Stray Blue shines with pure beauty on 2-track EP, “Wake Up & Smile”
After two decades of heartfelt creation and exploration, Stray Blue isn’t just holding steady rather they’re surging forward with new creative clarity. The Greek indie trio’s latest release, Wake Up & Smile - Acoustic Version, paired with the instrumental B-side Moody Sky featuring acclaimed cellist Yoed Nir, is a dual offering that feels deeply personal and expansive.
Founded in the city of Chania in Greece, Stray Blue has always been more than just a band. Led by Nick Anastasakis (guitar, vocals, songwriting), and backed by the tasteful synergy of George Athanas (bass, vocals) and George Papazoglou (drums), the trio has carved out a unique space in the Greek indie landscape. Their longevity is impressive, but it’s the sincerity of their sound that continues to define them.
The acoustic version of Wake Up & Smile is more than a stripped-down take. It’s a quiet triumph. From the opening chords, the song radiates warmth after a restless night. Anastasakis’s vocals carry the weight of lived experience, cracked at the edges but glowing with an undeniable strength. There’s also a music video that we’ve attached that you should most definitely check out.
The acoustic arrangement strips away the studio feeling, allowing every element to breathe. The guitar feels intimate while the subtle harmonies and rhythmic support from Athanas and Papazoglou make the track feel full without overwhelming its simplicity. This version of Wake Up & Smile feels almost like a quiet invitation to meet the day with whatever hope you can muster.
On the other hand, Moody Sky is a sonically different track, but very much cut from the same cloth. Featuring the stellar cello work of Yoed Nir, the track is an instrumental gem that elevates Stray Blue’s catalog into even more cinematic territory. Here, the band leans into texture and tone, crafting a soundscape that’s effortlessly beautiful.
It’s a reminder that the band isn’t interested in trends because they’re chasing something more timeless. Their music is made for those in need of meaning, for anyone navigating loss, joy, change, or simply the mystery of everyday life.
There’s something quietly radical about how Stray Blue approaches their art. In an age of rapid consumption and digital disposability, this 7-inch vinyl release feels lovingly intentional. It’s a gesture of care and honestly, a beautiful thing to own!
Stray Blue’s enduring spirit, ever present in their songwriting and now vividly crystallized in these two tracks, is not just alive—it’s blooming. This isn’t a band content with nostalgia or resting on past work. This is a group in full artistic bloom, 20 years in, still reminding us that hope is a choice, beauty is everywhere, and the soul speaks in more ways than one.
As they continue to share new music, now’s the time to follow along! Go ahead and do so, but make sure to listen as well, by clicking those links below.
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