’ left off when it comes to the razor-sharp viciousness that encompasses it however pushing into much more discordant waters, the band have crafted an environment that’s as apocalyptic as it’s audacious, as devastating as it’s damning and as undeniably bleak as it’s unapologetically crushing.
There’s ‘Can’t Assist Myself’, which lures you into the darkness with a hip-hop-leaning underbelly earlier than delivering the killer blow through a blunt pressure breakdown of the best calibre in addition to ‘Shocker’, which delivers the type of machine gun battery that has helped solidify Stray’s identify through the years, with quintessential “Blegh” thrown in for good measure. And it’s all heading in direction of the garish closing crescendo of ‘A Life In 4 Chapters’ that appears like the bottom caving in as a result of it may well’t take the pressure anymore.
Though essentially the most unrelenting instance comes from ‘Fuck Them All To Hell’, a tune that Tom states was initially meant to be launched on Election Day within the US. A mesh of blastbeats, pummelling riffs and bile-drenched intent, it’s as dizzying and debauched because the document will get, which is becoming for the subject material. A whole dressing down of the present American political system the place regardless of which field you set your cross in, the determine on the high is an abhorrent criminal.
“The one purpose we didn’t find yourself going with it on Election Day was due to Kamala Harris’s vice chairman choose,” Tom admits. “I don’t fuck with Kamala or the Democrats in any respect. Nevertheless, with Tim Walz, he had some progressive bones in his physique, and if that’s an excellent factor, then we’re type of standing in the best way of it, and so we type of suggested in opposition to it.
“However we additionally wrote the tune when Biden was the Democratic nominee, and it was Biden versus Trump. It was similar to, ‘Man, fuck all of this.’ That’s why the refrain is, ‘The one manner I’m writing your identify is on a motherfucking gravestone’. It’s not happening a poll; it’s going in your gravestone.”
It doesn’t get a lot heavier than that, actually. However when wants should, and also you’re an artist with the type of streak that Stray has, crafting your reality has by no means been extra essential. Each weave and switch feels increasingly more like the top of the world than the final, which, on a document that flirts with such risk inside its material, too, is greater than becoming. The opportunity of the top needs to be discomforting, scary, and exhausting to abdomen, so by producing essentially the most stomach-churning heaviness they will muster, Stray is extra doing its half in preserving that affiliation alive.
THE COLLABORATORS
Change is barely doable after we stick collectively, which is why group has at all times been so very important to all the pieces that Stray produces. And in the identical manner, as they’ve invited Sam Carter, Keith Buckley, Bryan Garris, Jesse Barnett and Brendan Murphy, to call only a handful, into the fold previously, ‘Clockworked’ additionally serves as a platform for celebrating a few of heavy music’s finest, each from the previous and current.
Firstly, there’s the title observe, an ode to not staying quiet as a result of it’s simpler, that includes a guttural look from LANDMVRKS’ Flo Salfati. The 2 bands toured the UK collectively in 2019, each serving as assist for Whereas She Sleeps, and the connection solid over half a decade in the past has clearly stood the take a look at of time. And whereas slightly little bit of Stray made it right into a LANDMVRKS banger lately, with vocalist Drew York showing on their 2022 heater ‘DEATH’, the chance for Flo to precise his personal disdain for the state of issues stands out in abundance right here. A reminder that it doesn’t matter what facet of the Atlantic you might be born and raised, the need and must denounce oppression, antagonism and injustice will at all times unite us.
And secondly, there may be ‘Our bodies In The Darkish’, which features a spine-tingling verse from Jeff Moriera of the legendary Poison The Nicely. Contemplating how a lot that fateful present in 2022 caught with Tom, having a character that has served as close to life-long inspiration showing on such an important album for them is clearly a dream come true. But for them to fully flip perceptions and croon their manner via a hypnotically discomforting verse on the observe slightly than shred their vocal cords, slowing issues all the way down to a glacial tempo, feels much more particular.
To symbolize and maintain up such totally different corners of the scene is as a lot of a present as a band can have. Nevertheless it additionally serves as a benchmark for a way each band ought to deal with their friends. For many who have come earlier than, it’s about paying respect and permitting them the possibility to see the lasting affect their legacy has had. And for individuals who are shaping the longer term, it’s a case of holding them aloft and sharing their vibrancy and imaginative and prescient with those that will not be conversant in their sport. It’s at all times been the Stray From The Path manner, and by being open to who’s on the market ready to be labored with, then the probabilities are actually limitless. In spite of everything, it’s precisely how they ended up recruiting a drummer!
“In America, we have been at all times a band the place folks didn’t actually like us, however bands did,” Tom laughs. “So, we at all times obtained alternatives as a result of our mates would take us out the place we might do okay, however then we might go over to Europe and England, and so they cherished us and gave us a lot. They gave us Craig! We met Architects, they took us on tour, and Craig was their drum tech. And now, Craig is one in every of my finest mates and a important songwriter within the band as effectively. All due to alternative.”
THE LYRICS
Although they’ve at all times worn their feelings firmly on their sleeves, it appears like there was an terrible lot extra for Stray to be livid about this time round. Not simply what’s affecting them but additionally contemplating the affect on folks around the globe, ‘Clockworked’ is as a lot in regards to the plights on their doorstep as it’s in regards to the world consensus amongst residents that we’re sleepwalking in direction of a way of life that we promised our elders we might by no means let occur once more. Be it watching on as a genocide takes place or permitting our planet to be despatched even nearer to the brink due to supposed technological advances, the band are leaving nothing to likelihood when stating how they really feel.
A major instance of that is ‘Kubrick Stare’, written in response to Tom watching somebody get shot within the face throughout a highway rage incident on social media and, in scrolling previous it, realising how desensitised to such barbarity being on our cellphone screens we had turn into, and the way that pertains to our response to a lot larger components of historical past taking part in out in entrance of it.
“I don’t need to say I didn’t care, however, like, it simply didn’t actually have an effect on me,” he laughs, figuring out how unusual a sentence that’s to affiliate with such a horrible imaginative and prescient. “And it goes additional to how folks have been in a position to look the opposite manner with Palestine. Like, I don’t know how one can as a result of it’s so terrible. However part of me remains to be like, ‘Nicely, folks see terrible shit every single day,’ and folks have a tough time sympathising for those who aren’t themselves as a result of they’re in all probability combating their very own household.”
That type of skewed ethical compass additionally comes into play on ‘Can I Have Your Autograph?’, a really actual callout to these within the music business who flip a blind eye to disgraceful behaviour simply because these partaking in it have bought thousands and thousands of data.
After which there may be ‘Shot Caller’, a tune that particulars that if you happen to push the folks too far, they’ll ultimately battle again.
“, we made ’Shot Caller’ earlier than that United Healthcare CEO obtained clipped, though it’s basically about that,” Tom provides. “How the folks getting denied healthcare after paying for it for 20 years aren’t going to take the shit no extra and are going to start out combating again. So we made that tune, after which it occurred. We have been similar to, ‘Motherfucker’.”
Each tune is a no-holds-barred assault, leaving no stone unturned and nothing to the creativeness when it comes to the place Stray stands proper now. And it might be a testomony to how carefully tied to the desire of the folks they’re that some sentiments are coming true. After all, that has at all times been the case, however the limits that they’re pushing really feel even additional, and the anger coursing via their veins feels even stronger.
“It’s actually simply in regards to the stuff that has effects on us and the stuff that we see is occurring,” Tom admits candidly. “It’s getting exhausting to dwell, and it’s exhausting to outlive, and that’s what we need to communicate up on. It’s typical of Stray, however that’s simply the best way we’re. We have now had the privilege of touring the world and assembly folks from various cultures. From Japan and Africa to England, Europe, America, and Canada. And all over the place we go, there’s quite a bit that’s fucking with everybody, so which means it’s fucking with us. And the factor is, we’ll by no means disguise that.”
All through all of this, that side is probably an important one. It’s simple to be complacent, to really feel like there may be nothing that we are able to do as a result of it’s all a lot larger than us. Nevertheless, as a group, hardcore was constructed on the notion that each one it takes to vary somebody’s thoughts and life is for one different individual to face up for them. If that one particular person speaks out, then hundreds could find yourself listening to them. It’s a notion that has adopted Stray From The Path all through their careers, from VFW halls and the again of bars to enviornment levels and past and has solely grown stronger as they’ve turn into extra distinguished. Irrespective of the stage, they’ll by no means be quiet, complicit, or disguise their ideas. So, to be utilizing ‘Clockworked’ as their most unapologetic assertion on the best way they see this dumpster fireplace that’s solely getting larger is the least they will do as a result of with out talking up, it should simply carry on rising till oblivion is the one choice. But additionally, what if it’s too late? Because the final line of the document states, closing out ‘A Life In 4 Chapters’, “Give peace an opportunity? It by no means stood an opportunity?”. If that’s the case, then no less than there may be satisfaction available in attempting.
THE TITLE AND ARTWORK
Within the centre of the liner notes that accompany the vinyl model of ‘Clockworked’ is the sentiment ‘THE ONLY WINNING MOVE IS NOT TO PLAY’. This relates on to the duvet artwork that accompanies ‘Clockworked’. A easy but efficient diagram exhibiting a sport of noughts and crosses. All areas have been crammed in, aside from one, the highest proper nook, with whoever’s transfer it’s on this hypothetical sport being the supposed winner. However what if each eventualities are unhealthy ones?
Such a fragile stability is proposed when the area is left unfilled. We’re one transfer away from the potential for complete catastrophe on both facet of the desk, and we don’t know who’s sitting at it, about to make their alternative. It’s a very irritating place to be in, however is it one which’s so totally different from the way it has at all times been? That’s the place the concept of the society we’re current in being ‘Clockworked’, that this example has been the case for so long as the hour and minute arms have made their manner via the hours.
There’s undoubtedly an air of hopelessness to all of it, as if there isn’t a manner out of the mess that a few of us have made, and others have been left to surprise if it should ever be cleaned up. For a band like Stray, all they will do is maintain the highlight firmly on these information, letting all that be recognized.
Talking of information, we must always flip our consideration again to Slam Dunk Competition, the place in addition to being bought solely, the album was additionally marketed on each billboards across the website and within the particular version of Rock Sound that was handed out to patrons. The advert learn:
NOT INTO POLITICS? OKAY. DO ME A FAVOR. GO HOME. TAKE ALL YOUR ALBUMS, ALL YOUR TAPES AND BURN THEM. CAUSE YOU WHAT? THE MUSICIANS THAT MADE ALL THAT GREAT MUSIC THAT’S ENHANCE YOUR LIVE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS? REAL FUCKING POLITICAL.
For Tom, it’s one more reason why the UK, and people attending Slam Dunk specifically, felt like the proper place to share such an essential second with first. As a result of he knew that they might get it. That they might see these phrases and resonate with them. That in understanding that artwork has been, and at all times be, influenced by the issues of the world, they may also perceive precisely the place this physique of labor has come from. It’s as soon as once more all about connection, and in sharing the document with the UK first, Tom hopes that individuals perceive simply how a lot the assist has meant to him.
“We at all times say, like, we’re from New York and the UK,” he beams. “I like the UK. We by no means have a foul present right here. The UK, and Slam Dunk, have given us a lot. It’s such a giant a part of our historical past. And, like, we weren’t going inform anybody ever in regards to the album. No press, no nothing. However after we remembered how a lot this place has given us, that’s after we thought, ‘Let’s go inform them first’.”
THE FUTURE
The fact is that who actually is aware of what tomorrow holds. The uncertainty of issues is terrifying, to say the least, however Stray From The Path is aware of that they’ve executed all they will to let their emotions on all the pieces be recognized. And regardless of the place they roam, there will probably be an viewers that stands with them. After all, coming from a rustic that’s so divided, these numbers differ relying on town wherein they reside.
“Again dwelling, we’ll play Denver and completely crush it, however then we’ll undergo Dallas, and there will probably be like 100 folks there,” Tom shrugs. “Like, that’s alright as a result of there may be in all probability a transparent purpose why. However then it’s why it’s humorous that after we go to Australia and Canada and the UK and Europe, and we crush it. It’s simply the best way it’s. We love to stay out, and that has at all times been an excellent factor in addition to a foul factor.”
And it’s in protruding, in not diluting their views and in at all times being fully themselves that one factor will at all times be true. For anybody feeling like they aren’t being heard and that no one cares about how near the top we’re, Stray From The Path is a band that hears them. Stray From The Path is a band that sees them. Stray From The Path is a band who’re as infuriated as them. If all of this have been to finish tomorrow, that truth would by no means change. In actual fact, it has been the case all through the final 20 years of Stray’s profession and can stay the case no matter what the following 20 years appear like. So long as we all know we aren’t doing this alone, then there may be nonetheless hope. And hope, even in drabs, is a remarkably highly effective factor.