I’ve really been enjoying Wye Oak’s upcoming album Shriek the past week; the Baltimore-based project previously known as Monarch really hits their stride with this release. Some of the band’s mainstay elements return – such as the nonchalantly soothing vocals and accessible batch of singles – but Wye Oak seem more capable on the electronic end with Shriek. As much is evident on album standout “The Tower”, a phenomenal track where Jenn Wasner’s vocals cohesively navigate the hypnotic production of Andy Stack, who incorporates a heavy key-based ostinato over warbled, distorted strings. Fuzzy bass and creeping string twangs emerge during the track’s mid-point, eventually serving as even more accompaniment for the thunderous key repetition. It all comes full circle during the final 30 seconds, where all these instrumental elements combine for a stunning finale to one of this year’s great tracks.
You can listen to another Shriek highlight, “Glory”, below. Shriek drops on April 29th.
Shades of St. Vincent in the first track
I agree. I also reviewed this artist on my music blog! http://intunewiththeoffbeat.blogspot.com/2014/12/wye-oak-initially-named-monarch-jenn.html