I feel doubtful that Tirzah is referring to the recent change of seasons with the naming of her recent album “Colorgrade”. But time-wise it could not have released during a better transitioning into the fading-in autumn. Low-key buzzing electronic-laden pop songs about romance and a constant change are laid down on fragile and sometimes menacingly deep productions. In opposite tho her 2018´s album “Devotion” it’s harder to identify go to key-tracks in here but the layout of the the 10 tracks is more dense and feels more out of the same mould. Loads of imperfection and not finished elements make “Colorgrade” feel even more intimate and out the bedroom than former output.

If you looking for an unagitated but progressive and unconventional song-writer album to pass some time with reflection and thoughtfulness; this might be it!

Key Tracks; Sleeping, Have Mind, Send Me

Written by: Wörn dauerfeuer

It’s safe to say that Timothy Showalter is one of our most beloved rock & folk heroes. Since the 2014 album “Heal” and gems like “Shut In” or “Goshen97” made it easy to love Strand Of Oaks are still unforgettable memories of Indie. A lot of stuff happened in between it feels and from earlier demise and depression he seems to have recovered and was saved by… well i guess love and music. “In Heaven” is already the sevenths full-lengths and kicks off with the epic “Galacticana”. A superlative slow rocking track which was also the first single.

“I believe that ecstasy happens when we all get together
Standing right in front of me feeding off the energy together
Looking for identity freaking out a little bit together
Just like when we were kids all the bad things we did together”

Music always speaks to me the most when it’s about gracefully ageing, and being able to recognise that things have changed but it’s worth to look forward to what’s ahead of us, rather than looking back. A little nostalgia is allowed.

Strand of Oaks always made room for longer guitar solos and repetitive songwriting and slow build-ups to their songs. Showalter is doing what’s needed; taking your time to deliver well build and ripe structures within the songs. Almost wasteful use of heavenly smooth melodies are another trademark of his work. I fervently hope he will never run out of these and that he we will be continuing to be a witness of his incredible journey. Strand of Oaks is a constant source of perseverance for me helped me through harder times often. I feel that “In Heaven” won’t make a difference in being a stable companion through the rest of the year.

Key Tracks; Somewhere in Chicago, Galacticana, Sunbathers

Written by: Wörn dauerfeuer