Wye Oak
Wye Oak - Strangers
Artist: Wye Oak
Hails from: Baltimore, MD
Musical Style: Indie Rock, Americana, Rock
For Fans of: Beach House, Sonic Youth, Cat Power
Why you should check them out:
As long time friends and musical compatriots, guitarist Jenn Wasner and drummer Andy Stack are creating the kind of intensely entangled indie rock that was first great a decade ago. Together, this collaboration has sparked audiences with swaggering live shows and their subtle musical deftness. Their honest sound and nondescript attitudes toward trends fit perfectly on Merge Records’ legendary indie roster.
Background Check:
The debut record from Baltimore’s Wye Oak, If Children, took the two from recording in basements to signing with Merge Records in early 2008. That debut shown with dreamy indie rock spectacles, most notably Wasner’s searing freak out solos and Stack’s copious hat switching, from drums and keys to bass and harmonies.
2009 brings Wye Oak’s second album, The Knot, with promises of a deeper, more methodical imprint. The connection between Wasner and Stack has only strengthened in time, as the songs reflect a more daring and personal tone. If Children was the duo’s proper and politely engaging introduction, with The Knot, things are going to get a bit more complicated, and whole lot more interesting.
Within their quietest moments, Wye Oak demonstrate an unassuming Americana influence, adding yet another element to their already diverse sound. For their latest, the hazy shoegaze fuzz of their earlier material has been stripped in favor of a more vulnerable and demanding presence, but not without those squalls of post rock noise and fervor. While Wye Oak may not appeal to audiences in search of trendy hooks, they excel rather at tying listeners close with their own blend of familiar rock textures.
Where you can find them in Cyberspace:
On Tour:
