Music: The Strangers

Following a breakthrough performance at the Louder Than Life music festival, area rockers debut live EP, prep for headlining set at STAGEtwo@321

When we last caught up with The Strangers a few months back, the four members - Lucas Washington, Rylan Cox, Kadin Rea and Teelin Atteberry - had just experienced an incredible thrill, earning a spot on the main stage at the iconic Louder Than Life music festival in Louisville and playing alongside the likes of Alice In Chains, Incubus and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The coveted performance was the prize for the band's victory in the Battle for the Big Stage competition as The Strangers triumphed over professional acts from around the country, all vying for a potentially career-making opportunity. Safe to say the guys slotted right in with Louder Than Life's rocking vibe, wowing festival goers with their fusing of pop melodies and bluesy heft, balanced out with a raw, grungy attack.

Off the road for the time being, The Strangers are hardly slowing down, having just released a visceral live EP, Natural Forces, recorded over the summer at Evansville's annual Fuchsia Fest. The 4-track offering features three songs from the band's acclaimed self-titled debut - the Beatlesesque "Sweet Holly," Led Zeppelininspired "Dead and Dazed" and an epic 10-minute version of "Electric Love" - along with "The Way I See It," a brand new composition with a serious groove and some scintillating guitar work that moves between Middle Eastern riffing and bluesy jamming. Recorded by Wesley Luttrell of Wally Opus Records, the electrifying live set is the first Strangers release with Atteberry on drums.

Next up for The Strangers is a headlining set at the Wally Opus Presents showcase on December 18. This highly-anticipated concert at STAGEtwo @ 321 on Evansville's east side will also feature Atlas of the Dogs, Swamp Eyes and Panama Papers - all incredibly talented bands that prove the local music scene is alive and well. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com or use the QR code below.

Natural Forces is available on Spotify and other streaming platforms. For more info, visit thestrangers.live or follow The Strangers Band on Facebook.