A rare project that is completely unconventional, Unintended Strangers’ debut album “Good Intentions” is a labor of love that showcases the power of music, passion, and dedication to transcend boundaries. These 8 tracks are so cohesive and conceptually driven you wouldn’t guess they weren’t created in the same studio, seeing that Robert Griffin is based in the U.S.A. and his partner Chloe Danz is in New Zealand. I can only assume that this experience was as challenging as it was fulfilling. At the end of it all, we get intriguingly packed sonic rituals that are as timeless as they are forward-looking. All Unintended Strangers ask is that you tune your hearts and embrace such heartfelt storytelling and impassioned delivery that has been packed in these 8 tracks spanning 27 minutes.
An enchanting music with an acoustic guitar-laden backbone that has been used for both rhythm and fingerpicking, albeit with a few intriguing additions such as lush strings and percussion, providing a soft and melodic texture that blends the acoustic, earthy roots of traditional folk with the experimental and DIY ethos of indie music. This is what “Good Intentions” is and what sets the album apart is its focus on introspective, poetic lyrics, intimate soundscapes, and a minimalist yet emotionally rich approach. Unlike mainstream pop or rock, Unintended Strangers shy away from flashy production, prioritizing authenticity and a raw, unpolished aesthetic with this album. You’ll love it!
There is a sadness that comes from knowing that nothing really lasts forever and from seeing the world as it truly is. It is the sadness of understanding that life is not a grand adventure but a series of small, insignificant moments, that love is not a fairy tale but a fragile, fleeting emotion, and that happiness is not a permanent state but a rare, fleeting glimpse of something we can never hold onto. And in that understanding, there is a profound loneliness and a sense of sadness. I feel this has been perfectly encapsulated in the opener, “Nothing Is Forever,” a poignant tune that is cinematic and atmospheric thanks to its tantalizing blend of the rhythmic acoustic guitar, lush fiddle strings, and the tenderly nourished lead and backing vocal harmonies. This music is profoundly touching, and nothing, I repeat, nothing really prepares you for its intense impact on you!
“Lifetime Ago” is a deeply moving journey through love, reminiscence, and the ghosts of what could have been—one that’s sure to resonate with anyone who has ever looked back on a past that feels like another lifetime. It’s a poignant admission of something as strong as love slipping through one’s fingers, echoed by the cinematic soundscape of the gentle piano tones, lush strings, and tender drums, as well as the immensely expressive lead and backing vocals that feel like a conversation, making it so captivating as Unintended Strangers evoke vivid emotions without ever feeling overdone.
This is a masterpiece that captures the bittersweet pull of memory, leaving a listener suspended in time, yearning for something just out of reach. It’s the kind of song that lingers in your heart long after it ends, making you feel as if you’ve lived through the story yourself.
Another bona fide standout is “Forget,” with Chloe’s soulfully sweet and expressive lead voice floating nicely over the stunning acoustic backdrop. The backing vocals from Robert are also rich and so tender, contributing to the track’s emotiveness as they put you right beside them as the story and emotions unfold.
“All I Do” is cinematic with a haunting buildup that features the conspicuous lead and backing vocals from Unintended Strangers off the bat before the song adopts this theatrical feel thanks to the purposefully driven guitar melodies and punchy drums, creating this dramatic thrill around a song that is otherwise deep and poignant, capturing the essence of unrequited love.
“U in Us” is Ukulele-driven with a pacey rhythm that is so ideal for tap dancing. The general mood and vibe is feel-good as Unintended Strangers capture the essence of true love that makes you feel like you belong in the other person’s world. The lively melodies and catchy lyrics make for a unifying anthem…I can already picture you dancing to it, and it is so gratifying.
There is music you listen to and there is music you feel and experience viscerally; “Good Intentions” is both, though it leans heavily towards a visceral experience kind of feeling.
Try it out below and savor. Kudos to Unintended Strangers for creating something akin to the soundtracks of our lives…this is it, guys!
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