The OaKs
Orlando, Florida collective The OaKs’ polished sound didn’t come so easy. Co-founder of The OaKs, Ryan Costello, sold everything he owned in 2003 and joined a health organization and moved to Afghanistan. There he taught locals new agricultural techniques, but Costello eventually moved back to the US in 2005. Joining up with former partner Matthew Antolik, they released their first LP. But in preparation for their sophomore release, the two frontmen added a few more members to their band, having just released their new album Songs for Waiting.
A dually dark and optimistically dreamy collection of tracks, Songs for Waiting spreads the gamut from blues to soul to pop. They draw comparisons to a more subdued Dave Matthews Band (listen to “Masood”), with their expanded range of instrumentation and intriguing rhythms. “Pike Country” is a lazy-horned, piano-driven rock lament that finds itself following effortlessly after “Old Bones”, a song as upbeat as it is catchy. “War Changes Everything” is a Wurlitzer and electric organ-heavy rock ballad (I suppose), again focusing on intricate rhythms. I’m quite impressed with the stylings of drummer Matthew Antolik and keyboardist Tim Cocking–they really make this record work. So be sure and get a copy of Songs for Waiting.
Listen to “Old Bones” (4.8/5)
Listen to “Pike Country” (4.6/5)
