Quality Not Quantity: Levy And The Oaks - Feel Freeze

Levy And The Oaks - Slowly In The Water.

Background -   By way of Asbury Park, Levy & The Oaks delivered their 8-song self-titled LP last week for purchase, stream and download here. Delivering a one-two punch of Indie Pop and Grassroots Rock, the collection was written and recorded in their homestate of New Jersey. Today, the record is available on all DSPs.

The four-piece band seamlessly blend clever lyrics, spangled melodies and heady arrangements, while putting a tasteful spin on modern (and not so modern culture). Inspired by Duane's own struggles, the LP is about growing up, finding yourself, and ultimately, personal acceptance.

The debut track off the LP, “Slowly in the Water” set the tone for the album. "In my experience, the best songs are the ones that come organically, explains Okun.“That’s the case with “Slowly in The Water”. The track channels the emotional state of feeling lost, and the journey to self-awareness. "Out Of The Blue" was the motivation behind starting the band and writing the record,"it just comes so naturally to us. As soon as we're in a room together, things just start falling into place. It was time for something new, something fresh. 'Out Of The Blue' is the song that made us realize what the future could hold if we just kept doing what we love to do together", proclaims Lou.

Comprised of Duane Okun (lead singer/rhythm guitar), Lou Panico (bass/backing vocals), Chris Colon (lead guitar/backing vocals) and David O’Neal (drums), members of Levy & The Oaks have played all over the world with acts like Incubus, All American Rejects, Say Anything and many others. Additionally, they performed at CMJ and South by Southwest with a variety of mainstream acts.

“We’ve been in a band with each other since we were 15,” shares Okun.  “My biggest musical influences are these guys. We love to make music, and we’re not concerned about trying to fit in. We never fit in anyway. Website here.

'Slowly In The Water' is a catchy, melodic, laid back rocker. Vocals and harmonies are pristine and the band play with an easy slick manner. The band clearly love their music, and deserve to be heard.

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Feel Freeze - Wet My Tongue.

Background - Danish electro-pop duo going by the name of Feel Freeze are set to break waves in the UK whilst continuing their successful rise back in Denmark. Scandinavian music is a treasure trove for new talent and Feel Freeze are the perfect example of this, following in the footsteps of the likes of The Knife and Lykke Li- there are big things coming for this dreamy pop pair. The duo consisting of Mathias Vinther Liholt and Raymonde Gaunoux have received praise for their memorable live performances, supporting the likes of Thomas Dybdahl and Cymbals Eat Guitars. This included GAFFA raving about the band’s performance, that they deliver “so much musical energy, that they can barely contain it”.

Their latest self produced single, Wet My Tongue, was mixed by Peter Iverson and mastered by Anders Schumann (Medina). The track is very sonically interesting- not only does it have dreamy, electro-pop elements including dry electronic beats of The XX, but the use of an acoustic guitar introduces a folk feel, completely setting it apart from others in its genre. Vocally, we can hear hints of Grouplove, whilst the use of synth gives it a retro feel. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you’ll totally hear the eerie 80’s influence in there.

"Wet My Tongue is a musical journey that takes off in a light acoustic setting, but transforms itself into an eerie melancholic universe with cutting guitars, deep bass-drum and bubbly synthesizers. It takes place in the internet-time where people spend their days looking at pictures of each other on screens. It increases our need for physical contact. A growing desire. A cry for nearness. Wet My Tongue." Explained the band. Wet My Tongue will be released via Swedish label Icons Creating Evil Art. Facebook here.

With flowing vocals and harmonies and a soundtrack that builds beautifully, 'Wet My Tongue' is dreamy and yet quite energised. Feel Freeze put lots into this song, yet its smooth uncluttered and full of hooks.

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