Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack make up Wye Oak, a two piece from Baltimore, Maryland. Shreik is their fourth album to date and comes after the well received 2011 album ‘Civillian’. This album is firmly in the dream pop camp, as synths and soporific vocals are evident throughout.

After finishing their tour with Civillian, Jenn and Andy ended up living on other sides of America. They continued to work and swap ideas over the long distances, and this work is the product of those efforts. It marks a change in direction from their earlier work, with the guitar sound reduced and keyboards brought to front of stage.

‘This morning I woke up on the floor, thinking I have never dreamed before’ – Before

Andy Stack  is responsible for the drums and keyboards with Jenn Wasner singing, playing bass and the small amount of guitar on display. The arrangements are simple, with layered synths and drums. Jenn’s vocal is rarely altered, but on ‘Despicable Animal’ it is muffed, only becoming crisp and clear for the chorus towards the end.

‘If I can bring us to water, will you promise to drink deep’ – Despicable Animal.

There are songs where the keyboard is caged, with ‘Paradise’ being a more typical indie guitar song. The one constant is Jenn’s warm and rich vocals that at times are reminiscent of Annie Clark. The album as a whole  is one that reminds you that pop music doesn’t have to be something cheap and nasty, and can be a warm retreat for ears tired from too many difficult sounds. This is an album of rich melodies and smooth production, and is something that anyone could enjoy.  In an alternate universe, this is what pop music sounds like and dominates the charts, instead of the likes of Rihanna and Lady G.

Shriek – Release Date: April 29, 2014

Tracklist
1 . Before
2 . Shriek
3 . The Tower
4 . Glory
5 . Sick Talk
6 . Schools of Eyes
7 . Despicable Animal
8 . Paradise
9 . I Know the Law
10 . Logic of Color

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRQI7Iu8yK4