Estrangers is a five-piece hailing from Winston-Salem, NC consisting of Philip Pledger on vocals and guitar, Mike Wallace on Guitar, David-Todd Murray on keyboards, Nathan H. Bedsole on bass, and Drew Braden on drums. The fuzz-pop quintet formed in the summer of 2011. By November, they had released their debut effort Black Ballroom and had opened for Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Titus Andronicus. Their bright, washed-out pop was reminiscent of older days. After a period of indecision and a few lineup changes, they were back with their follow-up Sunmelt EP. This effort found them exploring more into a psychedelic side of their lo-fi pop sound.
Their latest LP, Season of 1000 Colors, was released last summer as their first release of their newly founded label Phuzz Records. This album really finds Estrangers nailing down their sound. Season features more polished production then their last two outings, but still maintains their earnest, fuzzy pysch-pop tunes. The album is a melodic wash of bright pop comprised of huge melodies, complimented by fuzzy guitars and synths grounded by thundering drums and bass. Through and through, their first full-length is a brilliant album that picks you up on the first listen and has enough layers to keep bringing you back.
Philip Pledger not only serves as the singer and guitarist of Estrangers but also as the founder and co-director of Phuzz Phest. Phuzz Phest is an annual music festival that is now in its 4th year that takes place in downtown Winston-Salem. The festival works to bring some of the best local acts as well as some great local acts in for a weekend long festival. This year during the first weekend in April, Phuzz Phest brings No Age, Kool Keith, Jessica Lea Mayfield, White Fence, Diarrhea Planet, Mount Moriah, Ex Hex, The Love Language and over 40 more incredible acts to Winston-Salem for an insane weekend that will now also feature a coffee conference and afterparties. Check out their website for the full schedule and more information.
With Phuzz Phest right around the corner, Estrangers is hitting the road again with some new songs before they return home to play Phuzz Phest. Tune in to WKNC at 7pm on Wednesday March 12th to hear an interview with the band before their show at Kings that night!
Check out their video for “Cape Fear" here!
3/12 Kings Barcade (Raleigh) with Eston & The Outs, Flash Car
3/13 The Gold Bar (Baltimore) with Infinite Honey, Joy Classic
3/14 The Gutter (Brooklyn) with IYEZ
4/04 Phuzz Phest (Winston-Salem)