Strand of Oaks Ropes in J Mascis for Dead Oceans Debut 'HEAL'

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Apr 3, 2014

Folk rocker Tim Showalter has announced his Strand of Oaks project has a new record around the bend, and it will be the artist's first record for new label home Dead Oceans. Titled HEAL, the record will hit retailers June 24.

A press release explains that the album, which follows 2012's Darker Shores, takes the focus from his previous LP's dark folk sound into "an immersive sound with loud, punching guitar riffs and synth-heavy hooks," this apparently the result of his current live setup.

"I'm inspired by bands that go the distance, to a dangerous place," Showalter said in a statement, adding, "There's an uncertainty to HEAL that makes me nervous and excited at the same time. It's sad, but it sounds like a celebration, like I'm crying and laughing and sticking both middle fingers in the air all at the same time."

Ahead of the album's release, Showalter is showcasing its first high-flying single from the set, "Goshen '97." The crunchy opening cut is about growing up in Goshen, IN, and features guitar solos galore via the assistance of Dinosaur Jr.'s J Mascis. You can hear all of the track's little fury things down below.

HEAL:

1. Goshen '97

2. HEAL

3. Same Emotions

4. Shut In

5. Woke Up To The Light

6. JM

7. Plymouth

8. Mirage Year

9. For Me

10. Wait For Love

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