Strange Plants Channel Relentless Momentum on Groovy Rock Anthem “Ground Falls Away”
Strange Plants return with “Ground Falls Away,” an energetic rock single that blends kinetic grooves with the band’s signature analog warmth. Driven by pulsing rhythms, vintage textures, and an undeniable forward motion, the track captures the restless feeling of pushing through life’s daily pressures and refusing to stand still. Following up on February’s “Lay Your Mind,” it’s the second release to be shared as part of a collection arriving throughout the year.
The inspiration for “Ground Falls Away” came from a candid conversation between friends.
“I was speaking with a friend over drinks one night and he was really going through it,” explains songwriter Matt Brannon. “He was hustling day to day just to stay ahead, and it felt like if he ever stopped moving the ground would just swallow him up. Despite all this pressure, he remained hopeful and willing to keep soldiering on.”
The song first began with a riff from songwriter Travis Flint, an acoustic figure that weaves through the verses and anchors the driving momentum. Though written several years ago, the band initially set it aside after recording the foundational tracks during a transitional period. Returning to it later gave the song new life.
“We had recorded the bed tracks but shelved it for a while,” Matt says. “Coming back to it now, it feels like it was meant to be. It’s so much better and we couldn’t be happier.”
One of the most distinctive elements of “Ground Falls Away” lies in its rhythm section. The bass lands on the upbeat against the kick drum’s downbeat, creating an unusual push-and-pull groove that fuels the song’s sense of motion. The chorus then expands dramatically, culminating in an instrumental back half that delivers emotional impact without relying on additional lyrics.
To complete the track, Strange Plants reunited with producer Robbie Crowell (Deer Tick, Sturgill Simpson), who also produced their self-titled debut album.
“We brought Robbie in to put a bunch of stuff on it and bring it into the Strange Plants family,” Matt explains.
The final arrangement leans into the band’s love of 70s and 80s sonic textures, layering synths, sequencers, and analog production touches into what remains, at its heart, a vibrant rock song.
With “Ground Falls Away,” Strange Plants continue exploring life’s mystery, cruelty, beauty, and humour through groove-driven rock that feels both nostalgic and unmistakably alive.
First off, care to introduce yourselves to our readers?
We’re Strange Plants. A musical outfit from Halifax. We make songs we think sound good.
“Ground Falls Away” captures the feeling of constantly moving just to stay afloat. Why did that particular conversation with your friend resonate enough to inspire an entire song?
I think just the palpable anxiety I felt listening to him talk about what he was going through. That the ground could swallow us both up at any moment.
You mentioned the song sat on the shelf for a while before being revisited. What changed creatively that made now feel like the right time to bring it back?
In a way it wasn’t by choice. At that time we had another musical partner who we had planned to sing it; that relationship fell apart and we just didn’t think we could do it justice in that moment; trying to finish an album. So we set it aside.
You reunited with producer Robbie Crowell for this release. What does Robbie bring to the table that helps define the Strange Plants sound?
Robbie is a world class musician and visionary. There’s a reason he’s the touring keys and sax player for Sturgill Simpson who is absolutely crushing it right now. We love how he sees our music and whether he’s producing or adding tracks he seems to always give us what we want; whether we knew we wanted it or not!
“Lay Your Mind” and now “Ground Falls Away” are both part of a larger collection rolling out this year—was there a connecting theme or sonic vision guiding these releases?
Not particularly. We often lament that ADHD is not a musical genre. I would perhaps say we’ve leaned a bit poppier with those two tracks; but the next release will be a sprawling psychadelic epic…squirrel!
Looking at where Strange Plants are creatively right now, how do you feel the band has evolved since your self-titled debut?
Maybe not enough time to talk evolution; but I’d say we’re getting more and more comfortable with our untethered and impulsive creative style; lanes are for cars.
As more music rolls out throughout the year, what can fans expect from this next chapter of Strange Plants?
A lot of fun tunes. We have so much written and can’t wait to share it. Follow us on all the usual haunts to see whats shaking.