Head to Vinyl Loop to purchase Wye Oak’s new album Shriek for a great deal that includes a free poster.
On new album Shriek, Baltimore duo Wye Oak have turned the page on their career and started a new chapter. While not a complete departure by any means, the new album sees the band abandon their signature guitar-based sound in favor of a more synth-friendly approach. Although some may see it as a somewhat drastic change the duo consisting of Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack, it seems like a new and exciting progression that allows the band to explore new ideas and territories.
Take the smooth sailing approach of album opener “Before” which does its job in setting the tone for Shriek as a whole. It has an elegant feel to it as if you’re floating along a dreamy landscape. Same goes for the title track which calls to mind a lighter take on fellow Baltimore duo Beach House. On tracks like this, it allows Wasner’s vocals to shine like never before. As a fan of the bass (the underrated element of a rock band) there was a lot of great basslines for me to dive into, such as on first single “The Tower.” Chilly synths lead the way for a pause-start rhythm that propel Wasner’s vocals in a day-dream fashion that are glazed with all the right feelings needed for the upcoming summer months.
In today’s fast-changing music world, it would be easier just to stick with what works. Wye Oak found success but decided to spice things up and change it up so they could keep moving forward as artists. That’s surely commendable. But with the results as rich and enjoyable as they are on Shriek, it makes it all that much more of a success.
Shriek is out right now via Merge. As fans of vinyl, we urge you to head to Vinyl Loop to purchase the album on vinyl, the way it deserves to be heard. It comes with a poster and a download. There are only 13 copies of the album left for this great deal.
Head to Vinyl Loop right now.
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