The Strike

Alt-pop phenoms The Strike are stepping into a bold new era. Led by frontman Chris Crabb, drummer Jay Tibbitts, & keyboardist/guitarist David Maemone, the Los Angeles trio returns with “Famous,” a soaring single that offers the first taste of their forthcoming fourth studio album. Building on the momentum of 2024’s A Dream Through Open Eyes, the track fuses glowing pop polish with acoustic textures and live-band energy—delivering a grounded message about remaining true to oneself while ascending to new artistic peaks. The Strike’s origins trace back to Utah, where Crabb and Tibbitts met in college before relocating to Los Angeles. Their vision fully crystallized with the arrival of Maemone, who was gigging with Jay alongside David Archuleta. Bringing deep production expertise and instrumental versatility, Maemone proved to be the missing puzzle piece. The trio refined their sound in LA and released their debut LP as a unit, The Lost Years, in 2022. The record caught the attention of Nettwerk, who signed the group and released A Dream Through Open Eyes in 2024. Following nationwide touring and a support slot for The Fray, the trio returned to the studio with a renewed focus on raw, collaborative musicianship—intent on proving that live band culture is still thriving. Lyrically, this chapter reflects their growing maturity in their 30s. On “Famous,” Crabb turns inward to explore what truly matters, prioritizing family, integrity, and genuine connection over superficial clout.