Lord Huron is primarily the work of Michigan-native-gone-Cali Ben Schneider, who wrote and produced Strange Trails at the band's Whispering Pines studio in Los Angeles.

Initially conceived as a solo project, Lord Huron now benefits from the input of a backing trio. The sound is a mix of rustic rockers and haunted singer/songwriter-styled excursions. The Sun Records vibe of "Until the Night Turns" recalls the Memphis spirit, while "Dead Man's Hand" feels like a tribute of sorts to Steve Earle and honest country music, despite never leaning on the usual country cliches. "Frozen Pines" is a sublime race against time.

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Apple Music