After 14 months of anticipation, London-based alternative rock outfit Ghost Arcadia storm back onto the scene with their latest single, ‘STRAY’. The track gives an exciting insight into their forthcoming EP What We Become, slated for release later this year.
Inspired by the popular 2022 adventure game Stray, the new single is a defiant anthem for the outcasts, celebrating individuality and rebellion against societal norms. “As a society, we tend to try to fit into the same mould,” the band reflects. “But by doing that we just create this vanilla world when really we want a rainbow one.” ‘STRAY’ captures the band’s ethos of embracing differences and standing tall against the mainstream, with a sound that is easily their heaviest yet.
Musically, ‘STRAY’ is a dynamic blend of modern metalcore and video game nostalgia through it’s dappled synths, the track draws influence from heavyweights like Architects and Enter Shikari while paying homage to 90s video game music. Blending punching drums, driving distorted guitars and lo-fi synths, the track creates a driving and intense backdrop under the expressive, half sung, half screamo vocals. Bringing ferocious energy and a surprisingly infectious and catchy chorus, the track is a great example of the band potential.
This eclectic mix gives the track a signature sound that stands apart from their previous releases. The band’s recent obsession with the Stray video game not only shaped the musical direction but also infused the song with dystopian undertones and themes of survival, defiance, and individuality.
The accompanying music video, created by visual artist George McCubbin, takes the band’s vision a step further. Inspired by the retro aesthetics of PS1 and N64 graphics, the video is a visually chaotic yet captivating fever dream. Featuring a bear crashing through a castle, it mirrors the track’s message of breaking free from societal constraints, with synth-heavy sounds acting as the perfect backdrop to the surreal, game-like narrative. The band add: “The game resonated a lot with me, and those vibes definitely influenced the subject matter. We wanted to create something that celebrated our differences while maintaining those dystopian video game vibes.”
Listen to & watch ‘STRAY’ below and keep an eye out for Ghost Arcadia’s upcoming EP What We Become.
