Wye Oak
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The Wye Oak stood for over 460 years in Wye Mill, Maryland offering shade and protection to those who stood beneath its imposing limbs. The oak became a symbol of Maryland, a small, fiercely independent state with characteristics of Northern stubbornness and just a hint of Southern gentility. Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack chose to name their musical partnership after the symbol of the state whose characteristics they embody.
Jenn and Andy have been playing music together and apart in Baltimore for most of their lives. Andy plays the drums and keyboard and sings while Jenn plays guitar and sings. On stage, they perform with raw energy and sophistication, creating a surprising amount of noise for two people.
'If Children' was recorded in studios, apartments and basements during the fall and winter of 2006. The luxury of unlimited studio time allowed Jenn and Andy to fully unleash their creativity - layering and tweaking to achieve a sound larger than seems possible from two people. The songs are filled with the uncertainty of youth and dreams in a world of political, social and environmental instability. Jenn and Andy search for comfort and consistency and an idea of home they fear is unattainable. The title, 'If Children', is a question (what if?) and also a statement: Wye Oak are if children.
Wye Oak believes if a song is good enough, it will stand on its own regardless of how much noise you put on top of it. Lush guitars, flawless harmonies, and evocative lyrics are amplified by the layers of noise proving the truth of this philosophy. 'If Children' has hints of shoegaze and glimmers of folk, but its resounding characteristic is a refreshingly unique sound from this young band who, like the tree that stood for over 400 years, will continue to grow and change while extolling their Maryland roots.
Wye Oak will be on tour throughout 2008 including a visit to SXSW in March.
