Wye Oak

When the duo of Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack first started their musical journey, it was under the name of Monarch. They put out an album called If Children. But, uh, there were plenty of other bands also unspectacularly named Monarch, even though If Children was an absolutely lovely album. So, in steps a new label and a new name: Wye Oak. Luckily, it’s only the band name that’s changed because this debut is a melodic wonder. For only two people, Wye Oak create a sumptuous musical feast, as perfectly heard on uber-catchy single "Warning.” As soon as Wasner’s guitar, with just a touch of feedback, kicks in, the listener is thrown into a tightly composed, yet emotionally rich, river that hardly allows time to come up for air. Though full of indie rock flourishes, there’s actually a nice shoegazer touch that comes through the guitar work, giving everything a nice dreamy atmosphere. Indeed, the most languid and fulfilling song is "If Children Were Wishes,” where Wasner’s vocals are fabulously fragile. Gorgeous, warm and inspiring, this is music to revel in and keep close as your heart magically swells.