Strange Plants Drift Through Wistful, Psychedelic Introspection on “Time Killing”
Continuing upon this year’s previous releases, “Lay Your Mind” and “Ground Falls Away,” Strange Plants share “Time Killing,” a contemplative and expansive psych-rock single that blends atmospheric textures with a sense of quiet, underlying tension. Wistful and immersive, the track leans into themes of existential reflection and the slow passage of time, capturing the feeling of moving through life’s routines while something deeper simmers beneath the surface.
The song’s origin traces back to a period of heavy literary influence.
“At the risk of sounding absurdly pretentious, I was reading a lot of Charles Bukowski at the time,” explains songwriter Matt Brannon. “So it created a sort of temporary supercharged nihilism.”
That perspective shaped the song’s core idea; a meditation on time, purpose, and the subtle weight of existence.
Built around a rich, retro-psychedelic sound palette, “Time Killing” unfolds with layered instrumentation and tonal contrast. Trippy string arrangements intertwine with shimmering lap steel, creating a unique sonic blend that sets the track apart within the band’s catalogue. The result is a sound that feels both expansive and grounded; classic in influence yet exploratory in execution.
The recording process brought together a striking group of collaborators. Loel Campbell (Wintersleep, Billy Talent) contributed drums, while Christine Bougie (Bahamas) added lap steel and Drew Jurecka (Dua Lipa) arranged the song’s sweeping strings. The track was mixed by Chris Shaw and co-produced alongside JUNO Award-winning producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda, further elevating its textured, cinematic feel.
One of the defining moments in the song came through experimentation with its vocal delivery. Originally intended for songwriter Travis Flint, the final vocal emerged from a demo sketch that ultimately became the take heard on the recording.
“We spent a lot of time trying to figure out the delivery on the top line,” Matt notes, highlighting the band’s openness to instinct and evolution in the studio.
Lyrically, “Time Killing” captures a universal sense of stagnation and quiet longing. Its lines reflect the monotony of daily life, while hinting at a deeper awareness of time slipping by; a tension that gives the song its emotional weight.