CD of The Week

One of Philadelphia’s latest offerings to the world is Strand of Oaks, the project of Tim Showalter. I’m not sure how much awareness there was outside of Philly about Strand Of Oaks prior to this latest release, Heal, but there is certainly a lot now, and for good reason. To be quite honest, I’d never really been that aware of Strand, as it was always known as a folky / Americana act, which is just not my thing. But it seems that it wasn’t necessarily Showalter’s either, as his disappointment with his previous album along with other personal issues, including a life-endangering car accident, led to a cathartic reinvention, drawing from a more rock and pop influenced sound.

Lead single “Goshen ‘97” is a great place to begin if you want to rock out with the unmistakable lead guitar contribution of Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis (sadly the Goshen being reffered to is in Indiana, Showalter’s home town, not Chester County’s East or West Goshen). Synths take over for a bit on the title track and “Same Emotion,” and then you might find yourself making some comparisons to fellow Philadelphians The War On Drugs during “Shut In” and “Woke Up To The Light.” The 8 minute long epic “JM” is another highlight, albeit a slow-burning one.

You have some time to enjoy and absorb the album in full before catching Strand of Oaks live here in Philadelphia, with two shows at Boot & Saddle on September 19th (sold out) and 20th and a show at theArden Concert Gildin Delaware on September 18th.