This is the newest CD single from Blue October, and the first CD single with the new vocalist Ross Carter. The new song Stranded is a mid-paced musical odyssey. At six minutes long, it's just long enough to give a really good feel for how the band's sound has changed and matured. Ross doesn't have as high a range as Barney, the late vocalist of Blue October did, but he delivers a very solid mid-tenor that integrates seamlessly with Glen's music. As far as the music goes, there are the very familiar elements of BO's sound that was introduced with "Incoming", but there is a new depth and texture to the music that I really enjoy.
That same new texture is very evident in the instrumental "Tranquility Base". It's a really catchy track, a lot more than most other instrumentals I've heard. I really wasn't impressed with the 'Sounds Like Garbage' mix. It adds a almost hip-hop beat to the track, and that really detracts from the track. I like the backing synths added in, but the beat just doesn't fit the song. However, the 'Deconstructed' mix by Nate N. of B! Machine is a real gem. A much more laid-back approach to the song in the intro, and it really allows the emotion in the vocals to stand out. And overall the mix seems to make the vocals the focal point of the song, with the music merely aiding the song along. An excellent remix. I wasn't all that impressed with the first version of "Heat" to reach my ears, from Mix, Rinse And Spin 2 Disc 2 . This mix, however, is much more synthpop oriented, and it really works well. Overall, it's a good introduction to the new Blue October, and I'm impressed. I'll probably come back for more.
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