I Am Oak – Oasem
I finally got around to sifting through my FWBA inbox, and after reading through about 200 emails, I only found 2-3 artists that I was intrigued by. I don’t know whether that speaks more to the current state of music or the accessibility of the internet, or maybe my musical preferences have become narrow. I Am Oak was an artist that really caught me, his music is uncomplicated, unintrusive- which must be what I’m in the mood for. Too many elements to battle these days, y’know? The winter is reason enough for some gentler tunes.
Oasem is the band’s second record after extensive touring, it won album of the year in the Netherlands. As the bandcamp explains, “‘Oasem’ (pronounced like ‘awesome’) is a word in Dutch dialect for ‘breath’. On this album Thijs is cautiously exploring his place in the world by asking questions regarding our relationship to the elements and ancient nature.” It’s got this melancholy vibe, a little like That Ghost, Bombay Bicycle Club and James Blake- that lazy croon that requires little force, it’s just easy listening. Check it out here.