In Review
STRAYERS
Black & Blue

Words: Music News Monthly
Photos: Dave Parker

Southampton Alt-rockers / Grunge band STRAYERS have just dropped their brand new single, 'Black &Blue'. It is their first release since 'Only Human' back in October 2025 and showcases the band's energy and ability to write something that can really move you. 

The song is a full-on audiological assault.  With contrasting riffs keeping things interesting from the start, grabbing  your attention with the wall of sound that the band have built thanks to layers of  stunning guitar work, as the hard and heavy drums give this track a solid backbone. What an intro!! 
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The vocals seem to effortlessly convey the emotion of the lyrics; vocalist Christopher J  Watts has a decent set of pipes on him, that's for sure. Each element from bass, guitar, drums and vocals comes together to create a loud, rugged but gloriously rich sound that has an infectious groove to it. 

This is a track that will have you hitting repeat for sure. If I were looking to describe their sound, there is a Foo Fighters-esque quality. In fact, the band says that "their vibe blends the grit and aggression of the likes of Nirvana, Basement, and Foo Fighters with the pop sensibilities of Oasis, Blur, and Jimmy Eat World," and I would certainly have to agree with them. 

If you like your music full of grit and guitars with a nod to the 90s and 00s while still managing to sound forward-thinking, then STRAYERS are one to watch for sure.  

I reckon they will sound awesome live, so with that in mind, you can catch them doing their thing on the following dates:
12/02/26 - Southampton, Joiners - w/ Mother Vulture, & WREX
28/02/26 - Weymouth, Sticks & Stones - w/ Sadcult
06/03/26 - Alton, Lounge Bar - w/ Mother Vulture
Visit www.strayers.co.uk for more info.

STRAYERS are:
Christopher J Watts - Vocals & Guitar
Sammy Rowles - Guitar
Tom Oliver-Hawkins - Bass
Matt Janke - Drums