8/10

Ever since they first emerged, US outfit Stray Owls have always looked to adopt a more innovative and diverse approach than many of their peers. Combining indie-rock aesthetics with a more artful and psychedelic edge has proven a winning formula for their previous offerings 'Stray Owls Versus Time And Space' and 'A Series Of Circles', both of which have seen them grow from strength to strength on the scene. And after a heady run of releases these last few months, they return once again with their third studio album 'When The Going Gets Weird', a record that continues that dynamic ascent.

Much like what their recent offerings showcased, 'When The Going Gets Weird' establishes more of that rich and riveting direction they have been cultivating. Creating this wildly heady mix of soaring guitar-driven textures with the occasional heartfelt moment laced throughout, their newest collection finds them in one of their most explorative guises to date. Building upon the adventurous foundations they have already laid down over the years, Stray Owls are pushing the boundaries of their sound further than ever before here, giving this release a wonderfully unpredictable feel as it plays.

Plenty has already been said about their progressive nature over the years, but 'When The Going Gets Weird' comes across as their most confident and assured outing yet. Brimming with this experimental intent at every turn, they are certainly looking to leave a lasting impression with this one.