This winter has been kind of a bummer. Where I’m at, we haven’t experienced even one good snow. I really love winter. Not so much being cold all the time, but the feeling that you get while listening to some great winter music. Last year, for me, it was Fleet Foxes. There’s something about waking up to a winter wonderland outside, making coffee, and listening to some great cold weather-inspired albums. Needless to say that around this time, I start looking for music that fills this role. Enter: The Poison Oaks.
I was first introduced to these guys on a Rhodes-laden cover of John Shade’s “Tragedy” a few weeks back. Low key and unassuming, they kind of slowly win you over just by fading into the background. Really, they have nothing to prove. Front lady Laura Cortese is already an accomplished musician in her own right, having contributed to artists such as Band Of Horses, Uncle Earl, and Tao Seeger.
Some music just fits seasonally, and their debut 7” “Pine” is no exception. Based in New England, their sound has that great wide open thing going on that I tend to associate with coastal regions. It plays nicely with the current folk-pop scene that is spreading like wildfire. One can pick up on influences like St. Vincent and Laura Marling floating throughout. The title track “Pine” is one of my new favorite driving songs. In contrast, “London Devil” takes a more ominous tone, but unfolds into an epic operatic anthem of sorts. Pure winter bliss.
We’re waiting expectantly for more tracks, but as of right now, you can stream their full EP direct from their Soundcloud. As an added bonus, you can also download the track “London Devil” below. Alternately, You can catch them live on February 7th in Los Angeles at the Silverlake Lounge.
Connect with The Poison Oaks – Facebook | Twitter | Website | Soundcloud
