As if "postrock" weren't a slippery enough concept, SDED has gone and put the "rock" half into question. The Portland (by way of CO) group innocently builds its soundscapes out of whirling chamber strings, but punchy drums and Albini-esque basslines help us know what camp we're in.

Strangers Die Every Day are well suited to represent their genre, calling on hallmark groups like Mogwai, Mono, and Spirit of Versailles, while keeping company with some exciting contemporaries. Previous tours have seen the band share a stage with Thurston Moore, Jello Biafra, Tristeza, Saul Williams, Adrian Belew, Rasputina, The Appleseed Cast, The North Atlantic, The Bad Plus, and many more.

Based out of Portland OR, the band?s debut full length ?Aperture For Departure? is available now though SoCal indie label This Generation Tapes.

RECENT REVIEWS:

A string trio with a bass and drum tells a powerful story without words. We are traveling to parts unknown simply to explore possibilities and understandings. For me the sound is progressive rock without the hired singer destroying the moment. I can?t count how many times I?ve thought ?I wish that guy would shut up so I can hear the music?. These players & the composer wisely chose to let us take our own journey through the soul without interference from someone else?s dream. The electric bass and drums accent the music and do not overwhelm. I feel they are an integral part of the mix and enhance the flavors of this delicious meal. EARTASTE.COM

As if there isn?t enough incredible musicianship emerging from Portland, our city is now kidnapping foreign talent as well. Strangers Die Every Day recently relocated here from Colorado, and these kids can play! Their music is rich with haunting cellos and violins, their sound is a mesh between classical and goth along the lines of Black Heart Procession and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. The thing that is most amazing about the band?s live performance is how young its members appear to be, and how effortlessly they play. I strongly urge Portlanders to familiarize themselves with these strangers. DEVAN COOK, WILLAMETTE WEEK

Equal parts Bernard Herrmann, John Zorn and Jim O'Rourke, Strangers Die Every Day makes cinematic, esoteric chamber punk that never forgets to rock. Bassist Stirling Myles and drummer Lawrence Armstrong thunder away like an indie-rock rhythm section that fell into the orchestra pit, while violinist Scott Wilkinson and cellist Jessie Dettwiler shred their instruments of choice with avant abandon. Whereas Louisville sluggers such as Slint, Rodan and especially Rachel's blazed the trail, this intrepid quartet wanders giddily off course, indulging in dissonant, cathartic and downright spooky reveries that would make Stravinsky smile. Still, there's just enough straightforward rock sensibility preserved to make the most classical-phobic scenester nod along. ERIC EYL, THE WESTWORD

Portland-based instrumental band composed of electric bass, violin, cello and viola. They play haunting melodies with chamberesque mystique. THE OREGONIAN