[ALBUM REVIEW] SENNA - 'STRANGER TO LOVE'
Image: Sandro Rybak @sandroryry (Instagram)
Author: Mal Keecher
Senna is comprised of Simon Masdjedi (vocals), Tobias Stulz (guitar/vocals), Marcel Dürr (guitar), Fabian Cattarius (bass), and Leon Dorn (drums). Pertinently described as 'edgy hard-rock meets progressive post-hardcore styling’-https://sharptonerecords.co/collections/senna.
German band Senna unveil their ambitious debut album titled Stranger To Love, released 23 May 2025 via Sharptone Records. This LP has a refreshingly dynamic sound, creatively crafted by this Mannheim group.
These eleven tracks sound like they are borne from subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall– the typical hallmarks of a January winter in Germany. While Australia sweltered through an extended summer this year, the lads from Senna were likely busy creating songs that are intricate and heartfelt, with lyrics that emote universally human experiences.
'Senna' is Arabic for brightness, shine or glow. And after listening to Stranger to Love, it feels like on the whole they represent a rainbow after rainfall, light shining through the dark and hope through adversity. Senna takes the listener on a journey and highlight universal experiences most of us face within our lives, while being immediately personal, they seep into our collective experiences and sometimes they are seized upon and cathartically encapsulated via releases such as Stranger To Love.
A quick perusal of socials shows that Senna are already creating a buzz online with the release of their singles from this album, ‘Dial Drunk Anthem' and 'High Note', with the former being a personal favourite.
The record opens with a torrent of sounds that pour down on the senses while exuding a kind of fond nostalgia for a band that I have only just discovered. They sound both new and nostalgic, heavy and soft, with upbeat riffs that both thrill and soothe.
To describe 'Hurricane' as emotive would be an understatement. This is another high quality track well worth a listen, with lyrics like:
"Sing me a lullaby...surrender to the night."
‘Rain' is groove-laden, on the lighter side of post-hardcore with moments of electro-grooves and technical progressive prowess.
"our breathing synchronised...
I never feel the rain when I'm with you"
The lyrics that encapsulate the overall feeling of this track and bring it to a close:
I'm feeling so alive…"
Every aspect of this record feels infectious and proficient, from the writing to the riffs, it engages and enthuses and will reach a wider audience with its wonderfully dynamic sound.
‘Blackout’ has its heavier moments coupled with copious amounts of luminous and impressive clean vocals and deserves a second or third listen to capture and appreciate it, much like the entire record:
"What made me feel this way...
I keep on hearing you say, it's all gonna be okay
Beat up my monsters til they blackout..."
'High Note' is Senna's latest single and another of my personal favourites, it can surely propel anyone into a catharsis with a rawness of emotion that runs throughout:
"I've been through a hell of a lot...
Gotta keep my head up..."
Personally, I hope to see Senna play Australian stages some time soon, they have such a refreshing and exciting sound that will undoubtedly translate well for Aussie audiences.
'Bodyguard' is well-placed at the middle of the record, an impasssioned, rhythmic riff-heavy track with its standout vocal:
"I need a bodyguard!"
'Drunk Dial Anthem' is brilliantly uplifting and brimming with a magnitude that rivals any recent single I have listened to. As the title suggests, this is an anthemic song, and it's instantly likeable and recognisable as uniquely Senna-sounding. You can hear the passion emoted with lyrics like:
"Tell me it's fine, tell me, you're right
I'll believe every single word that you say
I let my guard down, but my heart out..."
'Potential' is more progressive, with its pop rock catchy vibes, albeit without threatening the throne of tracks like 'Dial Drunk Anthem'.
'Breeze' delights the ears with melodic rock and wafts into the soaring sounds of 'Cliffhanger' which gives the record a fullness and logical progression.
'NS:LC' picks up the pace with visceral vocals at the latter half of the track, something more akin to post-hardcore or metalcore sounds.
The record ends with the grandeur of 'Polarised' (feat. Our Mirage). It’s lyrically heavy and highly charged and emotive. Senna really poured their hearts out on this one, a solid song filled with passionate lyrics:
"Four thousand times I've fallen, no matter what I do
Knocking at this door while I'm invisible to you
Like a particle of light in the corner of your eye
Just out of sight..."
The verdict: highly recommended, 4.5/5 stars.
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