First, the basics: Strange Wilds formed in Olympia, WA in 2012. The band grew out of the fertile Pacific-Northwest punk scene, with members from Negative Press, Outlook, Wreck, and a bunch of other punk/hardcore bands of the last few years. Sometime in 2014, the band settled into the classic, economical, power-trio configuration of bass, drums, and a single guitar, and recorded “Standing,” their second release (their first being the four-song Wet 7” on Inimical Records). 

Now, about this record: “Standing” is a taut, churning slice of Northwest punk fit for the ages. Its B-sides, “Gator Cough” and “Never Warm”, are, respectively, a fist-banging slammer and a slow-burn rumination on low feelings. Strange Wilds’ music is soaked in the deadpan gloom endemic to their home region. And yet it is not music to wallow to. Tense, quick and tight, Strange Wilds make anthems for the anxious. Shards of Bleach-era Nirvana, splinters of Jesus Lizard, even a little Born Against.

This single was recorded at High Command Studios in Olympia, WA by Captain Tripps Ballsington (Nudity, Sex Vid, The Tight Bros From Way Back When) in 2014.