Strand of Oaks – Two Kids
I’ve been in a rut lately. I’m in one of those moods where I am ok with feeling sorry for myself. I’ve been sleeping late, staying in my pajamas all day, and doing all I can to heighten the sad sack feelings that I’ve been having. I’ve found the perfect way to continue to feel sorry for myself is to listen to the saddest, most heartbreaking music I can find. I don’t listen because I want to relate and feel like someone else out there knows what I’m going through. No. I don’t need to relate to anyone else right now. I listen because I want to continue feeling sad and I want something that will heighten these emotions. And I’ve found exactly what I am looking for with Strand of Oaks.
Stand of Oaks is made up of sole member, Timothy Showalter. He beings pure vocals coupled with an amazing ability to tell quick, poignant stories in each song. His first album, Leave Ruin, is very reminiscent of a Cat Stevens or Donovan. A voice that is quiet but powerful with a sound that is the perfect combination of folk and pop. This can be best illustrated in the track, Two Kids. Here Showalter describes his love of a single mother. He paints a beautiful picture of the challenges he would face and the lengths he would go for his love, set to the slight twang of a banjo. It’s a moving two and a half minute journey that is a great illustration of why I love being sad with Strand of Oaks.
Showalter penned Leave Ruin shortly after a fire completely destroyed his home. The tragic events that inspired the album can be heard in each song. Showalter is a storyteller and the images that he invokes are so raw that it is easy to feel sadness while listening. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that this album is so completely depressing that it will bring you down every time you listen to it; that’s not the case. What I am saying is that if you are feeling down, and, like me, you’re ok with staying there for a bit, put on Leave Ruin. Go ahead and feel bad about yourself for a little while. It’s ok.
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