Bristol-based alt-rock duo Pollyanna Blue has returned with a brand new single, “Stray,” taken from their forthcoming EP set to release later this year. The duo, consisting of Zoe on guitar and vocals, and Rich on bass and vocals, formed in 2019 and have been making waves ever since. Despite living in different cities, the pandemic forced the band to utilize the digital age, writing tracks online before coming together in person to finalise their creations.
Inspired by a self-help book, “Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway,” the band’s name is a nod to the nickname “Pollyanna,” given to those who are deemed overly optimistic. This ethos, blended with the waves of difficult emotions life throws at you, creates a concept of musical juxtaposition within the 90s/00s alt-rock atmosphere, resulting in something authentic and raw that connects with anyone experiencing some type of hardship.
“Stray,” the third single from Pollyanna Blue, is a fantastic showcase of the duo’s eclectic songwriting style, with Zoe leading the way on vocals. Produced, engineered, and mixed by Ash Scott, the track features alternative rock vocals that bring a unique energy to the song. Zoe’s voice is raw and powerful, with a grittiness that perfectly captures the emotion of the lyrics.
The instrumentals on “Stray” are equally impressive, with Rich’s bassline driving the song forward while Zoe’s guitar riffs provide a catchy hook throughout the duration of the song. The track’s production is nothing to be overlooked, with Ash Scott perfectly balancing the mix to create a powerful sound that is both immersive and impactful.
The inspiration for “Stray” came from a personal experience of Zoe, who was studying for her Masters in songwriting and production while dealing with a complicated “situationship.” Zoe channelled her frustration into a lyrical story depicting a feud between an owner and their stray cat. The track’s lyrics are poignant and relatable, with Zoe’ vivid imagery painting a picture of a cat that refuses to be tamed.
“The owner is trying to fulfill their role of caring for their pet, but no matter how much love, affection and play time they would give to this cat, it would never want to hang around,” Zoe says about the story of their new song. “The cat is adamant to make sure that the owner knows that they do what they want, and when they want, because they will always play by their own rules.”
“Stray” is an anthemic new single that showcases Pollyanna Blue’s talents and sets the stage for their upcoming EP. With powerful vocals, catchy instrumentals, and top-notch production, this track is sure to be a hit with fans of alternative rock.
