Wye Oak /// Shriek

Having been a band based in America for around 8 years, Wye Oak are relatively new on the European music scene. Shriek is an unusual album in terms of the writing process as the album was written and recorded from two different sides of America.  

Most notable is that they seem to have ventured into more electronic sounds for Shriek as opposed to being primarily acoustic instruments on their previous albums. The intro track is a prime example making the first instrument an 80’s sounding synthesizer / keyboard. The bass and drums are very much the spine of their new album, holding a consistent groove over the synthesizer and guitar melodies. One of the key things Wye Oak have going for them is the vocals of lead singer Jenn Wasner. Her voice carries the music throughout the album. Her vocals are melodic and very subtle sounding and are part of what makes Wye Oak a breath of fresh air, especially when mixed with their new electronic sound, making it a step more original sounding whilst also making the album an easy one to listen to.