Arlington Arts Centre

True Strays return with their sophomore album Never Ending Sunset — a bold, heart-on-sleeve fusion of alt-Americana, blues rock, and neo-psychedelia. Raw, anthemic, and unapologetically honest, the Bristol-based duo deliver a sound that feels both retro and cinematic, with towering choruses, thunderous riffs, and harmonies built on decades of friendship. 

Formed by lifelong friends James Cameron and Joseph James — a roofer and primary school teacher by day — True Strays have been making noise across the UK and Europe with their soul-drenched live shows and a DIY ethos that fuels everything they do. Their new album, self-produced over six intense months in Bristol, saw the pair demo over 20 songs and record 14, distilling their essence into a record that’s deeply personal and sonically fearless. Inspired by artists like Stephen Wilson Jr., Never Ending Sunset doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. 

From Joe’s reflection on his mother’s childhood grief in “Shine A Light”, to James’ moving tribute to his father’s brush with death in “Father of Mine”, the album explores the fragility and resilience of life with unflinching honesty. 

“We wanted to stop hiding the heart of the band,” the duo explains. “This album is a celebration of the strength of the human spirit — and the scars that shape us.” True Strays have shared stages with genre heavyweights including Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and performed on the Joe Bonamassa ‘Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea’ Mediterranean Cruise. They’ve built a loyal grassroots following, toured across Europe and Scandinavia, and survived over 100 festival sets including Glastonbury, The Long Road, Black Deer, Boomtown, Green Man, Shambala, and more. 

Their music has landed on Spotify’s Nu-Blue and Modern Blues Rock playlists and been featured by BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 4, Planet Rock, and Bob Harris’ Under the Apple Tree Sessions. Independently driven and community supported, True Strays continue to push forward with grit, gratitude, and a sound that’s bigger than the sum of its parts. Twice nominated as Emerging Act of the Year at the UK Blues Awards, the duo are fast becoming one of the UK’s most exciting alt-roots acts.