Hard Love

Philadelphia’s Strand of Oaks, rock project of lead man Tim Showalter, return with their eagerly anticipated fourth full-length album, Hard Love.

Showalter‘s latest record sees him confidently blending a wider range of styles, from Psychedelic Rock to Grunge, combining to make a 9 track album that teems with honesty, sincerity and dark optimism.

It does seem that Showalter’s inner-torment and personal experiences have only intensified his need to produce work that is at times Jeff Buckleyesque in its falsetto intimacy, and at others, confidently rocking in a way that would do The Replacements, Coldplay and even The Jesus and Mary Chain proud.

By the time the final, epic 8 minute track ends, Showalter’s raw energy seems almost spent, testament to his need to bear his soul and passion through everything this album achieves; a kaleidoscope of sounds that are as soul bearing as they are fearless and as tormented as they are sincere.

Available on very attractive 12” ‘stone-swirl’ green and white vinyl, this is as much a collector’s piece, as it is an example of essential contemporary rock. Excellent.

Released: February 2017
Cat: DOC117LP
Label: Dead Oceans

Listen

Tracklist

1 Hard Love
2 Radio Kids
3 Everything
4 Salt Brothers
5 On the Hill
6 Cry
7 Quit It
8 Rest of It
9 Taking Acid and Talking to My Brother