Strange Plants Embrace Nostalgic Psychedelia with New Single "Horseshoe Smile"

Strange Plants have returned with Horseshoe Smile, a lively psychedelic pop track that transports listeners to the golden eras of music while sounding unmistakably fresh. Blending the melodic charm of Tears For Fears with the experimental spirit of the Beatles’ Revolver period, Horseshoe Smile is a joyful, trippy anthem that carries a sharp observational edge. The track dances between whimsical and biting as it critiques the polished digital personas and exaggerated performances that dominate both public spaces and social media. The song’s title cleverly references the overly enthusiastic display of teeth when laughter feels forced or staged, poking fun at the increasingly artificial ways people present themselves online and in daily life.

Musically, Horseshoe Smile wears its influences proudly but refuses to merely replicate the past. Instead, Strange Plants twist vintage sounds through a colorful, surreal lens that feels at once familiar and completely new. This single marks the third release from their forthcoming self-titled debut album, set for release on June 6th, 2025. It also spotlights the versatility of the band, with songwriter Matt Brannon stepping forward as lead vocalist for this particular track, trading places with longtime collaborator Travis Flint. The shift brings a distinct flavor to Horseshoe Smile, layering feel-good Beach Boys vibes with a knowing lyrical smirk that keeps the listener guessing.

Produced by multi-instrumentalist Robbie Crowell, known for his work with Sturgill Simpson and Deer Tick, Horseshoe Smile was crafted at the historic Creative Workshop Studio in Nashville. This legendary space provided the perfect backdrop for Strange Plants’ recording sessions, inspiring an authentic analogue warmth that permeates their entire debut. The single’s bright hooks, off-kilter humor, and colorful production promise that the full album will be a vibrant, immersive experience for fans of vintage pop and modern indie alike.

The band describes the themes of Horseshoe Smile as a celebration of life's absurdities, a thread that runs through much of their songwriting. According to bandleader Matt Brannon, embracing the ridiculousness of modern existence allows their music to stay rooted in authenticity even when layered with playful sounds. As Brannon puts it, "The absurdity of life shows up a lot in our songs, and this one wears that proudly." Lines like "Sound bites for the livestock" and "A wolf clothed from a second hand shop" hint at the surreal yet incisive worldview that Strange Plants explore, using humor and vivid imagery to reflect on the strange state of the world.

Strange Plants began taking shape when Matt Brannon and Travis Flint, former members of the Halifax-based alt-country group Hot Mondy, found themselves drawn in a new creative direction. Although Hot Mondy had been gaining momentum, the two musicians discovered a different kind of spark during their writing sessions. It quickly became clear that they were no longer writing songs that fit within the boundaries of their old project. The sounds they were creating demanded a fresh start and a new identity. Strange Plants was born out of this natural evolution, offering them the freedom to experiment with a broader sonic palette without limitations.

The forthcoming debut album was recorded over the span of just a week at Creative Workshop, capturing the energy and spontaneity of a band fully in the moment. Rather than chasing trends or overpolishing their music, Strange Plants embraced imperfections and the rich, textured tones of analogue recording. Their songs stretch across genres while maintaining a cohesive voice, weaving together elements of psychedelic pop, indie rock, and nostalgic melodies. The result is a vibrant, kaleidoscopic journey that invites listeners to get lost in its shifting moods and surprising turns.

Horseshoe Smile is available now on all streaming platforms, accompanied by a visually striking lyric video that captures the single’s whimsical and satirical spirit. Fans can experience the full Strange Plants album when it drops on June 6th, a release that promises to be one of the most colorful and creatively freewheeling debuts of the year.